Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State was presented with the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) for Sustainable Development and Community Empowerment at the Conference Centre of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The award was presented on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and has been received as national validation of an inclusive, community‑centred approach to governance.
Umo Eno NEAPS award highlights community empowerment
Speaking from Uyo after the ceremony, the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, KufreAbasi Edidem, described the accolade as a collective triumph for the people of Akwa Ibom. He said the recognition reflects sustained improvements in livelihoods under Governor Eno’s leadership and the practical outcomes of the ARISE Agenda.
The NEAPS award is among Nigeria’s most respected honours for public service, celebrating officials whose policies yield measurable social and economic benefits. Governor Eno’s selection places him among a cohort of leaders who frame governance around shared prosperity rather than privilege.
ARISE Agenda driving measurable change
At the core of the administration’s strategy is the ARISE Agenda, an integrated policy framework centred on Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security and Education. Officials point to a series of targeted interventions that have moved economic inclusion from rhetoric to practice. Support for small and medium enterprises, skills training for artisans and traders, and youth empowerment programmes have created pathways to self‑reliance across many communities.
Community empowerment has been central to the approach. Rather than concentrating investment in urban centres alone, the government has prioritised equitable distribution of infrastructure and services across local government areas. From rural road construction to community‑based enterprise support, the emphasis has been on unlocking local potential and reducing regional disparities.
Social welfare and collaborative governance
Beyond economic measures, the administration has expanded social welfare programmes targeting vulnerable groups, women, youth and the elderly, recognising that sustainable development requires attention to human wellbeing as well as physical infrastructure. The Deputy Speaker emphasised that cooperation between the state House of Assembly and the executive has been crucial in translating policy into timely laws and effective programmes.
Edidem said the award belongs as much to the people of Akwa Ibom as to the governor, noting that civic engagement and community participation have helped sustain the progress. For residents, the NEAPS recognition reinforces a growing confidence that their state is pursuing accountable, responsive and results‑oriented governance.
While the trophy symbolises national acknowledgement, it also carries the weight of expectation. The award both affirms achievements to date and calls for continuation and deepening of reforms. For Governor Eno and his administration, the recognition is a prompt to sustain momentum and broaden the impact of policies that have begun to reshape livelihoods across Akwa Ibom.
Martins Akpan reports from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Key Takeaways:
- Governor Umo Eno received the NEAPS award for Sustainable Development and Community Empowerment at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
- Recognition highlights the ARISE Agenda’s focus on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security and education.
- Community‑centred policies and youth empowerment programmes have driven measurable local impact.
- The honour underscores federal recognition of subnational leadership and raises expectations for continued reform.
