How SWAI’s Spotlight Shone on Governor Umo Eno for Advancing People-centric Governance

For years, the Security Watch Africa Initiatives (SWAI) Network has spotlighted leaders and institutions shaping peace, security, and good governance across the continent. Through its annual Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards, the organisation brings international attention to African leadership that is making measurable impact. This year, amongst other nominees, the spotlight shone on Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for promoting inclusion and advancing people-centred governance. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

The Security Watch Africa Initiatives (SWAI) Network has, over the years, distinguished itself as a premier platform that recognises and showcases African leadership, governance, and innovation. By identifying leaders whose actions advance peace, security, and societal development, SWAI not only celebrates excellence but also sets benchmarks for good governance across the continent.

Its annual Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards convenes high-level dignitaries, policymakers, and thought leaders from across Africa to spotlight transformative leadership that inspires change and promotes stability.

At the forthcoming 19th 2025 Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards, scheduled for May 12–14, 2026 at Story Le Carrousel, Rabat, Morocco, organised in partnership with Stellenbosch University of South Africa and with support from the Kingdom of Morocco, SWAI will continue this tradition of recognising leaders whose governance strengthens security, unity, and social cohesion.

The event will host participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Liberia, Kenya, The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Namibia, and Mozambique, bringing together government officials, security experts, and development stakeholders to deliberate on governance, peace, and sustainable development.

Among the distinguished honourees this year is Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who has been selected to deliver the keynote address and billed for the “African Leader in People-Centric Governance in the Year 2025.”

Why Governor Umo Eno?

Speaking on behalf of the International Awards Panel, Mr. Patrick Agbambu, President/Chief Executive Officer of SWAI, explained the rationale for the honour.

According to him, “Under the enlightened leadership of Your Excellency, Akwa Ibom State has consolidated its position as a pillar of stability, security, and constructive engagement in Nigeria and beyond.

“Your strategic vision has mobilised capacities in the service of sustainable development, social cohesion, and the promotion of peace and security, both at the State and National levels.

“In accordance with our tradition of recognising African leadership that has made tangible contributions to strengthening security and good governance, we would be deeply honoured should Your Excellency graciously consent to deliver the Awards Keynote Address, with a focus on the Impact of People-Centric Governance on Security and Development at the 19th Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards.”

Agbambu further noted that the Board, Executive Committee, and International Awards Panel of Judges unanimously agreed to confer the distinction on Governor Eno. The award recognises African State, Regional, or Provincial Administrators whose leadership contributes in a sustained and exemplary manner to peace, security, and societal development across the continent.

Governor Eno and People-Centric Leadership in Action

Governor Umo Eno’s recognition reflects a governance philosophy anchored on unity, inclusiveness, and cooperation across political and social divides. Since assuming office in May 2023, he has consistently emphasised that governance must prioritise the collective interest of citizens over partisan considerations.

This approach has sent a clear message that Akwa Ibom belongs to all residents regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or social background.

Promoting Inclusive Governance

Central to Governor Eno’s leadership style is ensuring that government policies and programmes benefit the broadest spectrum of society.

He has repeatedly stated during public engagements that his administration serves all citizens of Akwa Ibom State, not only members of his political party. Empowerment programmes, appointments, and development initiatives reflect participation from diverse communities and political affiliations, reinforcing trust in governance as a shared enterprise.

Governor Eno has also maintained cordial relationships with leaders across political divides. Former governors are frequently invited to state functions and project commissioning ceremonies, an approach that promotes continuity in governance and reduces political hostility.

By recognising the contributions of past administrations and encouraging cooperation among political actors, the government fosters a culture of mutual respect and institutional stability.

Engagement with community leaders, youth organisations, and civil society groups has further strengthened social harmony. Since 2023, the state has maintained a relatively peaceful environment, enabling government to focus on development projects and social welfare programmes.

Recognising the importance of youth in national development, the governor has also implemented initiatives supporting entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and employment opportunities for young people across the state.

