Christian youths in Akwa Ibom State have formally endorsed Governor Umo Bassey Eno for a second term in office, citing his administration’s investments in youth development, human capital, education, infrastructure and social interventions.
The endorsement took place on Thursday , during a Thanksgiving, Prayer and Endorsement Service organised by the Akwa Ibom Christian Youth at Ibom Hall, IBB Avenue, Uyo.
The event brought together Christian leaders, youth organisations, government officials, political stakeholders and members of the Body of Christ to give thanks for the state’s progress and to affirm support for continuity beyond 2027.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Governor Umo Eno thanked the Christian community for the endorsement, prayers and support.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth development, stressing that young people must be prepared today to assume leadership responsibilities tomorrow.
The Governor said his administration had deliberately created opportunities for youths through human capital development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, empowerment programmes and participation in governance.
He reaffirmed his commitment to education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, aviation, tourism, sports, infrastructure and other sectors of the economy.
The administration, he said, would continue to pursue programmes that promote progress, development and shared prosperity, ensuring that the impact of government reaches citizens across socio-economic groups and communities.
Governor Eno also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, commending their contributions to national development and expressing support for initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s growth and renewal.
He urged the Christian community and young people to remain actively involved in governance, noting that meaningful development requires responsible leadership, participation, unity and prayer.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Youth Matters, Apostle Barr. S. B. Inyang, Esq., said the gathering was convened to give thanks to God, pray for the state and reflect on its future.
He noted that the establishment of the Christian Youth structure under the Eno administration demonstrated the Governor’s confidence in young people and their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom.
Apostle Inyang outlined the group’s activities, which include leadership engagements and retreats, the #PrayForPstUmoEno campaign, statewide prayer outreaches, the Monthly Prayer Summit and voters’ sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting responsible citizenship.
He said Christian youths had closely monitored the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, particularly in roads and infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development and youth empowerment. According to him, more than 84 major projects are currently ongoing across the state, with 39 scheduled for commissioning in September as Akwa Ibom marks its 39th anniversary.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, described the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development as clear evidence of Governor Eno’s commitment to preparing young people for leadership, self-reliance and economic independence.
He highlighted several youth-focused interventions, including the appointment of 41 youths as Special Assistants, advisers across the 369 wards, and Ward Personal Assistants, many of whom are young people.
Dr. Ekanem also cited the establishment of Youth Development Centres and various skills-acquisition and empowerment programmes designed to equip young people with relevant skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
He disclosed that approximately 1,700 youths across the three senatorial districts are being trained through youth-focused accelerator programmes, with financial support provided to enable beneficiaries to establish or expand small businesses.
More than ₦1.3 billion has been approved for tertiary institution bursaries, of which over ₦600 million has already been distributed.
The administration’s interventions for vulnerable citizens were also noted, including support for the elderly, the sick and the disadvantaged, as well as housing initiatives aimed at providing 500 residential units.
The formal endorsement of Governor Umo Eno for a second term was the highlight of the event.
Engineer Otobong Ite, an elder of the Apostolic Church Nigeria and Christian Youth coordinator, moved the motion for the Governor’s continuity in office from 2027. Pastor Inibehe Akpabio of the Presbyterian Church seconded the motion. Christian youths voted overwhelmingly in favour, responding with a resounding affirmation.
A Certificate of Endorsement, accompanied by signatures from church and youth leaders across the state, was subsequently presented in support of the Governor’s second-term bid.
Organisers emphasised that the endorsement was not merely ceremonial, insisting that Christian youths possess the numbers, votes and commitment to back their position.
The event concluded with prayers for Governor Umo Eno, the Christian community, the youth of Akwa Ibom, President Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a united voice, the Christian youths declared their support for the continuation of the Eno administration into a second term beginning in 2027, describing the endorsement as a vote of confidence in the administration’s performance and its youth-focused policies.
