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President Tinubu Lauds Gov. Eno’s Development Strides, Bipartisan Approach

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his bipartisan approach to governance and his impressive developmental strides since assuming office nearly two years ago. The President gave this commendation during a meeting with Akwa Ibom stakeholders, led by Governor Eno, at the State House in Abuja.

“I must commend Akwa Ibom for this unity of purpose. Governor Umo is a godly man, a performer, and I congratulate him on the great achievements he has recorded. Akwa Ibom is blessed to have him as governor,” President Tinubu stated.

The President urged other leaders across the country to adopt a similar approach, prioritizing unity and development in their respective states. He emphasized that collaboration and inclusivity in governance are essential for addressing Nigeria’s challenges and called on all stakeholders to work together for the greater good of their states and the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Akwa Ibom delegation, Governor Eno expressed gratitude for the President’s support, particularly in facilitating the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as Senate President and appointing prominent Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to key federal positions, including Obong Ekperikpe Ekpo as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

Governor Eno praised President Tinubu for implementing strategic policies aimed at improving the nation’s fortunes and pledged the unwavering support of the Akwa Ibom people for his administration. He presented a progress report highlighting his administration’s achievements, emphasizing efforts toward inclusivity and sustainable development.

The Governor also sought federal support for key projects, particularly the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport, which promises to transform the state’s economy and boost regional and national economic growth. He invited President Tinubu to visit Akwa Ibom in May 2025 to commission the Arise Park and Resort, a flagship project aimed at enhancing the state’s tourism potential. Additionally, he appealed for more federal appointments for Akwa Ibom indigenes and other interventions to further accelerate the state’s development.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also spoke at the meeting, commending President Tinubu’s leadership and applauding Governor Eno for fostering unity and driving significant progress in the state. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving both state and national development goals and pledged his continued support for Governor Eno’s vision for Akwa Ibom.

The meeting was attended by key political, religious, and traditional leaders, including Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, members of the National Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), President General of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, Oku Ibom Ibibio Nteyin Solomon Etuk, other traditional rulers, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State, Apostle Christian Nyong, religious leaders, leaders of sociocultural groups, as well as youth and women leaders.

During the meeting, President Tinubu was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Otuekong Akwa Ibom (Grand Commander of Akwa Ibom) by the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers. The honor, bestowed on behalf of the traditional council by Oku Ibom Ibibio Nteyin Solomon Etuk, recognized President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and contributions to the state’s progress.

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CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BLACK MARKET KIOSK: THE WRITING ON THE WALL

My initial reaction to the news of Christmas Village kiosks being resold for as high as three hundred thousand naira in the black market was anger. I was vexed at such greed and selfishness. The Pastor Umo Eno-led administration has been intentional about subsidizing livelihoods for our people. Initiatives like the Arise Healthcare Insurance, Bulk Purchase and Food Distribution programmes, testify to the Governor’s efforts to reduce the cost of living for the citizenry.

Reducing the cost of kiosks at the Christmas Village from last year's one hundred and fifty thousand naira—despite increased construction and operational costs—was a deliberate move to make them affordable and maximize the profit margin for vendors during the 32 days of Christmas Unplugged 2.0. Yet, some selfish individuals exploited this noble initiative by reselling kiosks with a 300% markup.

However, what baffled me even more was that people were willing to pay such exorbitant prices. I couldn’t help but ask myself: What will they sell? At what rate? How will they recoup such an investment and still make a profit? These questions lingered until yesterday morning, when the answers became clear.

At 6 a.m., the manager of Amazing Pot, my cousin, called urgently. She requested a soft loan to purchase goat heads for the shop. Half-asleep, I initially dismissed her plea, thinking, What’s the emergency in buying goat head for a night business? But her reply caught my attention: “Christmas Village vendors are rushing goat heads; the available ones are for the highest bidders. If I don’t buy now, there won’t be Isi Ewu at Amazing Pot.” Realizing the urgency, I transferred the money.

The Christmas Village, officially opened on December 1, 2024, by the representative of the Governor, and Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, has become a hub of economic activities. Just four days in, vendors are experiencing sales, leading to spikes in demand for goat head. Suddenly, the rationale behind paying three hundred thousand naira for kiosks became evident: the business potential was massive.

The Christmas Village was designed not just as a festive venue but as an economic engine. The rich buffet of cultural displays, entertainment, scenic beauty, and tourism potentials have attracted lots of patrons. Vendors, especially those offering local delicacies, have tapped into this influx of customers, making their kiosks a worthwhile investment.

As an experienced entrepreneur, Pastor Umo Eno has transformed the Ibibio Museum grounds into a profitable marketplace. While the Governor's concerns over the sharp practices of kiosk black marketers are valid, we must also acknowledge the success story unfolding at the Ibom Christmas Village.

This article does not, in any way, rationalize the illegality of kiosks reselling. Instead, it points to the overwhelming demand and the value the Christmas Village has added to the local business community. The writing on the wall is clear: this initiative is not just about celebrating Christmas; it’s about creating opportunities and boosting the economy of Akwa Ibom State.

#TheGoldenEraAndYou
#AriseAgenda
#GovernorUmoEno
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A'IBOM GOVT TO ENACT LAW AGAINST INDESCRIMANTE WASTE DISPOSAL

...launches waste management equipment

Akwa Ibom State Governor has announced plans to issue an Executive Order providing legal backing for the prosecution of anyone caught in the act of indiscriminate waste disposal in the state.

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced this at the official launch of newly-acquired equipment for the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) in Itu LGA.

Unveiling the waste management equipment, the Governor frowned at the practice of indiscriminate waste disposal experienced in some parts of the state, noting that Akwa Ibom people are known for their cleanliness and it must remain so.

He called for concerted effort in ensuring a clean state and charged local government councils to align with the Agency in the discharge of their duties, saying that awards will be given to the cleanest LGA by May 29, 2025.

Speaking on the 2024 Christmas unplugged, the Governor observed that intelligence report has indicted people involved in illegal sale of kiosks at prices above the N100,000 pegged by the state government at the soon -to -be-opened Christmas village, and warned those involved in the sharp practices to refrain from it as law enforcement agents have been alerted on their mission.

"I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought some shops at the Christmas village and are now re-selling for as much as N300,000.

“If anybody tells you to pay N300,000, please report the person immediately.
Anybody who sells a shop to you, just take the shop, pay the person N100,000, if he asks you for any balance tell them to meet Umo Eno.”

Governor Eno announced the prohibition of masquerades and other weird displays at the Christmas village, directing the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh to enforce the order.

He assured the people of uninterrupted job execution at various project sites and urged the youths to embrace the trend by availing themselves of various jobs that will be executed during and after the festivities season.

Earlier, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Ikim commended the vision of the governor in maintaining a clean state through the purchase of the equipment, and pledged his commitment to driving the vision of the Governorto fruition.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Mr. Ubong Nkut thanked the Governor for bringing development to the area and mentioned the flag off of the Nnung Ukot Itam - Ikot Ekwere Road projects as testaments to his promise kept in the area, assuring the Governor of the support of the people beyond his first tenure.

The National Coordinator, Clean Up Nigeria Limited, Mr Ene Baba-Owo, commended the vision of the Governor in maintaining a clean environment and urged the agency not to relent in driving the vision of the Governor.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Mrs Ikwo Abia, appreciated the Governor for the lofty programmes of his administration especially as it concerns the environment.

The new equipment purchased included: 5 units of waste compacting trucks, 4 units of waste swing arm trucks, 1 unit of pull-up waste truck with crane mechanism, 50 units 6,000 litres dumpsters and 6 units of 12, 000 litres dumpsters.