Events

Umo Eno Salutes Forebears During Akwa Ibom’s 38th Anniversary

Published

12 months ago

September 24, 2025

Governor Umo Eno commends past leaders and citizens for their roles in Akwa Ibom’s progress as the state marks its 38th anniversary

Umo Eno hails past leaders at Akwa Ibom’s 38th anniversary, commending their contributions to the state’s transformation from a once-obscure region into a beacon of development.

Also read: Umo Eno Champions Sports Festival to Empower Akwa Ibom Youths

Speaking at a special banquet to mark the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, Governor Pastor Umo Eno expressed gratitude to his predecessors, political stakeholders, and citizens for their collective role in advancing the Akwa Ibom project.

“Thirty-eight years down the line, the state has metamorphosed into a destination of choice.

This would not have been possible without the efforts of our past leaders. God has blessed us with progressive-minded leadership,” he said.

The governor highlighted the importance of unity across political divides, noting that blessings and progress can only be achieved where peace thrives.

“Let politics be played with a human face and let us know that after politics, we would all return as Akwa Ibomites,” he added.

Eno celebrated the achievements of Akwa Ibom indigenes making global and national impact, including Mayor Jason Jackson of Islington, UK, and Assistant Commandant General Samuel Okon of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, whom he presented with a new car to support his service.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing financial stability to states, emphasising that Akwa Ibom has not borrowed funds under his administration.

“Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for Senator Godswill Akpabio, and for our collective future,” he said.

In his remarks, the state’s pioneer military administrator, Col. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), described Akwa Ibom as “a benchmark of progress and development in Nigeria” and praised successive leaders for upholding the vision of the founding fathers.

Both the APC chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, and PDP chairman, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, lauded the governor for prioritising peace and unity, pledging continued support for his inclusive leadership.

Also read: Governor Umo Eno Urges Akwa Ibom Diaspora to Boost Tourism, Investment

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, commended citizens for embracing peace and sustaining the state’s path of sustainable growth.

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6 days ago

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

2 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”