Governor Umo Eno in Prophecy

Governor Umo Eno in Prophecy

By Clement Warrie

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State

First of all, this writer does not claim to be Joseph, the dreamer, or Nostradamus, the 16th-century French astrologer famous for foretelling the future. For a man such as myself, who isn’t even familiar with dream interpretation or visioning, to have been given a revelation, or, more humbly, a glimpse into the last days of Governor Umo Eno in office, is quite frankly, humbling, surprising, and unexpected.

What may not be a surprise, at least not to anyone familiar with his life’s journey, is the fact that this governor, on any scale, is proof of divine revelation. There can be no debate about this whatsoever!
Many years ago, in the Apostolic Church, Maboju, Lagos, a prophecy emerged that he would someday be a leader of his people. At the time, he could only, like Sarah, laugh at such implausible suggestions.

It would be many years before a similar prophecy found him in Eket – this time, from the mouth of a six-year-old child.

Said the Governor: “When I was pastoring an Apostolic Church in Eket, a six year old prophesied clearly, “You will be a Governor of your state”.

And it came to pass!

Today, one cannot help but conclude that this governor’s life is a catalogue of prophecies, revelations, and bold predictions.

For instance, on Monday, October 17, 2022, Mr Udom Emmanuel, immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State and Governor Umo Eno’s predecessor, told a huge crowd gathered in Uyo for the inauguration of the Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Council that “The man coming after me (Pastor Umo Eno) is hundred times better than me”.

This was no idle prophecy from a man who’s himself been hailed by many for his “superior performance” in office.

Barely two and half years later, that prophecy has proved prescient. Governor Umo Eno’s body of work has earned him more awards and accolades than any of his fellow governor in Nigeria.

Recently, Rt Hon Udo Kieran, a committed unionist and two-term member, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly from Orukanam LGA, said Umo Eno’s reelection “will be one of the easiest gubernatorial elections in the history of Akwa Ibom State.”

If the weakening of the opposition party and the high-profile defection to APC in the state are anything to go by, then that declaration, like others before it, will certainly come pass.

A few days ago, while visiting the Uyo village road – now heavily under construction – I had the most surreal encounter: a zoning-out moment that threw me into a timescape many years forward to 2031. For context, that’s the same year Governor Umo Eno’s two terms as governor will come to an end.

Available data attributes my unusual experience to a divine revelation. A vision. Skeptics would disagree, calling it a temporary brain optimization. But whatever name one gives it, the images of Governor Umo Eno in my 2031 vision-scape that day – which lasted mere moments – were vivid, immersive, and intimately lucid.

The day was 14th May, 2031. Preparation was in top gear for the final ceremonies that would usher in Governor Umo Eno’s successor. As the incoming governor attended to the details of his inauguration with the excitement of a new groom, Governor Umo Eno on the other hand devoted his time to administrative closure and private farewells. He was in high spirits. He had come, seen and conquered.

The handover day, Thursday May 29, 2031, arrived like a feast, drawing politicians, diplomats, and Akwa Ibom’s elite to the prestigious Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Pastor Umo Eno sat with his family, exuding quiet fulfillment as his successor took the oath of office. How times had flown. Eight years before, he had stood on that same spot, Bible in hand, his beloved spouse – now gone to be with the Lord – beside him.

Earlier that morning, Nigeria’s elite editors and columnists paid glowing tribute to his tenure. Prime-time TV channels, and bloggers weren’t left out. One narrative dominated the headlines: the unprecedented transformation of Akwa Ibom State under the outgoing governor. Most national publications that had once bestowed upon him the ‘Governor of the Year’ award raced to outdo each other in a quest to write a befitting farewell eulogy.

Thisday led the pack with the caption: “Eno Exits: The Pastor Who Delivered a Five-Star Development Legacy.” The Nation was emphatic: “Mission Accomplished: 8 Years of Superlative Performance.” Vanguard also wrote: “Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda Delivers a Top-Notch Performance.”

