A’Ibom at 38: Dr. Wisdom Enang Hails Gov Umo Eno’s People-Centered Leadership 

A’Ibom at 38: Dr. Wisdom Enang Hails Gov Umo Eno’s People-Centered Leadership 

…commends magnanimity towards Royal Fathers

…describes newly commissioned 17.3km Ika road network as economic lifeline

By Sampson Enyongekere, Uyo

An Adjunct Professor at the North Dakota University, USA, and a renowned energy consultant, Engr. (Dr.) Wisdom Patrick Enang, has extolled the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his people-centered approach to governance, describing it as transformational and deeply impactful within just two years in office.

Speaking in Uyo on Friday, September 27, during the commemoration of Akwa Ibom’s 38th anniversary, Dr. Enang noted that the State under Pastor Eno has experienced “massive growth, quantum infrastructural optimization, rare rural development, steady agricultural strides, food sufficiency, human capacity enhancement, visionary ICT drive, and world-class tourism initiatives.”

According to him, the Governor’s administration has not only consolidated on the legacies of his predecessors but has also redefined civil governance in a way that justifies the overwhelming mandate entrusted to him by the Akwa Ibom people.

“Sir, your few years on the saddle have redefined civil rule, delivering a quantum leap in virtually all sectors of the economy. This anniversary is not just a celebration of State creation, but of the visionary and God-led leadership you have entrenched,” he declared.

Dr. Enang particularly praised Gov. Eno’s humility and peaceful disposition, noting that his calm but firm style of leadership has engendered harmonious coexistence, fraternal disposition, and the brotherhood needed for development to thrive. He emphasized that unity has been one of the strongest pillars upon which the State’s progress rests.

The Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (FNISafetyE) further emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s trajectory since creation in 1987 has stunned both admirers and critics alike, crediting divine guidance for the progress achieved. He described the journey of the State as one that has “dwarfed the records of older states and left its contemporaries far behind.”

On infrastructural strides, Dr. Enang particularly lauded the recent commissioning of the 17.33km Ikot Esu–Otomo–Azumini Road and other internal roads in Ika LGA, calling them “economic lifelines” that will boost trade, agro-allied ventures, and interstate cooperation between Akwa Ibom and Abia State.

He however urged the people of Ika to maximize the opportunities provided by the new infrastructure, warning that “failure to convert these facilities into fruitful economic ventures would defeat their very essence and make the government’s effort counterproductive.”

The globally respected British-trained Chartered Engineer also applauded Gov. Eno’s directives on the 16km Midim Atan–Ikot Inyang–Ikot Akpan–Ekpenyong–Udo Road, which cuts across Essien Udim, Etim Ekpo, and Ika LGAs, stressing that its completion would be a game-changer for commerce and livelihoods in the axis.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Enang hailed the Governor’s commitment to traditional institutions, particularly the planned upward review of stipends and allowances for royal fathers effective October 1, 2025. He welcomed the provision of official vehicles, healthcare support, and personal assistants for Paramount Rulers as “a mark of deep respect for culture and tradition.”

Congratulating the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, Paramount Ruler of Abak, Dr. Enang charged him to “live above board” and provide unifying leadership. He further implored traditional rulers across the State to preserve the culture, ensure peaceful coexistence, and remain steadfast in supporting government initiatives.

He further called on Akwa Ibomites to eschew partisanship, tribal sentiments, acrimony, and the pull-him-down syndrome, urging them instead to support Governor Eno in fully realizing the ARISE Agenda for the collective good.

“Our forebears who fought for the creation of this State would today be proud that their struggle was not in vain. The Akwa Ibom dream is alive, thriving, and being redefined under Gov. Umo Eno’s people-centered leadership,” Dr. Enang concluded.

In his final address, the revered policy strategist and economic egghead threw his weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Umo Eno in the 2027 Gubernatorial Elections, urging every Akwa Ibom citizen to rally round the governor in order to consolidate on the gains already recorded.

Engr. Wisdom Enang, FNSE

“For Akwa Ibom to sustain this momentum of growth, unity, and visionary leadership, Pastor Umo Eno deserves a renewed mandate. I therefore call on all well-meaning Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of party leanings, to support his re-election come 2027,” Dr. Enang affirmed.