By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended the Eket Rotary Club for its strong commitment to community-driven initiatives that align with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, describing the Club as a reliable partner in advancing human capacity development and inclusive growth in the state.
The Governor gave the commendation at the installation ceremony of Dr. Eka Mapples as the 42nd President of the Eket Rotary Club, held at Royalty Hotel, Eket.
Governor Eno praised the Club for prioritising projects focused on youth empowerment and women development, noting that such initiatives directly support the core objectives of the ARISE Agenda.
“These projects you talked about deserve our support because they have direct bearing on the ARISE Agenda. One of the things I see there is helping to train our youths and providing opportunities for women,” the Governor said.
A Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, Governor Eno acknowledged the long-standing leadership and humanitarian role of Rotary Clubs across Nigeria, charging newly inducted members to use their positions to render selfless and impactful service to humanity.
“Rotary is about service to humanity. So anything you do for Rotary is for humanity. It is good to serve people and to support them, and I am glad to be here,” he stated.
The Governor congratulated Dr. Mapples on her installation, describing her as motherly, humble, transparent and dependable, qualities he said had earned her the confidence of members and the responsibility of leading the Club. He also recalled his longstanding personal relationship with the Mapples family, describing the new President as a steadfast friend and ally over the years.
Governor Eno further expressed appreciation to the Club for the awards presented to him and his late wife, Her Excellency Pastor Patience Umo Eno, noting that although she had passed on, her legacy of compassion and service continues to live on in the lives of those she touched.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Mapples thanked Governor Eno and other dignitaries for honouring the ceremony, which also featured the inauguration of a new Board of Directors, induction of new members, and the formal launch of the Club’s service projects.
She expressed gratitude to members of the Eket Rotary Club for entrusting her with the leadership of the organisation and pledged to use her tenure to extend help to the needy and promote humanitarian service within the community.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of the Enterprise-Friendly Governor Award to Governor Eno, as well as a posthumous award to the late First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, in recognition of her committed service to humanity.
