Christian youths in Akwa Ibom State have formally endorsed Governor Umo Bassey Eno for a second term in office, citing his administration’s investments in youth development, human capital, education, infrastructure and social interventions.
The endorsement took place on Thursday, 27 August 2026, during a Thanksgiving, Prayer and Endorsement Service held in Ibom Hall.
The event brought together Christian leaders, youth organisations, government officials, political stakeholders and members of the Body of Christ to give thanks for the state’s progress and to affirm support for continuity beyond 2027.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Governor Umo Eno thanked the Christian community for the endorsement, prayers and support.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth development, stressing that young people must be prepared today to assume leadership responsibilities tomorrow.
The Governor said his administration had deliberately created opportunities for youths through human capital development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, empowerment programmes and participation in governance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, aviation, tourism, sports, infrastructure and other sectors of the economy.Governor Eno also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending their contributions to national development and expressing support for initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s growth and renewal.
He urged the Christian community and young people to remain actively involved in governance, noting that meaningful development requires responsible leadership, participation, unity and prayer.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Youth Matters, Apostle S. B. Inyang, said the gathering was convened to give thanks to God, pray for the state and reflect on its future.
He noted that the establishment of the Christian Youth structure under the Eno administration demonstrated the Governor’s confidence in young people and their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom.
He said Christian youths had closely monitored the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, particularly in roads and infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development and youth empowerment. According to him, more than 84 major projects are currently ongoing across the state, with 39 scheduled for commissioning in September as Akwa Ibom marks its 39th anniversary.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, described the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development as clear evidence of Governor Eno’s commitment to preparing young people for leadership, self-reliance and economic independence.
He highlighted several youth-focused interventions, including the appointment of 41 youths as Special Assistants, advisers across the 369 wards, and Ward Personal Assistants, many of whom are young people.He disclosed that approximately 1,700 youths across the three senatorial districts are being trained through youth-focused accelerator programmes, with financial support provided to enable beneficiaries to establish or expand small businesses.
Meanwhile, the formal endorsement of Governor Umo Eno for a second term was the highlight of the event as the Certificate of Endorsement, accompanied by signatures from church and youth leaders across the state, was subsequently presented.
