Governor Umo Eno Named Nigerian Governors’ Forum Governor Of The Year 2025

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has been named Governor of the Year 2025 by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

The award recognizes his exceptional leadership, transparency, and the significant progress made under the state’s ARISE Agenda.

The presentation took place during the public unveiling of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the ARISE Agenda over the past two years, held Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

Representing the NGF Director-General, Alhaji Abdullateef Shittu, Professor Abba Gambo commended Governor Eno’s governance approach. He noted that Akwa Ibom ranked highest in governance, fiscal responsibility, and development delivery compared to other states.

“In a State-by-State comparative analysis, Akwa Ibom came out top,” he said before formally presenting the award.

The NGF also praised Governor Eno for completing and advancing numerous projects across various sectors without relying on bank loans or external borrowing—an impressive feat amid Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.

Governor Eno dedicated the award to the people of Akwa Ibom and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent, people-focused governance.

He thanked the NGF and emphasized that the administration’s success stems from prudent resource management, institutional reforms, and a clear development strategy under the ARISE Agenda.

“This recognition is both humbling and encouraging. We will continue to use the resources of Akwa Ibom State to work for its people—building infrastructure, empowering communities, and shaping a more prosperous future,” he said.

The event also included policy reviews, expert presentations, and assessments of the state’s development over the last two years. Attendees included federal officials, ministers, economic experts, development partners, civil society representatives, and journalists, many of whom praised the state’s openness and willingness to subject its progress to independent evaluation.