Governor Umo Eno Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare at NUJ Thanksgiving Service

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of state workers, promising the timely payment of arrears and continuing support to civil servants. This was during his speech at the 2025 Thanksgiving Service of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the Akwa Ibom NUJ for their cooperation with his administration, commending the union for maintaining professionalism and patriotism in their reporting, which has contributed to the success of his ARISE Agenda. He urged those involved in “demarketing” the state to desist from such actions and foster greater collaboration for the state’s development.

Workers’ Welfare and Commitment

Governor Eno addressed the issue of workers’ welfare, stating that his administration was on course with its promise to pay workers an increased N80,000 salary. He added that the verification process had been completed, and once the report was presented, payments would commence from November 1st this January. The governor emphasized that workers who had been verified would be paid, and no external influence would alter that.

Recalling his administration’s efforts to clear a N97 billion backlog of gratuities and other worker entitlements, Governor Eno reassured the workers that their welfare would remain a top priority throughout his tenure. He also defended his administration’s treatment of state workers, claiming that no other state government in Nigeria had been as supportive of its workers as Akwa Ibom.

“I stand to be challenged,” the governor stated, dismissing industrial action threats as misleading and unnecessary self-aggrandizement.

NUJ’s Gratitude and Ongoing Partnership

In his speech, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the union amid challenges, thanking the governor for his media-friendly approach and support for the press. He also announced the donation of an SUV for the chairman and a saloon car for each of the eleven members of the state working committee.

Etuk highlighted the Thanksgiving Service as a special occasion to honor Governor Eno for his continued support of the union and pledged that journalists in Akwa Ibom would continue to support the administration and promote its ARISE Agenda.