Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Reaffirms Support For Gov Eno’s Second Term Bid

By Bassey Nkponam 
UYO
Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), a premier socio-cultural organisation of the Ibibio ethnic group, has reaffirmed its support for the re-election of Pastor Umo Eno as governor of Akwa Ibom in 2027.
The group made the commitment, Friday, during a special visit to Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the outgoing International President, Akparawa James Edet, noted that the organisation’s position was based on the outstanding achievements of the governor across all sectors.
   Edet, who is the 11th International President of the organisation, said the Eno-led administration, through the ARISE Agenda, has been visionary, impactful, and people-centered, observing that in a relatively short period, his administration has transformed governance in Akwa Ibom through an inclusive, compassionate, and welfarist approach that has positively impacted every segment of the society.
He noted that the strides were visible in the compassionate homes, expansion of State Health Insurance Scheme, sustained attention to the welfare of civil servants, prompt payment of salaries, gratuities and pensions, strategic investment in youth and women entrepreneurship, food security and intervention programmes, educational support initiatives, and numerous empowerment programmes that have restored hope, dignity, and economic opportunities to thousands of people.
Edet mentioned the laudable development strides of the governor to include transformation of the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) into a modern aviation hub, inauguration of international flight operations, expansion of general aviation services, reclamation of the gully erosion site and transforming it to a world-class tourism facility – the ARISE Palm Resort, as well as revitalisation of the State tourism assets, introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, extensive road construction, rural development projects, as well as investment in healthcare and education.
The international president appreciated Governor Eno for his love, fatherly affection, encouragement, and unwavering support to the Mboho and to him as a person throughout his tenure, and assured of his continuous support.
Governor Eno, in his response, acknowledged the deep sense of unity, progress, and oneness of purpose exhibited by the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio to galvanise the various tribes in Akwa Ibom for the overall development of the State.
He described Mboho’s contributions to the unity and development of the State as remarkable and heartwarming, urging the body to continue to support and collaborate with the government for a much more united and transformed Akwa Ibom.
“I want to thank you for the unifying work that you have been doing in the State; always being there to draw all of us together. The Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio is a vanguard for our young people; and it is a voice for Ibibio nation. We really appreciate the great work that you have done by partnering with other socio-cultural organiations in the State. 
“I see everybody working together, and the more we work together, the better it is for our State and our people to douse ethnic tension for our common good”, Eno added, urging the body to maintain the peace through sustained socio-cultural tolerance, as individuals do not choose their birth places but it is divinely ordained.
The governor appreciated the Mboho for the support given his administration since inception, congratulating Akparawa James Edet on his successful tenure, and also felicitated with the incoming President, Akparawa IniAbasi Ekanem.