My Hit-Song, ‘Governor Umo Eno Ado Senie’, Fuel-Voucher Inspired, Says Moses Edem 

In this narrative, wave-making crooner recalls how Gov. Umo Eno’s iconic-kindness inspired his Hit-Song which continues to dominate the airwaves. In a brief chat with the editorial director of TheNewsDESK, Moses Edem, tells his story. Excerpts:

TheNewsDESK: News Desk: Good morning, Sir, please tell readers about yourself ?

EDEM: Thank you.
My name is Moses Asukwo Edem, an indigene of Mbak Etoi, In Uyo Local Government of Akwa Ibom State. I am one of the personal assistants to His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, in Ward 6.

TheNewsDESK: Who inspired you, musically ?

EDEM: I have always had it within me, from birth. And whenever there is inspiration, I always follow-through and develop the idea, once it comes. I also sing gospel music and unity songs as well.

TheNewsDESK: What do you do for a living ?

EDEM: I am a community-health practitioner, and soon to get a public-health practice license.

TheNewsDESK: Is it true that you started your musical career when the present Senate President, His Excellency, Dr Godswill Akpabio, was the governor of Akwa Ibom State ?

EDEM: Yes, I was singing during the campaigns by His Excellency, at the time. In fact, I was preparing to release unity songs then, which say, ‘Akwa Ibom edi Ediana ibop obio Nyin’. ‘Dakada yak ibop Akwa Ibom’.

TheNewsDESK: Please, explain this further?

EDEM: My songs were played intermittently on some TV and radio stations, as it was sponsored by the former-Commissioner for Information who has, luckily, been re-appointed into the position of information commissioner. His endorsement and introductions to some of his colleagues amounted to huge-privilege.

TheNewsDESK: Do you mean Rt Hon Aniekan Umanah?

EDEM: Yes, I enjoyed the privilege of the Right Honourable Aniekan Umana’s endorsement. The commissioner not only introduced me, he also recommended the song for continuous-play on the airwaves.

TheNewsDESK: What followed next and where are you, right now, musically?

EDEM: Actually, I believe that when it is time for a man to blossom, he doesn’t require too- much struggle. Although the financial -muscle wasn’t strong enough to promote my music. I didn’t give-up.

TheNewsDESK: From your narrative, one can confidently say that you derived immense-benefit from past and present leaders of the state.

EDEM: Yes, I can say it again and again that I’m now a personal assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom and my Recommendation was made by my boss Rt Hon Anietie Eka. The UCCDA chairman is a great blessing to me.

TheNewsDESK: Your current track video ‘Governor Umo Eno Ado Senie’ is well-received, by your fans. Is it on audio?

EDEM: Yes, we have both visual and audio.

TheNewsDESK: What inspired you to sing this particular track, and when was it released to the general public?

EDEM: Thank you. It was during the first batch of food voucher distribution, which the governor directed us to give to the people in our respective wards. So when I called a particular phone number from the device that we used and informed one madam that our Governor has sent food items to her. And the woman replied, ‘whichever Governor’? I said Governor Umo Eno. Then replief by the woman “mbok umakid Umo Eno kom nno”. After this her replied, “The rest of the women, when I called their names, they will say. Oh “se naha Governor aditoyo mien”. ‘Umo Eno Ado senie’. As a composer, I began to put one and one together to get two. I started composing it so that I could deliver the message to His Excellency as sent by the people.

TheNewsDESK: Have you met His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D., one-on-one, before today?

EDEM: Not yet, but anticipating that at any moment.

TheNewsDESK: From the video of your music, I spotted some known-faces, collaborating with you, some of them are Governor Umo Eno’s aides. Have you officially presented this well-recorded video to His Excellency through them?

EDEM: Not yet, but I’m expecting that any time from now.

TheNewsDESK: Furthermore, has this particular track on Governor Umo Eno been played at any official-function attended by His Excellency?

EDEM: I am not quite sure, Sir. I have been performing at functions but it has not yet been presented to the Governor.

TheNewsDESK: Be frank, has His Excellency Governor Umo Eno appreciated you on this?

EDEM: Not yet because His Excellency hasn’t met with me before, and I have never played the music in His Excellency’s presence yet.

TheNewsDESK: Personally, how can you describe the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno to Akwa Ibom people?

EDEM: Wow, this one is very interesting, our Governor is an epitome of peace. He’s a business pathfinder, and he has done well in that aspect of entrepreneurial empowerment. And in Infrastructural maintenance, he’s scored first, and I mean it. You can confirm while being close to the model healthcare facilities that he built in our state. I know he’s not the kind of person who loves boosting his performance. But Akwa Ibomites are his mouthpiece. In short, all the projects executed by His Excellency are of high-quality and standardised like smart primary schools, recreational centres, and road infrastructure.

TheNewsDESK: What is your advice to Akwa Ibom people in particular and Nigerians in general?

EDEM: My advice is that anybody who wants to attain any leadership position, irrespective of tribe, religion, or even political affiliation, should always study the government of His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

TheNewsDESK: What are your plans concerning your musical career?

EDEM: Music everywhere needs promotion because without this, the products (music) would not be known to the media and the people today. Neither attract proper patronage. I have many gospel songs both online, but they are yet to be heard and promoted.

TheNewsDESK: And lastly, do you have a producer and also a promoter of your music?

EDEM: Yes, the Begest D records is my producer. But a few media promote my songs on social media, like Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram. Just check ‘Governor Umo Eno Ado Senie’ by Moses Edem. You can view and listen to the song.

TheNewsDESK: Thank you for your time while wishing you success in your future endeavours.

EDEM: You are welcome as I am thankful and grateful, Sir.