Story of a Lagos Hawker Who Became Governor of Oil-Rich State in Nigeria
- Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, has narrated how life became difficult for him and his family following the death of his father when he was in Lagos
- The governor noted that he had to hawk soft drinks in the streets of Lagos to support his mother in making ends meet, despite the fact that their father died in active service as a police officer
- Governor Eno made the revelation while speaking at the 7th Convocation of the Mountain Top University in Ibafo, Ogun state
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has narrated how life became difficult for him and his family following the death of his father. He disclosed that he hawked drinks on Lagos streets to support his mother to make ends meet.
The governor made the disclosure while delivering the Convocation Lecture at the 7th Convocation of Mountain Top University in Ibafo area of Ogun State, on Thursday, December 18.
Source: Twitter
According to The Punch, Eno stated that his father, who was a police officer, died in the line of duty, and life was never the same for him and the family. His statement reads in part:
“Life became very difficult after my father’s death. I had to help my mother augment the family’s income by hawking soft drinks on the streets of Lagos, even as a Senior Prefect of Victory High School.”
Governor Eno speaks of a humble background
The governor then took to his social media page to share his message with the students with his followers. He wrote:
"I reminded them that this generation must reject entitlement and shortcuts, embrace creativity, integrity, and diligence, and be bold enough to challenge old limits. Success is built on character, faith, and consistent effort. I shared my own journey from humble beginnings to remind them that God honours hard work, humility, and obedience. With faith, discipline, and purpose, nothing is impossible. I commend the leadership of Mountain Top University for raising morally sound and visionary nation builders, and I congratulate the graduands on this milestone."
Reactions trail Akwa Ibom governor's revelation
Some Nigerians have taken to the comment section of the governor's post to share their views about the development. Below are some of their reactions:
Bassey Faith commended the governor:
"Governor, you are always so well-dressed and looking perfect. You speak well and are not careless like other governors."
Source: Twitter
Oluwatobi Oyetola praised Governor Eno:
"Served at your state and it was fantastic, thank you, sir. I enjoy free move, no traffic and good during my one-year service."
Brightsax expressed optimism to meet the governor:
"I wish to meet you one day, my able Governor."
Uwem congratulated the governor:
"Ette, you're working, take it from us."
See the governor's statement here:
Governor Eno declares a public holiday
Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has announced that Tuesday, September 23, 2025, would be a work-free day in the state.
According to the commissioner for information in the state, Aniekan Umanah, the holiday was in celebration of the 38th anniversary of the state's creation.
The commissioner further explained that government offices and public institutions would observe the public holiday.
Source: Legit.ng
