Ahead of his 60th birthday coming up on
April 24, 2024, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced that he doesn’t need any newspaper or television wishes, and neither would he accept any birthday gift.
He has Instead encouraged all his friends, who are planning to celebrate with him on this landmark birthday, to forward all the money and gifts meant for him to the underprivileged and vulnerable persons in orphanages and villages; and forward the pictures to him.
The governor said: “The best birthday gift you may give me would be a visit to orphanages and homes of the vulnerable people with food items or any other items that may make their lives more meaningful.
“You should take pictures with them and give them good cheers, and then forward the pictures to me. These pictures would be made into a birthday album and would be better appreciated by me than newspaper advertorials.”
According to Eno, this is his inspired way of appreciating God for His grace and benevolence, and in line with his life-long attachment and identification with the downtrodden.
Conscious of the economic realities of the times, he said no elaborate celebrations would be done to mark the day.
Instead, he said he would use the opportunity of his birthday to inaugurate the multibillion naira 1.3 km underground flood control tunnel, from Atiku Abubakar Avenue to Olusegun Obasanjo Way; the restoration of the surface drains and concrete walk-way, as well as the rehabilitation works on Afaha Ube to Ikot Ekpene Road, which are some of the landmark infrastructural projects he has executed 10 months into his administration. More projects across sectors will be launched in the lead-up to the first anniversary of the administration on May 29, 2024.
“On the same day, there will be a Thanksgiving Service by 4p.m. at the iconic International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, to thank God for all He has done in the life of the governor and indeed Akwa Ibom State.
All Akwa Ibom people and non-indigenes who are available and free from their offices are invited to attend,” the governor said.
