Gambian President Barrow, Gov Eno Honoured In Banjul

President of the The Gambia, Adama Barrow, and the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, were among African leaders honoured at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards held in Banjul, The Gambian capital, in recognition of their contributions to governance, security and sustainable development.

Governor Eno, who was represented at the event last Thursday by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, received the African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award.

In his keynote address, the governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s efforts in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He called for greater regional and continental cooperation to tackle emerging security challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity across Africa.

Eno stressed that security, inclusive leadership and people-centred governance remain essential pillars of sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, before African leaders, diplomats, defence chiefs, security experts, policymakers and development partners, Pastor Eno said the true measure of governance lies in its ability to improve the lives and welfare of citizens.

He dedicated the award to the people of Akwa Ibom State, describing it as recognition of the collective commitment of government, security agencies and citizens towards building a peaceful, secure and prosperous society. “Governance must go beyond political leadership to improving the material conditions of the people. Meaningful development can only thrive where lives and property are protected, and the rule of law is upheld,” he said.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, Governor Eno noted that they were not peculiar to the country and could be overcome through collaboration, innovation and sustained commitment among nations. He stressed that transnational threats require shared intelligence, coordinated responses and deeper partnerships among governments, security institutions and communities across Africa.

The governor said Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations due to its large market, youthful, technology-driven population, abundant natural resources, and democratic stability.

Using the global platform to showcase the achievements of his administration under the ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno highlighted interventions in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, aviation and social welfare.

He disclosed that his administration had constructed over 1,346 kilometres of roads and bridges, established the Ibom Model Farm, launched the Tree Crop Revolution, commissioned the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, enrolled more than 300,000 residents into the State Health Insurance Scheme and commenced construction of over 455 solar-powered Compassionate Homes for vulnerable citizens.

The governor also highlighted strategic projects aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading investment and tourism destination, including the ARISE Palm Resort, the International Convention Centre, the remodelling of Ibom International Hotel, the expansion of Ibom Air’s regional operations, and ongoing efforts towards the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport. “From land through our extensive road network, to air through Ibom Air, and to sea through the Ibom Deep Seaport, Akwa Ibom is ready to partner with the world,” he declared.

On security, Governor Eno said his administration had strengthened internal security by creating a dedicated Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired military officer, while deepening collaboration with conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering, technology deployment, and community participation.

He identified the establishment of the Ibom Community Watch, the integration of 2,272 gazetted Village Youth Presidents into the state security architecture and the construction of a modern Security Command and Control Centre as key initiatives that have reinforced Akwa Ibom’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest and most peaceful states.

The governor emphasised that security is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to provide credible and timely information to security agencies. He also reiterated his support for establishing State Police to strengthen grassroots policing and improve responses to emerging security challenges.

The International Coordinator of Security Watch Africa, Patrick Agbambu, commended Governor Eno for demonstrating a conscientious and people-driven leadership style, noting that his commitment to citizen-focused governance informed the decision to honour him with the African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award.

Agbambu said the conference was organised to harness diverse thoughts, expertise and ideas from across the continent to develop practical solutions to improve security and strengthen cooperation among African nations.

Other award recipients at the event included Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; the Gambian Police Force; the Nigeria Police Force; the South African Defence Force; the Kenya Navy; the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare; and the Chief Security Officer to Governor Umo Eno, CSP Besta Sini.

Governor Eno commended Security Watch Africa for sustaining continental dialogue on security issues and praised the Government and people of The Gambia for their hospitality and commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for economic development. The Governor’s delegation included the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, among other government officials and representatives.

He invited investors from Africa and beyond to explore opportunities in Akwa Ibom, assuring them of a secure operating environment, modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and a government committed to building enduring partnerships for sustainable development.

The 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards brought together political leaders, defence and security chiefs, diplomats, policymakers and development experts from across Africa to examine innovative strategies for strengthening governance, security and sustainable development on the continent.