Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been officially named the Governor of the Year 2025 by the highly respected Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). This prestigious honor highlights Governor Eno’s remarkable leadership, prudent governance, and dedication to sustainable development under his administration’s visionary ARISE Agenda.
The award was presented during a high-profile event marking the public unveiling of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the ARISE Agenda over the past two years. The event took place on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, and was attended by an array of dignitaries, including top government officials, development partners, and policy analysts.
Representing the NGF Director-General, Alhaji Abdullateef Shittu, Prof. Abba Gambo delivered a detailed address in which he lauded Governor Eno’s people-focused leadership style, accountability, and the effective implementation of development initiatives. According to Prof. Gambo, Akwa Ibom’s performance in fiscal responsibility, infrastructure delivery, and transparency outpaces that of many other Nigerian states.
“In a State-by-State comparative analysis of economic management, public service reforms, and project delivery metrics, Akwa Ibom emerged at the top,” Prof. Gambo emphasized before presenting the NGF plaque to the governor amid applause from the audience.
One of the most applauded aspects of Governor Eno’s administration, according to the NGF, is its ability to complete and expand strategic projects in health, education, transport, and rural development without taking on any external loans or bank debts—a notable achievement in Nigeria’s financially strained governance landscape.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Eno expressed deep gratitude to the NGF for the recognition, and dedicated the award to the resilient and hardworking people of Akwa Ibom. He reaffirmed that the success of his administration is built on sound financial discipline, a clear-cut development strategy, and inclusive governance.
“This recognition is both humbling and encouraging,” he stated. “We will continue to use the resources of Akwa Ibom State to work for Akwa Ibom people—building infrastructure, empowering communities, and shaping a more prosperous future for everyone.”
He went on to commend the support of his team, stakeholders, and the citizens of the state for their cooperation and feedback, which have helped steer the administration in the right direction. Governor Eno also used the occasion to unveil upcoming reforms in agriculture, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and housing development under the ARISE Agenda Phase II.
The event also featured comprehensive policy reviews, expert-led presentations, and an open assessment of the state’s development trajectory over the past two years. Various stakeholders were invited to contribute, ensuring the process was both participatory and independently verifiable.
Federal government officials, ministers, economic experts, representatives of civil society, international development agencies, and journalists were present at the gathering, many of whom praised the state for its openness and commitment to subjecting itself to public scrutiny and data-driven evaluations.
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Netizens Reactions…
Joy Akwa said: “And leave Abia state governor that is doing miracles in Abia state. It seems politics still trumps performance in some cases.”
Imabong Udoh said: “Just to collect a portion of our allocation... and present it as a great achievement. What of the suffering masses?”
It’z Prince reacted: “I no understand, what happened to Alex OTI. The man has been all over the place transforming Abia—how is he not being recognized?”
Abel Ibanga Ancientman commented: “His best achievement is by decamping to APC. How many jobs has he created in Akwa Ibom state? The real performance is in employment and local empowerment.”
Prince Invinzible stated: “Governor of the year? And his people full everywhere doing house maid jobs. Something no add up.”
Bassey Nyong wrote: “Like it or not Mr. Alex Otti is the genuine Governor of the Year. Let’s give credit where it is truly due.”
Ogochukwu Onita commented: “Alex Otti is performing better than this man na. We should stop playing politics with merit.”