Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has restated his commitment to promoting unity, inclusivity, and economic growth for all residents, including non-indigenes who contribute to the state’s development. Speaking at the Igbo Unity Day Celebration held at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Governor said his administration will continue to create opportunities that strengthen peaceful coexistence and support entrepreneurship across diverse communities. This approach aligns with the state’s focus on economic stability, social development, and investment-friendly policies that attract business growth and support digital economy expansion.
While addressing members of the socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Governor Eno emphasized that many non-indigenes, including Ndi Igbo, Arewa, Yoruba, and Niger Delta residents, were born in Akwa Ibom and have built successful businesses in the state. He said they deserve to be treated as full stakeholders in the state’s progress. The Governor announced that his administration has earmarked N800 million for the empowerment of non-indigenous communities, a move aimed at boosting small businesses, increasing financial inclusion, and supporting economic empowerment initiatives that align with high-demand sectors like technology, commerce, and youth entrepreneurship.
He applauded the leadership of the Igbo community for promoting unity among their members and for aligning with the peace-focused agenda of his administration. According to the Governor, peace and unity remain crucial for achieving sustainable development and attracting investors who rely on stable environments, strong governance, and secure business landscapes.
The Governor, who was born in Enugu State, also praised the Igbo people for their entrepreneurial strength. He said: “Let me congratulate and celebrate the Igbo community in the State for your great spirit of enterprise and faith in our collective democracy. The Igbo people here are part of our social fabric; they have added value to our community through their remarkable spirit of industry and brotherhood.”
He added that Akwa Ibom is becoming a melting pot where different cultures live together peacefully. He explained that the state’s success in fostering unity results from the government’s intentional pursuit of peace, security, and hospitality, qualities that now define Akwa Ibom at the national level. These qualities also support sectors tied to economic development, investment opportunities, small business support, and community empowerment.
Governor Eno expressed gratitude to Ohaneze Ndi Igbo for honoring him as their grand patron and for declaring their unanimous support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and himself in 2027. He promised continued partnership with the Igbo community and other non-indigenous groups, provided they maintain peace, obey the law, and avoid criminal activity.
Earlier in the event, the President of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, praised Governor Eno for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership. He said the Governor’s peaceful nature has influenced their community positively, helping them experience a unity that had been missing for many years. Chidiadi thanked the Governor for appointing their members into government positions, noting that such inclusion had never happened since the state was created. He confirmed that the Igbo community remains united in support of the Governor’s re-election, as well as that of President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio.
The highlight of the celebration was the conferment of Grand Patron of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo on Governor Eno in recognition of his inclusive governance and support for the community. The event was attended by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, political leaders, industry captains, and other dignitaries.
