By Solomon Okpo
Sunday, May 11, 2025, will be remembered as a hallowed day for worshippers at The Apostolic Church, Maboju Assembly, a quiet settlement nestled behind the Nigerian Air Base in Ikeja, Lagos. That morning, the clay-laced roads of Maboju bore silent witness to the fulfillment of prophecy, as the convoy of Akwa Ibom State’s Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, rolled through the narrow lanes. The once-rugged chapel stood regal, cloaked in reverence, the altar alive with fulfilled divine utterance.
But this was no ordinary political appearance. Governor Umo Eno, flanked by family, associates, and a host of dignitaries, from ministers and lawmakers to traditional rulers and business leaders, had come not as a guest of honour, but as a son returning to his spiritual birthplace: Bethel.
Clad in an elegantly tailored blue suit, red silk tie, and traditional Swiss accessories, Governor Eno exuded the poise of a statesman and the grace of a servant-leader. His message, however, was deeply personal, a return to the church where, as a young choir member and deacon, he once dismissed a child’s prophecy about his future leadership as unrealistic. That same prophecy, spoken by a little girl during a revival, had now come to pass.
The Governor spoke with calm authority and spiritual depth, recounting his journey from adversity, the death of his father, responsibility for six siblings, and a fledgling marriage — brought him back to Maboju, not just for thanksgiving, but for healing and rededication. He acknowledged that the prophecy was fulfilled through his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, and noted that “the Spirit of the Lord laid heavily on my heart to return to Bethel.”
Governor Eno’s remarks transcended politics. “When a child forgets the blessings of yesterday, he forfeits the blessings of tomorrow,” he said. He emphasized unity and governance beyond partisanship: “We govern beyond party lines for the unity and progress of our State. No political party can define who I am.”
Quoting Scripture and speaking with prophetic insight, he likened leadership to driving: “The driver sees the potholes and knows how to avoid them. By the grace of God, I am that driver now.”
The sermon, themed “Greatness in Humility”, was delivered by Pastor Dr. Gabriel Uyeh, National Vice President of The Apostolic Church, who praised Governor Eno for exemplifying servant leadership. “Leadership is not a political career,” he said, “but a divine call.”
Demonstrating his hallmark generosity, Governor Eno led a philanthropic wave, announcing over ₦250 million in donations for the church, clergy, and families of late ministers. It was a sacred offering, a child once healed in revival now healing others with abundance.
Pastor Solomon Nkopeti, District Apostle, attested to Eno’s earlier service in Maboju. “He walked among us not with power, but with humility,” he recalled. “You served here as a brother in Christ.”
In a tribute read on behalf of Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described Eno as “a Lagos boy whose leadership and faith make Lagos proud.”
The celebration reached a crescendo at a grand reception in Ikeja GRA, featuring cultural performances, local and continental cuisine, and an atmosphere charged with thanksgiving. Here, the Governor was honoured with multiple awards, including the Africa Lifetime Achievement Prize for Good Governance and Best Governor of the Year 2024 from the Africa Women Summit during the London Political Summit, received on his behalf by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi and Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki respectively.
Other commendations came from civic, religious, and legislative institutions, celebrating his humility, vision, and spiritually anchored leadership.
As twilight descended on Maboju, the town once again became a stage for grace and glory, where prophecy met purpose, and history bowed to destiny fulfilled.
