Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has mentioned strategic action plans expected of sub-nationals to checkmate the effects of ocean rise on some coastal States as one of the gains from his recent participation at the United Nations Organization’s Conference.
Governor Eno stated this Tuesday when he addressed a crowd of supporters at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo upon his return from the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC); 2025 Special Event on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience held in Nice, France.
The Governor noted that the conference became necessary and significant considering the prevailing effects of Ocean rise on the coastal states.
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“The Ocean Rise Conference draws the world’s attention to the effects of the ocean on our world as a result of climate change. And, there are some key and strategic moves and action plans that Sub-Nationals surrounded by the Ocean have to make in order to checkmate any upsurge effects of the Ocean,” he stated.
According to him, “Akwa Ibom has the longest coastline of 129km in Nigeria. As such, we were invited along with other Sub-National Governments to participate in that conference.”
Pastor Eno noted that the essence of the Conference was to create awareness, alertness, understanding, and readiness among the concerned State Governments in order for them to begin to put the necessary action plans in place against any sudden effects of the Ocean rise in their coasts.
“The Conference armed us with the necessary action plans for us to come back with the understanding that if we don’t take care of this Ocean, in the next couple of years, we will not have our cities again.
“So, it was a nice Conference, and we made our contributions. We are back with some actionable points, and we will follow through. The important thing is that Akwa Ibom State is now a member of the United Nations Organization on Ocean Rise Collaboration.”
On the massive reception by his supporters on his arrival, the Governor appreciated the people for their unity and unflinching support for a more progressive Akwa Ibom State.
The State APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described the political criticism against the Governor’s movement as unreasonable, saying that Governor Eno is the right leader at the moment who will continue to pilot the affairs of the State with passion irrespective of the criticisms.
He called on the people to desist from listening to vain criticisms, but to join hands and support the Governor in bringing more dividends of democracy from the federal to the State.
Welcoming the Governor back to the State, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the warm and colourful reception was a demonstration of solidarity and love for a father and Governor who has performed creditably well.
Uwah while expressing the sentiments of the people of the State, pledged the continued support of Akwa Ibom people who, he said, have promised to follow and stand by the Governor wherever he goes.
