By Solomon OKPO
Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, Ime Bishop Umoh, widely known as Okon Lagos, has expressed gratitude to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his continued support of the entertainment and creative arts industry.
In an open letter to the governor on Monday, Umoh recalled how Governor Eno, through his Royalty Hotel in Eket, gave him his first major platform as a young undergraduate in 2004 to launch his stand-up comedy career—a move he described as the foundation of his rise to national and international recognition.
The comedian commended the governor for his recent recognition of entertainers during the 10,000-Man ARISE City Walk in Uyo, noting that Eno’s message on creativity, diligence, and value creation struck a chord with both the industry and the wider public.
“Your charge mirrored the can-do spirit of a typical Nigerian, nay Akwa Ibomite,” Umoh wrote, while pledging his “unflinching support” to the governor’s administration.
He lauded Eno’s investments in tourism and youth development, citing the transformation of the ARISE Park into a world-class recreational hub and the establishment of the Ibom Creative Academy as visionary moves that would place Akwa Ibom on the global entertainment map.
“The academy is destined to produce Academy Award winners, Grammy winners, and other internationally recognized artistes from Akwa Ibom,” he said.
Umoh also expressed delight at being mentioned among the state’s leading entertainers at the event, pledging to deploy his skills in any area of the administration where his services may be required.
“As a living testimony to the seed of encouragement you once planted in me, I assure you of my continued support, prayers and partnership in progress,” he added.
The actor congratulated Governor Eno in advance on the state’s forthcoming 38th anniversary, reaffirming his loyalty and admiration for the governor’s vision of an Akwa Ibom that thrives beyond oil and gas.
