Honourable Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo

Ekpo Hails Gov. Eno on Excellence Award from President Tinubu

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has congratulated the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on his conferment with the Distinguished Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development and Community Empowerment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The honour was bestowed on the Governor at the Nigerian Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS), held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a congratulatory message addressed to Governor Eno, the Gas Minister described the award as a "well-deserved recognition" that reflects the transformative impact of the Governor’s administration across the state.

A statement by Louis Ibah, spokesman for Hon. Ekpo, quoted him as saying that the honour accorded to Eno was a resounding endorsement of the governor's leadership style and the tangible results of the ARISE Agenda, the policy blueprint driving the state’s development programmes.

"The significant progress in roads, healthcare, agriculture, education and, notably, the empowerment of small-scale enterprises through grants and targeted support reflects an administration deeply responsive to the needs of its citizens," he noted.

"These tangible strides in human and infrastructural development distinctly set Your Excellency apart and affirm you as a truly deserving recipient of this national recognition."

Ekpo prayed for more wisdom, strength and grace for Governor Eno, as he continues to pilot the affairs of the state.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

On behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ika Chapter, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ekperikpe Ekpo, Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), on your election as President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting.

Your emergence to this exalted global position is a clear reflection of your proven competence, visionary leadership, and steadfast commitment to national and international energy advancement. It is also a great honour to the good people of Akwa Ibom State and to Nigeria at large.

We are confident that under your able leadership, the GECF will experience greater unity, progress, and strategic growth in the global gas sector.

As you assume this new responsibility, we pray for God’s continued wisdom, strength, and grace to guide you in this noble assignment.

Congratulations once again, Mr. President. Nigeria is proud of you.

Comrade Joseph John
Chapter Chairman, APC Ika
For and on behalf of the entire executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ika Chapter

PRESS STATEMENT

The attention of the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. (Obongemem) Ekperikpe Ekpo, has been drawn to a malicious advert circulating in the media space, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. The advert, purportedly from a faceless group, "Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State," and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, makes baseless allegations against the Honourable Minister regarding his working relationship with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.

The Honourble Minister would have ignored this article, but the malicious claims that Governor Eno has recruited some of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's officials, including Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, into a plot to sabotage Mr. President's second term aspiration warrant a response.

Governor Eno is leading a peaceful administration in Akwa Ibom State and has no interference with activities that go on in the All Progressives Congress (APC.)
And we can categorically deny the allegation that Honourable Minister Ekpo is involved in any plot to sabotage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election efforts. These allegations are not only false, but also ridiculous as Ekpo is known by all as a loyal and dedicated member of the APC.

In fact, his commitment to the party and its ideals is unwavering, and he has consistently demonstrated this through his actions and leadership. Without doubt, Rt. Hon. Ekpo played a pivotal role in the formation of the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), a political platform that served as a rallying point for Akwa Ibom indigenes and contributed significantly to the APC's successes in the 2023 elections.

His efforts led to the emergence of the Senate President and two House of Representatives members in the 2023 polls, and a Local Government Chairman (in Essien Udim) and many councillorship seats in Essien Udim and Ika Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the just concluded LGA election in the state.
IKA is the LGA of Honourable Minister Ekpo.

Following his appointment as Minister, Rt. Hon. Ekpo has continued to support the growth of the APC in Akwa Ibom State, mobilizing grassroots members and promoting the party's ideals.

Ekpo remains resolute in his commitment to securing a landslide victory for Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in Akwa Ibom State, as well as the re-election of the Senate President, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio GCON, and winning of more seats for the APC in the Houses of Representatives and State Assembly come 2027, and has been relentless in the struggle across party lines in this regard since his assumption of office as Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas.)

However, it is his commitment to the peace, unity, and progress of Akwa Ibom State, evident in his partnership with Governor Eno, that those who thrive and profiteer where chaos and anarchy reign are uncomfortable with, misconstruing it as a plot to sabotage Mr. President.
Among them are the sponsors of the recent advert.

The partnership between Honourable Minister Ekpo and Governor Eno has allowed a peaceful atmosphere to thrive in the state, attracting multinational firms and multimillion-dollar investments, reviving dormant projects, such as the following:
1. Securing the commitment of Jindal Group of India to offtake 450MMscfd of gas for their 15miliom tons per annum High Briquettes Iron (HBI) Steel Plant in Akwa Ibom State;
2. ⁠Launching of the Presidential CNG Initiative Programme in Akwa Ibom State with two certified conversion centers;
3. ⁠Approval of MDGIF grant to six (6) beneficiaries, one of which is from Akwa Ibom State;
4. Partnership between 3W Alliance Limited and the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) to develop an international industrial park at the Liberty Free Trade Zone in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. This park will boast modern amenities including on-site power and water supply, natural gas pipelines, internal roads, warehouses, and residential estates;
5. ⁠Imminent groundbreaking ceremonies for Ibaka Industrial Hub Akwa Ibom State and CNG Plants in Akwa Ibom State, within February 2025 and other projects to create jobs for citizens and boost the country's GDP in line with Mr. President's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo reemphasizes that his relationship with Governor Eno is based on his conviction that only through an atmosphere of peace and unity can development come to Akwa Ibom State. The Gas Minister notes with delight that the peace-loving people of Akwa Ibom State, including APC faithful and concerned stakeholders, share his commitment to peace as a vital catalyst for development and progress in the state.

Hence, he remains committed to promoting the welfare and progress of the people of Akwa Ibom State and other Nigerians resident and doing business in the state, and will not be swayed by baseless allegations and blackmail that undermine this goal.

Louis Ibah
Spokesman for the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas).
January 22, 2025