RismadarVoice Reporters, April 23, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has asked supporters and well-wishers intending to celebrate his 62nd birthday with gifts to instead redirect such gestures toward humanitarian causes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the governor said he was grateful for the goodwill and prayers from residents of the state as he marked another year of life.
“Tomorrow, April 24, 2026, it has pleased God to make me witness another year,” he said, expressing appreciation for the continued support of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno, however, stated that he would not be receiving personal gifts on the occasion of his birthday. Instead, he encouraged individuals and groups wishing to honour him to support vulnerable members of society.
“To those who may desire or wish to express their love on the occasion of my birthday through gifts, I thank them for their kind thoughts and sentiments, but no personal gifts will be received,” the statement read.
He urged well-wishers to convert such resources into assistance for the poor, widows, orphanages, and others in need, describing it as a more meaningful expression of goodwill.
“Please take pictures and videos of such a show of compassion and send them to me through my Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, or my Chief Photographer, Idara Adiakpan,” he added.
The governor said the gesture reflects his belief that public service should prioritise improving the lives of the less privileged and fostering hope among vulnerable communities.
“The essence of our lives is to impact and touch the lives of the less-privileged and give them a reason to be hopeful,” he said, adding that the birthday period offers another opportunity for acts of compassion.
He prayed for continued progress in the state, expressing optimism about what he described as a “Golden Era” of development for Akwa Ibom.
