Friday November 14, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appealed to Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he continues efforts to tackle the country’s economic and social challenges.
The Governor made the call during a courtesy visit by officials of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development. The delegation was led by the organisation’s founder, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, a respected diplomat who previously served as United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs and later as Chief of Staff to the former President of Nigeria, the late Muhammadu Buhari.
Governor Eno acknowledged the difficulties facing the nation but expressed confidence that President Tinubu is working with determination to address them. He said citizens should support the President’s ongoing reforms which, according to him, are already producing early signs of progress across several sectors.
He also thanked Professor Gambari for showing interest in the ARISE Agenda of his administration. The Governor explained that the State has continued to strengthen peace and security while investing in tourism development. He highlighted projects such as the ARISE Palm Resort, the smart airport and various hospitality facilities which are intended to position Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism destination within the Gulf of Guinea.
Governor Eno stressed the importance of human capacity development in achieving these ambitions. He noted that residents must embrace the values of the ARISE Agenda and that effective collaboration between the civil and public service is essential. He directed the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, and the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, to begin work on relevant areas of partnership.
The Governor commended Professor Gambari for his distinguished career. He described him as a man of great accomplishments, from his years as an academic to his service as Nigeria’s Minister for External Affairs, now known as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and later his senior roles within the United Nations.
In his remarks, Professor Gambari expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the hospitality of the State. He praised Governor Eno for the progress made since he assumed office more than two years ago.
Professor Gambari explained that his visit was aimed at introducing the work of the Savannah Centre which focuses on conflict resolution, peace building and social development. He stated that the organisation conducts capacity building programmes for senior management staff and permanent secretaries in federal and state civil services across the country.
Professor Gambari was accompanied by the Executive Director of the organisation, Sani Saulawa Bala, and another senior official, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed.
Present to receive the delegation were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, the Dean of the College of Commissioners, Hon Frank Archibong, and other members of the State Executive Council.
