By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 4, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance anchored on equity, inclusiveness, and service to the people, stressing that his government will not be driven by ethnicity, favouritism, or nepotism.
Governor Eno gave the assurance on Sunday, January 4, 2026, during the Uyo Catholic Diocesan New Year Fasting and New Evangelization Outreach Assembly held at the Cardinal Ekandem Seminary Ground, Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo.
The Governor said the welfare and security of Akwa Ibom residents would continue to receive top priority, assuring that more impactful, people-oriented projects would be executed across the state in the new year.
“We will continue to provide adequate security, protection, welfare, and projects that will positively impact the lives of our people. We will leave no local government area behind,” Governor Eno said.
He emphasized that governance under his watch would remain inclusive, fair, with development spread evenly across the state, particularly in rural communities.
“We will not govern on the basis of ethnicity. Our projects will be spread across the landscape of Akwa Ibom State for the benefit of all our people, especially those in rural areas,” he added.
Governor Eno commended the Catholic Church for its consistent spiritual support through prayers, describing the Church as a key partner in the moral, spiritual development of the state.
“The Catholic Church has my deepest respect at all times, not just in words but in actions, through the fellowship we share,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the spiritual leadership and contributions of the Catholic Archbishop of Calabar, Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem, whom he described as a disciplined, faith-driven leader.
“As Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Christian Leaders Forum, Archbishop Joseph Ekuwem was chosen because of his deep faith in God, discipline, and commitment to responsibility,” the Governor noted.
Governor Eno explained that his presence at the celebration was to share fellowship with the Catholic faithful, to wish them and the entire state a prosperous New Year.
He also used the occasion to advise young people to show respect to leaders, noting that while criticism is a vital part of democracy, it should be constructive and solution-driven.
“While it is easy to criticize, criticism must be done with conscience, offering solutions and recognizing that leaders are human. Encouragement helps leaders give their best,” he said.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo, Most Rev. Dr. John Ayah, preaching on the theme “Return to Your Stronghold, O Prisoners of Hope,” taken from Zechariah 9:12, urged Christians to maintain faith in God, expressing confidence that the new year would bring positive turnarounds.
Bishop Ayah commended Governor Eno for finding time to worship with the Church and for his continued support, praising the Governor’s leadership impact, development strides.
“Your good works will campaign for you,” the Bishop said, assuring the Governor of the Church’s prayers ahead of future political engagements, including the 2027 election.
