The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, has been decorated as Patron of the National Council of Nigerian Senior Citizens (NACONSEC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, and as the First National Patron of the Council.
The decoration was performed on Friday, 25th September, 2026, by the National Coordinator of NACONSEC, Bishop Amb. Prof. Ekanem Jacob Ekanem – DO, JP (RABBAN), an indigene of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The State Chairman of the Council, Elder Okon Evans Udofia, JP, appreciated the Governor for being a senior citizens-friendly Governor, noting that since assuming office, he has not neglected any segment of the society, especially the elderly.
He stated that Governor Umo Eno’s administration has demonstrated, through concrete actions and people-oriented policies, that the wellbeing of senior citizens remains an important component of its developmental agenda, adding that these efforts have brought renewed hope, dignity and a sense of belonging to the elderly population.
Of particular significance, he said, is the construction and commissioning of the Senior Citizens Centre at Itak in Ikono Local Government Area, a landmark initiative designed to provide a befitting environment for the care, support and social wellbeing of senior citizens. The centre, named after Senator Oluremi Bola Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the ARISE Initiative, stands as a remarkable testament to the administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
“We also sincerely commend His Excellency for the prompt payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to pensioners in the State. This action has significantly restored confidence and brought relief to many retirees who dedicated their productive years to the service of our dear State and nation,” he said.
He added that the provision of free healthcare services for the elderly, among other welfare-oriented programmes, demonstrates a commendable understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by senior citizens. These interventions, he said, have not only improved the quality of life of the elderly but have also reaffirmed the principle that those who contributed to societal development deserve to be treated with honour, care and dignity in their later years.
He requested the inclusion of members of the State Council on the Board and/or management of the Centre as well as in State functions. He pledged that the Council in the State will massively mobilise voters across the State for Governor Umo Eno’s second term bid in the 2027 general elections.
The National Coordinator, Bishop Ekanem, who flew in from Abuja, presented an Award of Excellence to Governor Umo Eno and an Appointment Letter as First National Patron of NACONSEC. He applauded the Governor as the most outstanding performing Governor in senior citizens’ matters in the country.
The National Coordinator thanked the Governor for the prompt payment of monthly stipends of N50,000 each to between 6,000 and 12,000 beneficiaries across the 31 Local Government Areas and requested for increased slots to accommodate more elderly persons. He also commended the Governor for the enrolment of the elderly in the free healthcare scheme.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Senior Citizens Affairs, Mrs. Mercy Eka, spoke glowingly on the Governor’s determination to better the lot of senior citizens in the State through numerous intervention projects, including the construction of ARISE Homes for the aged and widows across the State with pipe-borne water and solar-powered energy, and payment of stipends for qualified elders in collaboration with Local Government Chairmen. She called on senior citizens to support the Governor and vote for his second term in 2027 to enable him do more.
The Governor, who was represented by the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Senior Citizens Matters, Dr. Itanwan James, appreciated the leadership of NACONSEC for the honour and pledged to look into matters concerning senior citizens in the State.
“All your requests shall be examined on merit and appropriate responses given accordingly,” she said.
She highlighted several interventions aimed at alleviating the suffering of the elderly, including the provision of the Senior Citizens Centre at Itak, Ikono, which will be replicated across the three senatorial districts. According to her, the centres will have facilities for medical examination with referrals where necessary, gym, indoor games, music concerts and other amenities aimed at making the elderly comfortable and prolonging life expectancy.
She called on members of the Council to support and mobilise voters for the Governor’s second term in 2027 and promised to convey the awards and appointment letter to His Excellency.