Event
Umo Eno Pays Tribute to Past Leaders at Akwa Ibom’s 38th Anniversary
Governor Umo Eno commends past leaders and citizens for their roles in Akwa Ibom’s progress as the state marks its 38th anniversary
Umo Eno hails past leaders at Akwa Ibom’s 38th anniversary, commending their contributions to the state’s transformation from a once-obscure region into a beacon of development.
Also read: Governor Umo Eno defects to APC after ‘extensive consultations’
Speaking at a special banquet to mark the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, Governor Pastor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to his predecessors, political stakeholders, and citizens for their collective role in advancing the Akwa Ibom project.
“Thirty-eight years down the line, the state has metamorphosed into a destination of choice.
This would not have been possible without the efforts of our past leaders. God has blessed us with progressive-minded leadership,” he said.
The governor highlighted the importance of unity across political divides, noting that blessings and progress can only be achieved where peace thrives.
“Let politics be played with a human face and let us know that after politics, we would all return as Akwa Ibomites,” he added.
Eno celebrated the achievements of Akwa Ibom indigenes making global and national impact, including Mayor Jason Jackson of Islington, UK, and Assistant Commandant General Samuel Okon of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, whom he presented with a new car to support his service.
He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing financial stability to states, emphasising that Akwa Ibom has not borrowed funds under his administration.
“Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for Senator Godswill Akpabio, and for our collective future,” he said.
In his remarks, the state’s pioneer military administrator, Col. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), described Akwa Ibom as “a benchmark of progress and development in Nigeria” and praised successive leaders for upholding the vision of the founding fathers.
Both the APC chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, and PDP chairman, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, lauded the governor for prioritising peace and unity, pledging continued support for his inclusive leadership.
Also read: Governor Umo Eno defects to APC after ‘extensive consultations’
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, commended citizens for embracing peace and sustaining the state’s path of sustainable growth.
Organisers of Real Talk With Kike have unveiled a high-profile lineup of speakers for the programme’s seventh anniversary celebration, which will also commemorate ace broadcaster Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s more than 20-year journey in the Nigerian media industry.
The milestone event will hold on October 10, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, bringing together leaders from government, business, media and culture for conversations on Nigeria’s future.
Leading the keynote sessions are Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Mr Vlassis Liakouris, Group Managing Director of Mandilas Group Limited.
Also confirmed as distinguished speakers are Mr Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, and Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder of Rise Network, while Mrs Bola Adesola, Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Nigeria, will deliver the goodwill message.
The speakers will engage the theme, “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture and Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” exploring how governance, enterprise, innovation and storytelling can shape national development.
According to the organisers, the theme reflects the philosophy that has defined Real Talk With Kike over the past seven years as a platform for meaningful conversations on leadership, society, business, relationships, culture and contemporary issues affecting Nigeria.
For Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati, the celebration marks two significant milestones. Beyond the programme’s seventh anniversary, it also celebrates more than two decades of broadcasting, making the occasion a tribute to longevity, impact and the power of dialogue.
The multidisciplinary speaker lineup mirrors the event’s nation-building focus. Hamzat is expected to share perspectives on public leadership and governance, while Adesina and Liakouris will discuss private-sector leadership, enterprise and innovation. Akerele-Ogunsiji will contribute insights on education, youth development and innovation, with Adesola bringing the perspective of corporate governance and financial-sector leadership.
The October gathering is expected to attract policymakers, business executives, media personalities, creatives and guests who have been part of the Real Talk With Kike journey since its inception, reinforcing its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for thought-provoking conversations.
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