FROM CONVICTION TO HONOUR: A JOURNEY OF FAITH, LOYALTY AND GOD’S FAVOUR

FROM CONVICTION TO HONOUR: A JOURNEY OF FAITH, LOYALTY AND GOD’S FAVOUR

By Dr. Olatunde Oseni

Sometimes, the reward for doing what you genuinely believe in does not come immediately. Sometimes, it takes years. But when God decides to honour a person, He does it in His own time and in His own way.

My story began about three and a half years ago, shortly before the 2023 governorship primaries in Akwa Ibom State.

At that time, I made a personal decision to support Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and his ambition to become Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I did not support him because I was expecting a reward. I supported him because I believed in him, his character, his leadership ability and his vision for our dear State.

I believed that he had the capacity to lead Akwa Ibom State in the right direction, and I identified strongly with the vision that would later be driven through the ARISE Agenda.

THE JOURNEY BEGAN WITH MY TOYOTA AVALON

As my personal contribution to that political journey, I branded my Toyota Avalon with campaign materials promoting Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

That vehicle became my own little campaign platform.

With my Hail Umo Bassey Eno (HUBE) branded car, I travelled to different Local Government Areas across Akwa Ibom State, openly campaigning and showing my support for the man I believed could lead our State.

It was not always easy.

There were occasions when I was mocked because of my support for him. There were times when the vehicle was stoned. Some people questioned my decision, while others tried to discourage me from continuing with the campaign.

But I remained committed.

My support was based on conviction, not on what I expected to receive in return.

Eventually, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno won the 2023 governorship election and became the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“WHAT HAS THE GOVERNOR DONE FOR YOU?”

After the election, another phase of the story began.

Some people who knew how strongly I had supported the Governor started asking me:

“After everything you did during the campaign, what has the Governor done for you?”

Some even mocked me because months passed, then years, and there appeared to be no personal reward for my support.

My answer remained simple:

I did not support Pastor Umo Eno because I wanted him to give me anything. I supported him because I believed he was the right man for the job.

I never went to the Governor to demand compensation for my support. I never asked him to buy me a car. I never placed a price on the little contribution I made towards his political journey.

I simply continued with my life and watched with satisfaction as his administration pursued the ARISE Agenda and worked towards the development of Akwa Ibom State.

Three years passed.

And then came a surprise I never expected.

THEN CAME SUNDAY…

Last Sunday, after church service, His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, announced that I should be given a brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross 2025 model SUV.

I was overwhelmed.

Yesterday, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that promise became a reality when the brand-new vehicle was officially handed over to me.

Standing beside that new vehicle brought back so many memories.

I remembered my old Toyota Avalon covered with campaign materials.

I remembered driving around Akwa Ibom State campaigning for a man I believed in.

I remembered the mockery.

I remembered the stones.

I remembered the discouragement.

I remembered those who repeatedly asked, “What has the Governor done for you?”

And now, more than three years later, I can only smile.

Not because I have proved anybody wrong, but because this experience has reminded me of something very important:

Genuine support does not always require an immediate reward, and God’s timing remains the best.

I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS

Perhaps the most touching part of this story for me is that I never asked the Governor for a vehicle.

I never demanded a reward for campaigning for him.

This came as a complete surprise.

That is why, beyond the excitement of receiving a brand-new SUV, I see this moment as an act of favour and remembrance.

Only God could have written this story this way.

To those who mocked me over the years, I hold no bitterness.

Instead, here is a smile. 😊

Life has taught me that you do not have to answer every criticism. Sometimes, you simply remain focused, stay true to your convictions and allow time to tell the story.

THANK YOU, YOUR EXCELLENCY

I sincerely and deeply appreciate our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for this extraordinary gesture of kindness and generosity.

Your Excellency, thank you for remembering me.

Thank you for this beautiful surprise.

Thank you for the honour.

I receive this gift with a deeply grateful heart, and I do not take your kindness for granted.

From the Toyota Avalon that carried the campaign message in 2023 to a brand-new Toyota Corolla Cross in 2026, it has indeed been a remarkable journey.

Today, I am super excited, deeply grateful and humbled.

For me, this is bigger than a new vehicle.

It is a story of conviction.
A story of perseverance.
A story of patience.
A story of remembrance.
And, above all, a testimony of God’s favour.

Indeed, God has visited me.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

Thank you, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

And above all,

TO GOD ALONE BE ALL THE GLORY.

#Gratitude #GodsFavour #UmoEno #ARISEAgenda #AkwaIbomState #JourneyOfFaith #Perseverance #ThankYouYourExcellency