Governor Umo Eno Responds to Criticisms Over ₦10M Gift to Precious Bodunde
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has voiced his disappointment with the backlash following his generous gesture towards Precious Bodunde, a young talent from Edo State. Precious was awarded ₦10 million by the governor after she showcased remarkable skills in pronouncing five of the longest English words with ease.
Despite the positive intentions behind the award, some residents of Akwa Ibom have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the state’s own unemployed youth, many struggling to improve their circumstances, should be prioritized.
In response, Governor Eno, through his Senior Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, rejected these criticisms. Ndueso emphasized that the award was a simple act of appreciation for an outstanding individual from another state, highlighting the governor’s commitment to encouraging talent, regardless of geographic origin.
Ndueso dismissed the criticisms as politically motivated, stemming from opposition forces threatened by the governor’s growing popularity. He emphasized that such attempts to undermine the governor’s efforts would not sway the broad support he enjoys across Akwa Ibom.
“The criticism of the ₦10 million gift to Precious Bodunde is nothing more than mischief,” Ndueso stated. “These are the same individuals who previously criticized the governor for not being a giver. Now, they are complaining when he gives.”
He went on to clarify that Governor Eno has been consistently supporting both local and external initiatives, including rewarding creative minds, without neglecting his own people. Ndueso pointed out several of the governor’s ongoing programs, such as the ₦10 million educational grant awarded to Kentimfon Ndanyongmong, winner of the 2023 Heirs Life Essay Competition, and the N79 million funding for Akwa Ibom students enrolled in the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology.
The governor has also increased student bursaries, providing up to N30,000 for specialized programs, and has introduced grants for students with disabilities in public tertiary institutions. Furthermore, Ndueso noted, the governor has launched skills training programs, including one that trained 1,200 youths, with many receiving generous exit grants to start businesses.
“We are not hearing any complaints from these critics about the support the governor has given to young people within the state,” Ndueso concluded. “It’s evident that the governor is committed to the progress of Akwa Ibom’s youth, and such petty criticisms won’t deter him from his mission.”
