11/05/2025
GOV ENO RETURNS TO APOSTOLIC CHURCH MABOJU IN THANKSGIVING
…says Church Prophesied his reign as Governor in 1980
It was celebration galore at the Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Maboju Assembly, Lagos when several dignitaries including top government officials, private sector major players, associates and friends accompanied Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, in a homecoming & thanksgiving service.
Governor Eno, according to the church, served God in various capacities in the church before relocating to Akwa Ibom State in 1995.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said that thirty years after leaving the church, it was emotional being back to the church.
He likened his visit to the biblical return of Jacob to Bethel where he thanked God for visiting him.
The Governor said “the Spirit of the Lord laid heavily upon my heart to return to Bethel. To return to Bethel. When you read Genesis 35, to be clear to you why we're here, is a significant spiritual exercise.
“When a child forgets the blessings of yesterday, he will foreclose and forfeit the blessings of tomorrow.”
The Governor recounted how in 1975, he was relieved of constant ill health, after his mother had rushed him to a prayer meeting in the church.
“And so my mother attended that revival, and truly, by the grace of God, I got my healing in that revival. And so my mom started coming here with me.
“We stayed here, I went through school here, and so everyone around this neighborhood will know us.”
Governor Eno who paid glowing tributes to the former Pastor of the District, late Apostle George Isong, who he said played a significant role in his life, and encouraged him to marry early on in life at the age of 22.
“My wife was 19. And well, these are the products that you see now. So I like to thank our daddy for that early upbringing,” he said.
The Governor commended others, including Pastor James Okon that also helped shaped his life for the better.
On the Governorship prophesy in 1980, Governor Eno said, “one little girl, I don't even know where she is right now. I wish I would meet her again. She prophesied and said, Umo Bassey, for your labour of love, for everything you are doing, I will return you back to your homeland, and you'll be a governor of my people.”
He said he left the prayer meeting abruptly and went home.
“When the prayer band was over. Mommy came back home and said, Umo, what happened? You went to ease yourself, you didn't come back.
“I said, Mummy, look, this prophecy you people play with, see where we are living. See the burden I'm carrying. I'm not coming back to that prayer band again.
My mother looked at me and said, “Mbakara, every vision is for an appointed time. I will never, ever forget. And I thank God there are witnesses.”
Recounting all those who have played roles in his life, Pastor Eno said, “this is why I cannot be tribalistic with anything I do. I say that to tell you that the person that God will use to help you does not necessarily have to be from your local government, from your village, from anywhere. I say that to say that you need to be kind and nice to people, not on the basis of where they come from.”
“God has lined up destiny helpers for you, and they may be Christians, they may be Muslims, they may even be pagans. That does not affect what you believe”, said the Governor who listed several non Akwa Ibomites and non Christians on his ladder of success.
He maintained that, “at God's appointed time, God touched the heart of my political father, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel. And that's why I will never ever dishonor Deacon Udom Emmanuel. If you expect that I'll do that, take everything you want to give to me.”
“I learned from my youth not to forget those that God has used to touch my life. God used him, and he was the one that God used to fulfill that prophecy that was given in 1980 in this church.
“And so, having been in office for two years, the Lord laid it strongly in my heart to return to Bethel, to renew the covenant on this altar.”
The Governor who acknowledged donations from his friends and associates, announced various empowerments and incentives to the church and all categories of members.
In his homily, Pastor Dr. Senior Gabriel Uyeh, the National Vice President of the Apostolic Church who preached on the theme, Greatness in Humility commended the simplicity and humility in Governor Umo Eno’s homecoming to appreciate his humble beginning.
While decrying the traits of pride and arrogance that had led to the downfall of many, he said that humility gives rise to greatness and implored all to learn the lessons of humility from the Governor.
In his goodwill message on the occasion, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Governor Eno for his numerous achievements in Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, he said Governor Eno’s leadership is a reflection of his sound moral upbringing.
“I’m happy that your formative years, early working years were all shaped by the vibrant Lagos and you have also contributed to the growth of Lagos State.
“As your host Governor, I am happy to identify with you on this thanksgiving celebration which is a reminder that without God, one cannot achieve anything”, the Lagos Governor stated.
In his welcome address, the District Apostle and Area Superintendent, Pastor Dr. Solomon Nkopeti described Pastor Eno as a true son of the Apostolic vision who has shown that leadership is a calling of God.
“Sir, you are hereby welcome back to this spiritual home where it all began.
“Your Excellency, we remember the days you walked and worked among us, not with trappings of power, but with humility of a brother in Christ.
“To the glory of God, you had served in this Assembly as a Faithful Brother, Committed Chorister, Dutiful Deacon, Eloquent Interpreter, Effective and Evangelical Elder, Chairman of the Building Committee, the First Official Chairman of the Church Welfare Committee, a Trusted Prophetic Channel and Leader of Prayer Defense Force among other responsibilities.”
He recounted that, “It is on record that in 1980, the Lord spoke prophetically of whom you will be in the future.
“At the fullness of time according to God's perfect plan for your life, the call of purpose led you to Akwa Ibom State to fulfill your divine Assignments, but your spiritual roots remain deeply planted here.
“Your Excellency, today in Akwa Ibom State, your Administration is a living prove and testimony of the scriptures in Prov. 29:2 which says "when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice ....".
“We have watched with keen interest, pride and joy the invaluable opportunities offered by your administration to reshape the future of our people - the Akwa Ibomites, your paradigm shift in engagements, prioritizing inclusion, accountability and solidarity, tackling root causes rather than symptoms, investing in people, Communities and laying solid foundations for enduring peace and stability, Pastor Nkopeti stated.
This view was corroborated by other speakers, notably, Pastor James Okon, former District Apostle of the Maboju.
Several dignitaries including the deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who later relayed an award she received in Ghana on behalf of the Governor, coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Obareki, who joined the event from an earlier official engagement in Cairo, Egypt, representative of the Senate President, the Minister of State for Petroleum,Gas, ObongEmem Ekperikpe Ekpo, serving and former National Assembly members from the State, the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council members, political leaders, royal fathers, fathers of Faith, captains of industry,and several others.
