By Enobong Ukpong:
The man who many doubted his capacity for the number one sit in Akwa Ibom State. i.e, his degree of ability to produce a desired effect which would continue to put Akwa Ibom State in the limelight as a destination for many which his predecessors had already started.
Prior to the primaries for the selection of party Candidates, there was so much tension for the sit as many interest resonated. But finally when the former Governor settled with the option of picking pastor Umo Eno to fly the flag, trust me a lot of people felt disappointed in his choice. There were negative assertions against him prior to his emergence.
NOW LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT THE MAN PASTOR UMO ENO
Pastor Umo Eno is a dynamic entrepreneur and a pastor, recognized for his exceptional ability to achieve positive outcomes through the creation of strategic businesses, market identification, and process development. With extensive experience in operations, finance, strategic management, and public relations, he is deeply committed to excellence. His sole aim is to foster unity, corporation among individuals, corporate entities, both private and government institutions to maximize productivity, create wealth, and ensure sustainable growth for the State, national development and human advancement. Pastor Umo Eno currently serves as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
UMO BASSEY ENO’S LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS.
A businessman, pastor, a great manager, Pastor Umo Eno has accumulated vast experience both in private and public sectors. He is a testament to the grace of God, rising from humble beginning in a value-driven family to live a life of service to humanity. Before becoming a prominent figure in Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno honed his skills in the banking and business sectors, consistently delivering excellence and integrity in every role.
He is most notably associated with Royalty Hotels, a leading hospitality and allied services company he founded in 1997. Over the years, Pastor Umo Eno has become a key figure in the hospitality and tourism industry, especially in industrial catering within the oil and gas sector. Known for his strong belief in hard work, integrity, and excellence.
BACKGROUND
Born on April 24, 1964, in Enugu, Pastor Umo Eno hails from Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. His father, Bassey Umo Eno, was a Chief Superintendent of Police, and his mother, Deaconess Eka Bassey Umo Eno, was a merchant.
He attended Local Government Authority Primary School in Lagos and completed his secondary education at St. Francis Secondary School in Eket before finishing at Victory High School in Lagos, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate. Umo Eno is a lifelong learner, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Uyo.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Administration from the same institution.
To enhance his business and management expertise, he has attended numerous courses and seminars, including those held by the International Association of Hospitality Practitioners in Chicago, the Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute, and the Lagos Business School, among others.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Pastor Umo Eno began his career in the private sector, holding various positions, including at Bertola Machine Tools Ltd and Union Bank Plc, where he worked in the Business Advisory and Financial Planning Department. He later joined Norman Investment Ltd, where he distinguished himself by consistently increasing the company’s growth rate.
He founded Royalty Hotels & Recreations Ltd In 1997, which started with just few room as five and has since grown into a conglomerate of hospitality and allied services, employing over 2,500 people, 80% of whom are from Akwa Ibom State.
He joined the public service as Chairman of the Hotels and Tourism Management Board under Governor Victor Attah’s administration in 2004. His accomplishments include conducting the first state-wide hotel inspection and creating the Akwa Ibom Hotels Directory.
Governor Udom Emmanuel appointed him in 2019 as Executive Director of Agricultural Investment in the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, where he played a key role in revitalizing Akwa Palm Limited, establishing Ibom Fadama Microfinance Bank, and initiating several agribusiness projects.
In January 2021, Pastor Umo Eno was appointed Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources. His tenure saw significant achievements, including the development of the Dakkada Luxury Estate and the introduction of the Akwa Ibom State Geographic Information System (AKWAGIS). He also initiated numerous projects in the water sector, improving the quality of life for many in the state.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Pastor Umo Eno is deeply connected to his community. He has been involved in various development projects, including upgrading schools, providing platforms for industrial training, and establishing a cassava off-taking center. He has also awarded scholarships, supported vocational training, and initiated social welfare programs, such as medical interventions and youth empowerment through training and conferences.
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
As an ordained apostle and the leader of All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket, Pastor Umo Eno is dedicated to building a diverse community of Christian believers. He integrates kingdom principles into his business practices and is a prolific author, with titles such as Wealth Creation: God’s Way, Break Forth, and Exercising Your Dominion Mandate. He is also the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Hospitality Connect and The Appetizer magazines.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND LEGACY
Known for his humility, courage, diligence, and strong sense of organization, Pastor Umo Eno is admired for his visionary leadership, financial acumen, and ability to innovate. He is a family man, married to Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno for 33 years, with whom he has six children and several grandchildren.
Pastor Umo Eno has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to community development, leadership, and entrepreneurship, including a National Merit Award for Change and Good Leadership, and the Obong Unwana of Nsit Ubium title, among others.
LEADERSHIP AND VISION
Pastor Umo Eno embodies the qualities of an effective leader, with a deep understanding of human nature and management. His desire to engage and develop the human resources of Akwa Ibom State drives his ambition to serve at a higher level.
Currently he is looking at transforming the State into tourist attraction, by this initiative recently he has awarded contract for the open field at Brooks Street off Barracks road Uyo to be turned into a recreational center with facilities to befit such statues.
His commitment to excellence and his love for his state position him as a leader with the vision and capacity to translate opportunities into benefits for all no wonder his predecessor handpicked him for the job. Pastor Umo Eno seeks to build strong synergies across all sectors, ensuring that Akwa Ibom State reaches its full potential.
A UNIFYING FACTOR
His Excellency the Governor as soon as he was declared the winner did not wait a minute to get his light shone. He embraced all across party lines letting everyone understand the power of unity that together we can move our State to a greater height.
His visit to the Senate president Senator God’s will Akpabio the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State was heralded by so many, the delegation had in attendance so many stake-holders of Akwa Ibom State, this sent a signal to other leaders the need to rally round for unity.
SUPPORT BUBBLE
Upon his assumption as the number one man for the job to steer the vessel of governance to where it should be, there is need for all to support him in piloting the affairs of this State. He needs to succeed as the Governor of our dear State. Since we all belong here, the support of followers which is a faithful support for some cause encompasses all, i.e the support should be total.
We have many areas of focus for the development of Akwa Ibom State, in which if carefully paid attention to, it will not only become a destination but a shining City on the hill and a City that never sleeps.
With the prospect which this State has for development to be positioned at the community of nations there is no doubt that we as a State needs everyone to show support to Governor Umo Eno to succeed in bringing the dividends of democracy to Akwa Ibom State and to continue to put our State on the National and International map.
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