Lagos: In a show of political solidarity and heartfelt generosity, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his allegiance to President Bola Tinubu while pledging ₦10 million to support the welfare initiatives of his alma mater’s alumni group.
He disclosed this on Saturday at the quarterly meeting of the Victory High School (VHS) Old Students’ Association, 1981 Set, held in Lagos.
Eno explained that his political foundation was rooted in the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that he couldn’t stand apart from President Tinubu.
He said Tinubu had demonstrated rare leadership, noting that critics of his administration were people who had previously mismanaged opportunities to govern the nation.
The governor announced a donation of N10 million as seed money for the Welfare Intervention Scheme, earlier proposed by the VHS 1981 Set leadership.
He thanked the group for supporting him in difficult moments, adding that their solidarity had consistently inspired him.
The VHS 1981 Set conferred on him the title of Grand Patron and presented an Award of Excellent Service for contributions to alum growth and human development.
Association President, Mr John Abiodun, described the governor as a dependable pillar of support to both the alum group and society.
He said the association had, under its new leadership, sustained the slogan ‘Leave No One Behind’, ensuring unity, service, and collective achievement.
According to him, achievements so far include the provision of 10 air conditioning units, 13 executive office furniture, alum registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and welfare support for members.
The group has also inaugurated a lecture series on education and economic development, while extending palliatives and assistance to members in financial difficulty.
Abiodun said plans were underway for capital projects such as procuring a school bus, landscaping, renovations, and equipping classrooms with more computers and science laboratory facilities.
He added that the group was designing an investment scheme to generate income for members through short- and medium-term instruments, while seeking wider alum support.