Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred leadership with a major highlight on humanitarian programmes that have reached 477,000 households through Phases One and Two of the Free Food Distribution Programme.
The Governor made this known while addressing participants at the Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, held at Obot Akara in the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, where he served as Chief Host.
Pastor Umo Eno praised the Catholic Church for its unmatched dedication to humanitarian service, describing it as the largest non-governmental investor in education, healthcare, and social support across Nigeria.
“We appreciate the Catholic Church for consistently demonstrating what it means to live out faith in action. These interventions reflect our shared mission with the Church – to care for the vulnerable, bring hope to the needy, and ensure no one is left behind,” he stated.
He applauded the host of the conference, the Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Bishop Camilus Umo, for his dedication and excellence in organizing the plenary. The Governor stressed the importance of unity among the Church in Nigeria and in Akwa Ibom State, urging continued collaboration in the pursuit of the common good of humanity.
Highlighting some achievements of his administration, the Governor disclosed that 206 Compassionate Homes have already been built and handed over to widows and vulnerable citizens under the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, out of a target of 500.
He also mentioned the creation of a Ministry of Humanitarian Services and the ARISE Care for the Elderly initiative, which are aimed at reducing the burden on the less privileged.
Pastor Umo Eno assured that his administration will continue to work closely with the Catholic Church and other faith-based organizations to build a compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful society.
The plenary was attended by prominent national figures including the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, chaired the plenary, which also had the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Bishops, and priests from across the country.