By Augustine Ehikioya
For being the Most Consistent Security Supporting Governor in Nigeria in the year 2024, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been voted as the best among the current 36 State Governors in the country.
The Governor was voted the best on social media platforms through the Security Watch Africa’s (SWA) Nigeria Security Impact Recognition (NSIR) Initiative.
The initiative was instituted to single out and recognize the efforts and contributions of outstanding personalities, security personnel and Agencies, who have done something extraordinary in their various categories in the year 2024
The esteemed readers and viewers across the globe had voted Governor Umo Eno as the most consistent security supporting Governor of Year 2024 for being the BEACON of support to security agencies in the discharge of their duties in Nigeria in 2024.
He was specifically commended for regularly supporting security agencies to discharge their duties effectively.
While receiving the commendation award from the President / CEO of SWA, Mr. Patrick Agbambu, at the Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday, the Governor said he dedicated the award to the people in the state who collectively agree with his administration to maintain the peace the state has been known for nationally, for many years.
The Governor also dedicated the award to all the service Commanders of the various security units posted to Akwa Ibom State for the collaboration and synergy they have forged.
He thanked Security Watch Africa for the great honour it has bestowed on him and Akwa Ibom State.
“You have a solid reputation within Africa security circle and have consistently given awards to eminent Nigerians and Africans who have taken security as the first business of governance, as the principles of the social contracts demand.
Stressing that security is a catalyst that drives investment, tourism and peace in any society, he assured that his administration is determined to sustain all the ingredients that will continue the peace and security in the state.
He pointed out that one of his administration’s game changer moves was the creation of a stand alone Ministry of Internal Affairs and Waterways headed by General Koko Essien (Rtd.), who has worked in close collaboration with security agencies to make the state peaceful.
According to him, his administration has supported security agencies in the state with materials, including gunboats, transport logistics to ensure that the state is kept safe.
He also gave credit for the peace in the state to the creation of Ibom Community Watch, which has been helping to gather information and intelligence at the local level.
All these, the Governor said, will help galvanize the administration more to make Akwa Ibom State unwelcoming place for criminals.
“So that visitors can continue to come, live, invest and thrive here. We will continue to do the best and support the work you are doing yourself.” he added
Before making the presentation, the President / CEO of SWA, Mr. Agbambu, noted that the award was also a follow up to the decision reached at the 18th edition of Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference held in Doha, Qatar last December.
This, he said, was to identify individuals and organizations that have done something extraordinary in the security sector in the year 2024 despite insecurity challenges trending globally and commend them for their efforts.
While stressing that votes were cast for the various categories of people and organizations that did their work without looking back, Mr. Agbambu said Governor Umo Eno was chosen as the overall best in Nigeria.
Without those supporting security agencies, he said, security agencies won’t be able to do their jobs effectively.
Emphasizing that Governor Umo Eno has supported the security agencies well, he pointed out that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other security stakeholders have also confirmed the governor’s contributions in that direction.
Mr. Agbambu disclosed that the 19th edition of the Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference slated for Morocco in November, 2025, will also showcase the Governor as a person that has helped to make Akwa Ibom State very peaceful.
