Monday May 12, 2025 |
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has been conferred with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize (LAAP).
The Governor, who received the Prize through the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi in a colourful ceremony held May 10, 2025, at the Dome of the Manhyia Palace, Kumasi, Ghana, was recognised for his impactful leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence in public service.
The organisers commended the Governor for his “special commitment to agriculture, rural development, and social welfare for the people of Akwa Ibom State”, acknowledging his drive towards enhancing the livelihoods of the teeming rural dwellers in the State.
They described the award as “a testament to our collective appreciation and a reminder that the similitude of positive influence is like that of a bright glowing lamp in the depths of darkness.”
Speaking with newsmen after receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, Senator Eyakenyi expressed profound gratitude to the Millennium Excellence Foundation for recognizing Pastor Umo Eno’s hard work and people -centred leadership, saying “this honour is not just for our leader, the Governor, but for the people of Akwa Ibom State who elected us and have continued to support our administration.
“It is a motivation to do even more in the service of humanity and to deepen our commitment to inclusive governance in Akwa Ibom State” She stated.
She said the Governor’s commitment to inclusive development was irreversible as he keeps working to transform rural communities and other parts of the State.
In his remarks, the Life Patron of Millennium Excellence Foundation and host of the event, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, appreciated the recipients for their hard work and service to Africa, saying it was the reason they were recognized with the awards.
Also speaking, the President of the Foundation, Ambassador Nana Morton Prempeh described the honour as well deserved, saying LAAP was instituted about twenty five years ago for celebrating African leaders whose transformative work inspires progress and hope across the continent.
Other recipients of the award were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and President John Dramani of Ghana.
The Akwa Ibom State delegation also had the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umana; Spouse of the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Elder Onos Obareki and Chairman, Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Hon. Emmanuel Inyang.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, officially handed over the award to Governor Umo Eno during a reception following the Thanksgiving Service hosted by The Apostolic Church, Maboju Assembly, Lagos, in honour of the Governor.