“Transformational leaders empower others, enabling them to achieve willingly.” –Nick Fewings
Governor Umo Eno’s transformational leadership, is a clear testament to the Akwa Ibom State we had looked forward to. The transfer of baton to him as Governor, has proven that former Governor Udom Emmanuel was intentional about who becomes Governor, and the choice of Gov Umo Eno has left no one in doubt.
Despite the seeming opposition to the hilltop mansion, Pastor Umo Eno’s quest to transform Akwa Ibom to an enviable state has remained undaunted. The newly inaugurated Airbus for Ibom Air, speaks volume to the kind of leadership the state is currently witnessing.
The Governor has promised that Ibom Air will run a 24 hour service, and to give credence to this, he pledged the construction of an aviation village close to the airport, where staff of the airport can easily access the facility to deliver services to the people.
His Excellency paid glowing tributes to past Leaders of the State, Arc Victor Attah, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and Mr Udom Emmanuel, who conceptualized, constructed, and brought Ibom Air to fruition. He further stated that, as a Leader, one must think beyond criticisms and also think far beyond the thoughts of people, just like the people who are criticizing the lofty programmes of his administration, Ibom Air had also suffered same fate, but today, those same persons are flying the airline.
Akwa Ibom have an identity in the global stage today, courtesy of Ibom Air, and this is what every Akwa Ibom person should be proud of. The Akwa Ibom brand speaks for itself, and as Ambassadors of the state, we have to be proud of our dear state, and carry the flagship of the state higher.
Since assumption of office, Governor Umo Eno, just as Nick Fewings posited, has empowered in no mean feat, youths, men, women, aged, and children. The ongoing revitalization of the educational sector, cum construction of model primary schools across the state, is the Governor’s means of empowering the children, because, when a child is empowered with education, he can stand to compete anywhere.
The payment of allowances to the elderly on monthly basis, release of almost N20 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities, has endeared the Governor to even the worst critics of his administration. Nobody remembers to protest anymore for non-payment of gratuities or pension, because the Governor is deliberate about ameliorating the sufferings of the people.
Governor Umo Eno has not hidden his desire to get the youths of Akwa Ibom off the streets, because he once said, that when people are employed, they will not be looking for a political rally to attend on a Monday morning, instead of being at their duty posts.
The payment of grants to the trainees of Ibom leadership and entrepreneurial program and the commitment to pay 5000 youths monthly stipends, are means at which the Governor seeks to transform the people to willingly achieve something through engagements.
As Governor Umo Eno steadily implements the ARISE AGENDA of his administration, the state is proud of his exceptional leadership traits, and we will continue to support him to achieve his set goals, because a win for Akwa Ibom State, is a win for us all.
A REPUTATION FOUNDED ON INTEGRITY, MUST BE NURTURED BY TRUTH.
Eneh John, PhD
A Journalist, writes from Ikot Uso Ekong, Eket.
