Umo Eno: Profile of a colossus
At first a small piece of predictable mudslinging emerged from familiar circles, to hurt and sway converts on the quicksand, yet unwittingly it unveiled in all its glory and splendour, the personae and glittering light in Pastor Umo Eno.
It was a most unfortunate propaganda. How on earth would a man of high integrity, a minister of the gospel, flaunt a borrowed or fraudulent credentials just because he wants to be governor? The smear campaigners seem to be helplessly convinced that Pastor Umo Eno is a successful business man, and that his Royalty Group has provided direct and indirect employment for over 2000 people, but were in doubt if he ever had time to go to school.
One thing is clear, it was bound to flop. The lies probably could have lingered for a while if, for instance, Umo Eno’s certificates were obtained from, let’s say Toronto, Canada or some university from the Antarctica. But it is only a stone-throw to the University of Uyo and it would be inconceivable even at a guess, to suggest that Pastor Umo Eno could fake his academic records.
Born on 24th April , 1964 into a Christian family of Bassey Eno in Ikot Ekpene Udo , Nsit Ubium Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, he attended Local Authority School, Ikeja, Lagos, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate and proceeded to St. Francis Secondary School Eket, Akwa Ibom State and competing his secondary education at Victory High School, Ikeja where his family had been.
His two degrees – a bachelor and masters degree are in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Uyo obtained between 2002 and 2008. Pastor Umo Eno is also bestowed with an Executive Team Leadership qualification from the popular Lagos Business School of the Pan-African University, Epe.
As a 3-Star Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Club International, Pastor Eno has been actively involved in several social development activities and philanthropy, lifting many people from various difficulties.
For a man with a cool mien, simple and unassuming, Pastor Umo Eno prefers to live a quiet life despite the many accomplishments to his credit.
He has grown his Royalty Group from a small make-shift apartments to an enviable height of a prestigious 5-Star hospitality outfit. While this endeavor provides luxury and comfort , it has also provided employment for job seekers. In addition to this, Royalty Group over the years, has served as a veritable training ground for interns and students.
Umo Eno may not appear in the traditional flamboyance of the rich and famous, he doesn’t need to fly in a private jet yet he cuts the picture of an all round successful man. His character does his introduction at all times – he is simple, humble, charming and loving.
One thing you may likely hold against him is discipline. Pastor Umo Eno doesn’t tolerate indiscipline, he doesn’t like cutting corners, and so would not suffer liars gladly. He is thorough in every aspect and rebuffs the culture of waste.
As a tender of sheep, his All Nations Christian Ministry International holds the sacred mandate of leading men to Christ. As part of his pastoral responsibility, Umo Eno has been a father to many, providing succour and attending to several needs that challenge many including scholarship, business grants among other things.
In terms of career and profession, Pastor Eno’s prowess has been on full display at every opportunity. While serving as executive director (Agricultural Investment) Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) he initiated and executed the first farmers’ enumeration in Akwa Ibom State. The exercise resulted in the creation of a farmers database for the state which provided a window to reach, manage, educate and support farmers. Ultimately, his efforts increased the partnership and involvement of investors in the
Agricultural sector of the state.
In his present assignment as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Umo Eno, aware of the importance of housing and its deficiency, has started another housing estate, named Dakkada to cater for increasing housing demand in the state. He is also responsible for the amicable resolution of the issues which earlier hindered the Dakkada Luxury Estate development.
It is also to his credit that a monitoring and development control team is inaugurated to check
Indiscriminate buildings across the state.
Perhaps the most important on his achievement list as commissioner would be the Accelerated Release of Certificate of Occupancy (C of Os) to private sector operators. This was one of the reasons why investors trying to get new businesses under way got frustrated. Umo Eno also stamped his imprint on the tourism industry in Akwa Ibom State while he was chairman of Hotels and Tourism Board between 2004-2007. He brought to bear his mastery of the profession and industry of which he has bestrode for over two decades. But this is just a few.
Such appetite to deliver is in the showcase of a good brand – capacity, competence, energy and proven track record , combining to lay the foundation for quality service delivery.
Pastor Umo Eno is not an unknown quantity. His choice for the highest job in the state is by no means accidental. Even behind the scenes, Pastor Umo Eno has been close to the power structure in the state. He has been a king maker. For many years he was the political leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his Nsit Ubium local government area lending support to as many aspirants and candidates of the party. As a quiet achiever, he is sure to make an impact on the lives of people in the state.
Pastor Umo Eno is a member of many professional organizations and has won several awards. He is married with children.
