Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has pledged to clear the outstanding ₦111 billion gratuity arrears inherited by his administration before the end of his first term, disclosing that more than ₦100 billion has so far been spent on settling the liabilities accumulated since 2012.
Eno made the commitment as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) honoured him with its Christian Icon Award in Abuja, recognising his commitment to compassionate governance, ethical leadership and nation-building.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, received the award on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during activities marking CAN’s 50th anniversary at the International Christian Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.
In his message, Eno urged Christians not to abandon politics because of the perception that it is inherently corrupt, arguing that their participation was necessary to promote integrity, accountability and responsible leadership.
“Oftentimes, it has been stated that politics is a dirty game, but I believe if Christians stay away from draining the swamp, the water will get dirtier,” he said.
He congratulated CAN on its golden jubilee, commending the organisation for its contributions to promoting moral values, godliness and responsible conduct in national affairs.
Eno said the principles underpinning the award—excellence, integrity, service, compassion and ethical leadership—were consistent with the philosophy guiding his administration under the ARISE Agenda.
Reaffirming his commitment to Christ-centred governance, the governor recalled the pledge he made at his inauguration in 2023 to lead with compassion, humility and concern for the poor and vulnerable.
As part of the initiatives he cited, Eno disclosed that more than 461 compassionate homes had been completed and handed over to economically disadvantaged residents of the state.
He said the homes were equipped with solar-powered boreholes, while each beneficiary received a one-off grant of ₦500,000 to support household needs.
The governor also highlighted the ARISE Elders’ Care initiative, through which 600 elderly persons across the state’s 369 wards receive monthly financial support for their upkeep.
He added that several beneficiaries had been enrolled in the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme to enable them to access healthcare at substantially subsidised rates.
On infrastructure, Eno identified the development of roads and other facilities as a priority for attracting investment and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism and sports.
He described the Christian Icon Award as an encouragement to deepen his administration’s commitment to public service, peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and inclusive development.
In his homily at the anniversary celebration, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, called on the Church to strengthen its unity, improve accountability and intensify advocacy for justice, good governance and national development.
Drawing from Ephesians 4:6, 12 and 13, Okoh urged the Church to speak firmly on behalf of vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons, unemployed youths, rural farmers affected by insecurity and victims of violence and human trafficking.
He advocated a relationship between the Church and government based on constructive engagement and critical collaboration, stressing that religious leaders should commend good governance while challenging injustice, institutional shortcomings and failures of leadership.
The CAN president also urged the organisation to adopt evidence-based advocacy, institutional maturity and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
He called on Christians to pray for the country, contribute meaningfully to national development and demonstrate compassion, accountability and respect for human dignity.
The anniversary event also featured the presentation of an award to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the unveiling of a book documenting CAN’s history.
