Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, held a homecoming and thanksgiving service at The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Maboju Assembly, Lagos, over the weekend.
Governor Eno had previously served God in various capacities in the church, which had prophesied his future as a governor before he relocated to Akwa Ibom State in 1995.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said that thirty years after leaving the church, returning was an emotional experience. He likened his return to the biblical account of Jacob returning to Bethel to give thanks to God.
He said, “The Spirit of the Lord laid heavily upon my heart to return to Bethel. When you read Genesis 35, you’ll understand why we are here—it is a significant spiritual exercise. When a child forgets the blessings of yesterday, he will forfeit the blessings of tomorrow.”
The Governor recalled how, in 1975, he was miraculously healed of constant ill health after his mother took him to a revival prayer meeting in the church.
“My mother attended that revival, and by the grace of God, I received my healing. She began to bring me regularly to the church. We lived here, I went to school here, and everyone around this neighborhood knew us.”
He paid glowing tribute to the late Apostle George Isong, former District Pastor, who played a vital role in his life and encouraged him to marry early, at the age of 22. “My wife was 19. These are the products you see today. I thank our daddy for that early guidance,” he said.
Governor Eno also commended others, including Pastor James Okon, who helped shape his life. On the prophecy of his future leadership, he said, “In 1980, a little girl, whose whereabouts I don’t know today, prophesied during a prayer session: ‘Umo Bassey, for your labour of love, I will return you to your homeland, and you will be a governor of my people.’”
He admitted he abruptly left the prayer meeting afterward, overwhelmed by the message. “My mother asked why I didn’t return to the prayer band. I told her that prophecy scared me. She replied, ‘Mbakara, every vision is for an appointed time.’ I will never forget that moment.”
Reflecting on his journey, Pastor Eno emphasized the importance of kindness and inclusion. “This is why I cannot be tribalistic. The person God will use to help you may not be from your village or religion. God has lined up destiny helpers for you—they may be Christians, Muslims, or even pagans.
He expressed eternal gratitude to his political mentor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, saying, “At God’s appointed time, He touched the heart of Deacon Udom Emmanuel. I will never dishonor him. He fulfilled the prophecy from 1980.”
“After two years in office, the Lord laid it strongly in my heart to return to Bethel and renew the covenant on this altar,” he said, announcing various empowerment initiatives and donations to the church and its members.
In his sermon titled Greatness in Humility, Pastor Dr. Senior Gabriel Uyeh, National Vice President of The Apostolic Church, praised the Governor’s humility and simplicity. He warned against pride and reminded the congregation that humility brings greatness.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, lauded Governor Eno’s achievements, describing his leadership as a reflection of sound moral upbringing and a contribution to Lagos State during his formative years.
Welcoming him, Pastor Dr. Solomon Nkopeti, District Apostle and Area Superintendent, described Eno as a true son of the Apostolic vision. “You are welcome back to your spiritual home where it all began. You served as a faithful brother, chorister, deacon, interpreter, elder, committee chairman, prophetic channel, and leader.”
He recounted the 1980 prophecy and praised the Governor’s transformational leadership in Akwa Ibom. “Your administration is a living testimony of Proverbs 29:2: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.’”
Other speakers, including Pastor James Okon, echoed these sentiments.
Dignitaries present included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki; a representative of the Senate President; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo; serving and former National Assembly members; the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly; State Executive Council members; political leaders; royal fathers; faith leaders; and captains of industry.
