…As Akwa Ibom Governor Applauds Tinubu’s Security Drive, Showcases ARISE Governance Model
BANJUL, THE GAMBIA — The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, GMRG, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, were among distinguished African leaders honoured at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Banjul, the Gambian capital.
The leaders were recognised for their contributions to governance, security and sustainable development across the continent.
Governor Eno, who was represented at the event by his Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, received the prestigious African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award.
In his keynote address, Governor Eno commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through enhanced collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He called for greater regional and continental cooperation to address emerging security challenges and promote peace, stability and prosperity across Africa, stressing that security, inclusive leadership and people-centred governance were essential pillars of sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, in the presence of African leaders, diplomats, defence chiefs, security experts, policymakers and development partners, Governor Eno said the true measure of governance was its ability to improve the lives and welfare of citizens.
He dedicated the award to the people of Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a recognition of the collective commitment of the government, security agencies and citizens to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous society.
According to him, “Governance must go beyond political leadership to improving the material conditions of the people. Meaningful development can only thrive where lives and property are protected, and the rule of law is upheld.”
While acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, the Governor noted that such challenges were not peculiar to the country and could be overcome through collaboration, innovation and sustained commitment among nations.
He stressed that transnational threats required shared intelligence, coordinated responses and deeper partnerships among governments, security institutions and communities across Africa.
Governor Eno also described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations, citing its large market, youthful and technology-driven population, abundant natural resources and democratic stability.
Using the continental platform to showcase the achievements of his administration under the ARISE Agenda, the Governor highlighted interventions in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, aviation and social welfare.
He disclosed that his administration had constructed more than 1,346 kilometres of roads and bridges, established the Ibom Model Farm, launched the Tree Crop Revolution, commissioned the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, enrolled over 300,000 residents into the State Health Insurance Scheme and commenced the construction of more than 455 solar-powered Compassionate Homes for vulnerable citizens.
The Governor also highlighted strategic projects aimed at positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading investment and tourism destination. These include the ARISE Palm Resort, International Convention Centre, remodelling of Ibom International Hotel, expansion of Ibom Air’s regional operations and ongoing efforts towards the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
“From land through our extensive road network, to air through Ibom Air, and to sea through the Ibom Deep Seaport, Akwa Ibom is ready to partner with the world,” he declared.
On security, Governor Eno said his administration had strengthened internal security through the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired military officer, while deepening collaboration with conventional security agencies through intelligence gathering, technology deployment and community participation.
He identified the establishment of the Ibom Community Watch, the integration of 2,272 gazetted Village Youth Presidents into the state security architecture and the construction of a modern Security Command and Control Centre as key initiatives that had reinforced Akwa Ibom’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s safest and most peaceful states.
The Governor emphasised that security was a collective responsibility and urged citizens to provide credible and timely information to security agencies.
He also reiterated his support for the establishment of State Police as a means of strengthening grassroots policing and improving responses to emerging security challenges.
The International Coordinator of Security Watch Africa, Patrick Agbambu, commended Governor Eno for demonstrating a conscientious and people-driven leadership style, noting that his commitment to citizen-focused governance informed the decision to honour him with the African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award.
Agbambu said the conference was organised to harness diverse thoughts, expertise and ideas from across the continent towards developing practical solutions to improve security and strengthen cooperation among African nations.
Other award recipients at the event included Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; the Gambian Police Force; the Nigeria Police Force; the South African Defence Force; the Kenya Navy; the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare; and the Chief Security Officer to Governor Umo Eno, CSP Besta Sini.
Governor Eno commended Security Watch Africa for sustaining continental dialogue on security issues and praised the Government and people of The Gambia for their hospitality and commitment to using tourism as a catalyst for economic development.
The Governor’s delegation included the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, among other government officials and representatives.
He also invited investors from Africa and beyond to explore opportunities in Akwa Ibom, assuring them of a secure operating environment, modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and a government committed to building enduring partnerships for sustainable development.
The 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards brought together political leaders, defence and security chiefs, diplomats, policymakers and development experts from across Africa to examine innovative strategies for strengthening governance, security and sustainable development on the continent.
By Chief Edet Isong