From vocational training programmes to grants for small businesses, these initiatives are designed to empower young people to become self-reliant and active contributors to economic growth. By engaging youths across local government areas, the administration has also helped mitigate potential political tensions while promoting productivity and community development.

Embracing Diversity and Cultural Integration

Akwa Ibom State is home to both indigenous and non-indigenous communities, and the administration has actively engaged these groups in economic and social development initiatives.

By encouraging investment and participation across sectors, the government ensures that all residents feel included in the state’s development trajectory.

Governor Eno has also promoted cultural festivals, sporting activities, and community development programmes that bring citizens together across political and social lines.

Through these efforts, the administration has strengthened social cohesion, political stability, and inclusive development, reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s reputation as a peaceful and investment-friendly state.

His upcoming keynote address at the 19th Africa Security Watch Conference & Awards in Morocco and the conferment of the African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award highlight this approach to leadership and underscore the state’s growing reputation for unity-driven governance.

Award Nominees and Categories

The nominees include His Majesty King Mohammed IV, The King of the Kingdom of Morocco, who is set to receive the Most Exemplary African Leader of the Year 2025. His Excellency Pastor Umoh Eno, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, will be honoured with the African Leader in People-Centric Governance in the Year 2025, while His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State, Nigeria, is slated to receive the African Leader in Governance (Security and Human Development) in the Year 2025.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abuja, is expected to be recognised as the African Leader in Governance (Food Security) in the Year 2025, while CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller General of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service, will receive the Best Public Administrator in the Control of Illicit Trade in Africa in the Year 2025 and will also be recognised for the Best African Customs Service in the Year 2025.

CP Baba Mohammed Azare, FSI, Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Nigeria Police Force, will be honoured as the Best Anti-Crime Bursting Police Chief in West & Central Africa in the Year 2025, as well as for Most Proactive Police Command in Nigeria in the Year 2025, while CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, Nigeria Police Force, is set to receive the Best Crime Bursting Police Chief in West Africa in the Year 2025.

His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, is expected to receive the African Leader in Governance (Peace and Security) in the Year 2025, while the Nigerian Army, Army Headquarters, is slated to be awarded the African Best National Army in Counter-Terrorism Operations in the Year 2025.

Most Distinguished Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, National Assembly, Abuja, will be recognised with the African Leadership Award for Excellence in Parliamentarian Oversight in the Year 2025, while General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Honourable Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, is expected to receive the African Defence Man of the Year 2025.

The Nigerian Navy, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, will be honoured as the African Most Outstanding Navy in the Year 2025, while the Nigeria Police Force, Force Headquarters, Abuja, is set to receive the Most Outstanding National Police Force in Africa in the Year 2025. Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army, will also be recognised as the Best Security Spokesperson in West and Central Africa in the Year 2025.

IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray, Inspector General of Police, The Gambia Police Force, Banjul, The Gambia, is expected to receive the Best Police Administrator in West & Central Africa in the Year 2025, while The Gambia Police Force, Banjul, The Gambia, will be awarded the Best Police Force in West & Central Africa in the Year 2025.

Hon. Gregory O. W. Coleman, Inspector General of Police, Liberia National Police, Monrovia, Liberia, will be recognised as the Best Police Administrator in West Africa in the Year 2025. His Excellency Mr Adama Barrow, GMRG, President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, is expected to receive the African Leader in Governance (Security and Infrastructural Development) in the Year 2025, while His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia, will be recognised as the African Leader in Governance (Security and Poverty Alleviation) in the Year 2025.

The Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission is slated to receive the Best Boundary Commission in West & Central Africa in the Year 2025, while the Director General, Department of State Services (DSS), Maitama Avenue, Aso Drive, Abuja, will be recognised as the African Chief Intelligence Officer of the Year 2025. Finally, an award will also go to the Best Executive Close Protection Police Officer in West & Central Africa in the Year 2025.