Akwa Ibom Marks 38th Anniversary with Call for Unity and Diaspora Partnership

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called on citizens to strengthen unity and peace as the foundation for sustainable development, declaring that political differences must never be allowed to undermine the collective progress of the state.

Speaking at a special banquet in Uyo to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, Governor Eno described the event as both a thanksgiving for past milestones and a projection of greater achievements ahead.

“Where there is no peace and no unity, there can be no blessing and no progress,” he stated, while stressing that the state’s future rests on its people’s shared love for homeland. He also highlighted his administration’s Arise Agenda as a people-driven blueprint for inclusive growth.

The Governor used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting state governments through increased funding and prayed for his continued good health. He further appreciated Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that Akwa Ibom remained united behind both national and state leaders.

Honouring past and present contributors to the state’s growth, Governor Eno also paid tribute to Akwa Ibom indigenes excelling globally, including Jason Jackson, the Akwa Ibom-born Mayor of Islington in the United Kingdom.

Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, described the anniversary as a symbolic reminder of the state’s transformation “from promise to fulfilment,” while federal lawmakers, Hon. Paul Ekpo and Hon. Emmanuel Udo, praised the state’s steady development and urged continued cooperation to attract investment.

The diaspora community also reaffirmed its commitment to Akwa Ibom’s growth. Engineer Mbong Ekiko, President of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (USA), revealed ongoing contributions through scholarships, vocational training, and remittances, adding that preparations were underway to build a skilled workforce for the Ibom Deep Seaport.

Mayor Jason Jackson echoed this sentiment, describing Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad as proud ambassadors of their homeland. Retired Brigadier General Tunde Ogbeha, the state’s first military administrator, also joined dignitaries, lawmakers, past leaders and cultural groups at the event, describing Akwa Ibom as “a benchmark for progress and development in Nigeria.”

The celebration featured choral performances, cultural displays and prayers for continued peace and prosperity in the state.