The governor gave the assurance on Saturday while addressing members of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, during the Igbo Unity Day Celebration at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo. He noted that many members of the Igbo community were born and have built their businesses in the state, and therefore deserved to be regarded as part of the Akwa Ibom family.
Governor Eno announced that his administration has allocated N800 million for the empowerment of non-indigenous communities in the state, including Ndi Igbo, Arewa, Yoruba and Niger Delta groups. He commended the leadership of the Igbo community for fostering unity, aligning with his administration’s peace-driven agenda.
The governor, who was born in Enugu State, praised the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people, describing it as remarkable and worthy of emulation. He lauded their contributions to the state’s socio-economic growth, noting that their industriousness and sense of brotherhood had enriched the state’s social fabric.
Governor Eno expressed appreciation to Ohaneze Ndi Igbo for appointing him Grand Patron and for declaring support for his re-election, as well as that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio in 2027. He pledged continued partnership with all non-Indigenous groups, provided they live peacefully, respect the law and shun criminality.
Earlier, President of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon Kayceey Chidiadi, commended the governor for his visionary leadership. He said Governor Eno’s peaceful disposition had restored unity within the community, adding that appointments given to their members were unprecedented in the state’s history.
The event featured the formal conferment of the title of Grand Patron of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo on Governor Eno. The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; and captains of industry were among the dignitaries present.
