A’Ibom gov marks 62nd birthday, gifts scholarships, jobs, houses to less privileged

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has offered scholarships, automatic employment, houses and other gifts to occupants of different orphanages and charity homes in the state to mark his 62nd birthday.

The governor announced the gesture while speaking at a special birthday celebration held at Divine Children’s Home, Atan Offot, Uyo, on Friday.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, on Saturday, said the governor chose to celebrate his 2026 birthday with the less privileged to renew their hope that background cannot stand as a barrier to their God-designed destinies.

“We are here to encourage them, and to give them hope. For me, this is renewed hope, and we urge them to ARISE with Renewed Hope, for their tomorrow is here, and their tomorrow will be better. They will know that they are not rejected, they are not desolate; we are with them and that gives me a happy birthday,” he said.

He said since assumption of office, he had always dedicated his birthdays to showing compassion to the less privileged, and appreciated those who have reached out to the downtrodden or impacted their communities on his birthday.

“Every time a retired civil servant sends me a text thanking me for receiving gratuity, I feel accomplished. When I see a widow who had lived in a place that could be likened to a rat hole but now a beneficiary of the over 400 compassionate homes that we have built, I feel accomplished. When former political foes sit to break bread, eat and shake hands across divides and our state remains peaceful, I feel very accomplished. That is the love that keeps us going as a state.

“Thank God for the projects, thank God for the roads and the bridges. But for me, the greatest accomplishment is to make us live in peace amongst ourselves, and live together in unity; learn to forgive one another and move on as a state. That is who we are and that is what gives us joy.

“So we continue to ask our people to live together in peace even as the political season sets in. Politics will come and go but Akwa Ibom will remain, and so we should play politics with a human face,” he said.

The governor appreciated the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, and caregivers for their work in the homes.

On the 22 children abandoned by their parents, he said: “No child is born by accident; every child has a purpose and God doesn’t make mistakes. We have taken these children, we will nurture them and we will help them realise their destinies.”

For the 22 caregivers who were volunteers, as well as four others who were fully grown, he directed the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, to give them automatic employment in the civil service.

For another 15 who had completed vocational school, he directed that they be engaged for further training at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, and on completion be given starter packs and shops.

He also directed the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare to provide them proper accommodation outside the homes to enable them begin independent lives.

The governor also approved an automatic overseas postgraduate scholarship for one of the inmates, Abigail Okon Edet, and directed that two other graduates already working with the state civil service be given a house each.

He warned against the proliferation of orphanages in the state, stressing that necessary requirements must be met, and called on well-meaning Akwa Ibomites to continue supporting the less privileged.

Advising the children further, he said: “I came to give you hope, and to say ARISE with Renewed Hope. Your future is guaranteed. God will take care of you. Not having parents should not deny you your destinies.”

Governor Eno appreciated President BolaTinubu and First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, colleague governors and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for their birthday messages, as well as other felicitations from groups and individuals.

In her remarks, Lady Helen Eno Obareki described the governor as a compassionate and selfless leader who prioritises the welfare of the vulnerable, noting that his decision to channel birthday gifts to orphanages reflects a lifestyle of giving over personal gain.

She said the governor’s compassion has translated into tangible impact through deliberate policies that have improved the welfare of orphans and vulnerable citizens while restoring dignity across the state.