The Akwa Ibom State Governor, HE Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, joined persons who lived, schooled, and worked in Eket from the ’80s to the year 2005 to give back to Eket ancestry and the people.
In the Governor’s remark on Sunday, December 7, 2025 during a thanksgiving service at All Nations Christian Ministry, Eket, Pastor Eno acknowledged that he was favoured in the land of Eket, and as a member of the group, he will add his quota in advancing the vision of the group in touching lives and give back in positive ways to Eket and its people.
“Eket has produced another Governor in me and as a member of the Eket Old Friends, who have benefited from the city since I came to Eket, I will join to advance the lofty programmes of the group and will host the 2026 Reunion.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr. Courage Edeminam had briefed the Governor on the programmes and achievements of the group during the inaugural Reunion 2025.
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Edeminam said, “The name Eket Old Friends emanates from the idea of people who have lived, schooled and worked in Eket from the 80’s to about the year 2005.
He went further to say, “We decided to come together, unite as a people, and see what we can do.” Mr. Edeminam noted that most of their friends are late while others are ailing, struggling for survival.
“Especially for the fact that we have looked back to see that most of us are no more alive and some are struggling to live. We have decided to come to our ancestral heritage to thank God first for sustenance and protection. Then, give back to Eket people.”
On Saturday, December 7, 2025, the President of the group led members on a visit to the Paramount Ruler of Eket, His Majesty Edidem Etim Charles Daniel Abia, and later, visits were paid to ailing friends and donations were also made to assist in their healthcare needs.
In his reaction, the Paramount Ruler appreciated the ingenuity of the group for uniting in a reunion to give back to the Eket and its people. He took members of the group on a brief history of Eket, which implied that the name ‘Idung Mfia Anwe’ must have originated from its earlier picture of a trade-centre which haboured major countries of the world including Germany and Dutch.
The thanksgiving service was to avail the group opportunity to appreciate God for sustenance and protection. They emphasised their readiness to train Eket indigenes in various skills so they can be self-reliant and valuable to society. Eket Old Friends noted that the gesture is to appreciate Eket ancestry and its people for a good environment where both indigenes and visitors thrive.
Meanwhile, the group gave him an award as “Beacon of Light” due to his numerous contributions to humanity.
