…𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭
The Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sunday Festus, has attributed the prevailing peace, political stability, and accelerated development in Akwa Ibom State to the collaborative leadership and mutual understanding between the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, and the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON.
The Chairman made the remarks on Friday, July 10, 2026, while speaking as a panellist at the Leadership Anniversary Summit organised by the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Media Advocates (ISDMA).
Speaking during the panel session, Obong Sunday Festus said the cordial relationship between Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio has ushered in a new era of political maturity, where cooperation has taken precedence over rivalry and the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people has remained paramount.
According to him, the synergy between both leaders has created a peaceful political atmosphere, strengthened intergovernmental collaboration, accelerated development, and restored public confidence in governance.
He urged political leaders across party lines to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership as indispensable tools for sustainable development.
At the summit, Elder Festus was honoured with the Most Media-Friendly Local Government Chairman in Akwa Ibom State Award in recognition of his accessibility, transparency, cordial relationship with media practitioners, and consistent support for responsible journalism.
Earlier, the Chairman of ISDMA, Mr. Emma Akpabio, explained that the association is the umbrella body for media practitioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, comprising media aides to the Governor, journalists, newspaper publishers, on-air personalities, newscasters, advertising practitioners, photographers, videographers, and other communication professionals.
He noted that the summit was organised to celebrate visionary leadership, encourage professional excellence, and deepen the role of the media in advancing the development of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Occasion, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, recalled that elections in Akwa Ibom State had often been characterised by political disagreements and, in some cases, violence.
He commended Governor Umo Eno’s peaceful disposition and foresight in fostering a cordial relationship with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that the understanding between both leaders has made governance more stable, less confrontational, and more development-oriented.
Delivering the keynote address, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, applauded ISDMA for providing a platform that celebrates exemplary leadership while promoting responsible journalism.
He encouraged media practitioners to remain objective, uphold ethical standards, and continue using their platforms to project the positive image of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State.
Similarly, the Father of the Day, Otuekong Don Etiebet, described Governor Umo Eno as the “solvent” that helped dissolve political tensions in Akwa Ibom State through his deliberate efforts to build bridges across political divides.
At the event, Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, and the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government, Hon. Ntiedo Usoro, were jointly presented with the Award for Good Governance and Collaborative Leadership in recognition of their commitment to peace, unity, and the sustained development of Akwa Ibom State through constructive partnership.
A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of The Confluence, a magazine publication that chronicles and x-rays collaborative leadership, governance, and developmental milestones across Akwa Ibom State. The association also launched its official website, a digital platform designed to amplify developmental stories, promote professional engagement, and strengthen information dissemination within and beyond the senatorial district.
𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭,
𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧,
𝐎𝐫𝐮𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐆
𝟏𝟏/𝟕/𝟐𝟔