Not to be outdone, Leadership, in a special 12-page pull-out, declared: “The Akwa Ibom Miracle: The Man Who Built Akwa Ibom’s Economy From a Wasteland”

The paper described the Arise Palm Resort in glossy terms. “What was once an erosion-ravaged ravine is now Nigeria’s premier tourism destination, welcoming over 2.1 million visitors in 2030 alone. Arguably, a Mini-Disneyland in Nigeria, the Resort’s artificial lake, floating bars, the golf course and family attractions is a self-sustaining economic orbit that has employed thousands. Minister Festus Keyamo’s 2025 description of it as “mind-blowing” and a perfect complement to the Victor Attah International Airport was prophetic as flights from Europe now land weekly, filled with tourists.

It continues: The Governor’s early grants to thousands of farmers and small businesses especially those domiciled in the rural areas were the seeds for an economy that has blossomed. His vision for a model farm has borne fruits. Visitors to the expansive farm stay in farmstead accommodation, and dine in restaurants serving mainly organic delicacies.

This model pulled in farmers, food processors, wellness retreats and logistics companies. The state’s internally generated revenue from non-oil sources has tripled, with agriculture and agro-tourism as the lead contributors.

The Ibom International Conference Centre abandoned by previous administrations and restarted in 2025, is now the business heartbeat of West Africa. Its 5,000-seat capacity have hosted the African Union’s Trade Summits and the World Energy Council. The attached 222-bed five-star hotel constantly buzzes with international delegates, fulfilling its destiny as a significant economic driver.

The Ibom International Hospital and Medical City is a fitting climax to visionary leadership. Encompassing a 350-bed hospital with a cancer centre, robotics surgery suite, and a dedicated pharmaceutical park, it has made Akwa Ibom the undisputed hub for medical tourism in West Africa.

At this point, my vision shifted to the over 50 hectares of unused land on uyo village road axis. And this was where it got interesting.

The landscape was now a fully functional GRA neighborhood with Entertainment center. The undulating and curvy streets orbiting the tarred double lane of the Village Road were perfectly manicured with greens and its natural ecosystem preserved.

End of vision.

But I suspect, the revelation I had of the Uyo Village Road was served in parts. To be sure, no one can fully grasp the scope of any project Governor Umo Eno embarks on.

Citizens have seen the pattern play out at ARISE PALM RESORT

What begun as a mere land reclamation had transformed into one of Africa’s iconic recreational resorts.

In one of my visits to the site during the early days of construction, I remember asking Chief Faysal Harb , MD Bulletin Construction Company why there was increased haulage of earth far from the flood controlling areas. What was going on?

Always kind and affable, he said “The vision has expanded”, then he shrugged. “The governor is building a recreational center here, complete with 20 units of chalets, sport facilities and a banguet hall. That’s the latest addition besides the golf course and golf house, the artificial lake, floating bar, children playground and 20 units of detached chalets.”

When the MD on Friday, January 15, 2026, mentioned that the Resort was at 90% completion. I remember thinking the 10% delivery deficit may have nothing to do with finishing at the site. I won’t be surprised waking up tomorrow to see a modern, eco-friendly library tucked in-between the Resort’s natural palm trees or a zoo just by the drainage outfall.

Recently, the people of Akwa Ibom were not shocked when Governor Umo Eno upon reopening a rebranded Ibom Plaza at the center of town announced plans to build on that landscape one of Nigeria’s most iconic architectural masterpieces.

“As we move along, we are developing a master plan for this plaza. I can see a flyover and other befitting facilities around here,” The Governor said.

At this rate, his vision is unquestionable. There’s no doubt in his structures, in his precedents, in the way he says something and does it. Posterity is looking on with affection. And as sure as sunrise tomorrow, all the headlines at his exit from power will read positive: A Pastor Who Delivered a Five-Star Development Legacy. A Golden Governor Who Left Golden Footprints.