The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, who was amongst the doctorate graduands at the 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State at the weekend, has assured that President Bola Tinubu has the magic wand to steer the country out of the woods.
According to him, despite the systemic problems over the years, the current administration at the centre has summoned a greater political will to return the economy to growth and socioeconomic prosperity in the near future.
He paid glowing tributes to his late wife, Patience Eno, saying her encouragement and support propelled him through his political journey and subsequent attainment of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) rank in academics.
Addressing the forum, the governor, along with others, was decorated with a PhD in Public Administration by the vice-chancellor (VC), Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, at the 1,000-capacity TetFund Auditorium of the institution’s main campus, Nwaniba, Uyo, the state capital. The governor recalled wanting to quit the programme but being urged on by the late wife.
He said, when he felt like giving up due to work pressure, his wife was always by his side, pushing him to finish the programme.
“I remember when I met her in the hospital a week before she passed on, and she told me, ‘please don’t fail to go and complete your programme, and I will be there with you during your graduation.’
“Today, even though she is not physically here, I can feel her presence through her children who are here.”
He described his success as a testament to perseverance and faith in the unending and unchangeable possibilities that exist if one truly believes.
The governor acknowledged that his life has been one of sheer grace and faith in the immutable plans of God, hence his decision to run a people-centric government as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda.
He said such programmes as the free food voucher scheme, compassionate homes, building of world-class primary health centres, the ARISe Elderly Care Initiative (AECI), dedicated ambulance services, free and compulsory education programmes, grants to students, and other life-changing initiatives stem from his belief in touching the lives of the people.
He commended President Tinubu for his passion and dedication to growing the economy and turning Nigeria into an economic powerhouse in Africa. He also canvassed support for President Tinubu for patience in this gestation period of his economic reforms.
