Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has defended his controversial ₦10 million gift to Edo State native Precious Bodunde, describing it as a gesture of encouragement for an exceptional young talent. Despite facing heavy criticism from some quarters, Governor Eno’s office has steadfastly countered the backlash, asserting that his actions are rooted in supporting Nigerian youth regardless of their state of origin.
Governor Umo Eno’s recent ₦10 million reward to Precious Bodunde, a young Nigerian who wowed audiences with her ability to pronounce the five longest words in the English language, has sparked a wave of criticism across Akwa Ibom State and beyond. Many have raised eyebrows, questioning why the governor would make such a substantial financial gesture to a youngster from outside the state, especially when thousands of unemployed youths in Akwa Ibom are struggling to make ends meet.
The governor’s office, however, quickly moved to dismiss these criticisms, labelling them as politically motivated and baseless. Dr. Essien Ndueso, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Research and Documentation to Governor Eno, addressed the issue in a strongly-worded statement.
“It is pure mischief for people to criticise the governor for rewarding a young Nigerian, Precious Bodunde, with ₦10 million following her excellence in pronouncing the five longest words in the English Dictionary,” Dr. Ndueso said. “This is a simple act of appreciation for a remarkable achievement, not a reflection of any neglect of the governor’s responsibilities to his people.”
The backlash has largely come from disgruntled indigenes of Akwa Ibom, who argue that the governor’s generosity should be directed toward addressing the pressing needs of local youths. Critics point to the state’s high unemployment rate and argue that there are many young people within Akwa Ibom who could benefit more from such financial assistance.
However, the governor’s supporters, and his office, have been quick to respond, challenging the critics to consider the broader context of the governor’s initiatives. “These are the same people who had campaigned against the governor before his election, accusing him of not being a giver,” Dr. Ndueso said. “Now they are faulting him for giving.”
Governor Eno’s critics claim that the ₦10 million gift could have been better used to uplift local youths. However, Ndueso insists that the gesture was not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy to support talent, both within and outside Akwa Ibom.
“Where were these traducers when the governor sponsored the training of 1,200 youths at Ibom-LED, with 800 receiving ₦500,000 each as an exit grant and 400 receiving ₦750,000 each to start their own businesses?” Ndueso asked. “Why do they ignore the free training for 200 youths across 31 local government areas currently ongoing at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, with each trainee receiving a monthly allowance of ₦20,000 and free accommodation and feeding?”
These programs, according to the governor’s office, are tangible evidence of Eno’s commitment to his state’s youth, a commitment that is in full swing, despite the backlash surrounding his gesture to Bodunde.
Further underscoring Governor Eno’s continued support for the educational sector, Dr. Ndueso pointed to a string of other initiatives the governor had undertaken over the past year. These included a ₦10 million educational grant awarded to Master Kentimfon Ndanyongmong, who emerged as the winner of the 2023 Heirs Life Essay Competition. Additionally, four Akwa Ibom students were awarded ₦79 million for tuition fees to attend the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria.
Even in terms of student support, Governor Eno has made significant strides, including an increase in bursaries for students in public tertiary institutions. “Undergraduates now receive ₦20,000, up from ₦10,000, and specialized programme students receive ₦30,000, up from ₦10,000,” Ndueso noted. “Moreover, educational grants have been provided for students with disabilities, ranging from ₦250,000 for undergraduates to ₦300,000 for postgraduate students.”
Governor Eno’s office is also quick to remind critics that he has been actively involved in initiatives to improve the local economy by empowering Akwa Ibom’s youth. At Ibom-LED, a development centre for youth training, 1,200 young people received various grants to help them start businesses. In the coming months, Governor Eno is expected to roll out even more such initiatives aimed at empowering Akwa Ibom’s youth with skills for the future.
Despite these facts, the controversy surrounding the ₦10 million gift to Precious Bodunde remains a hot topic. Many believe that the gift to an outsider is a tactical move designed to bolster Governor Eno’s national profile and appeal to a broader audience. Dr. Ndueso firmly rejected this notion, asserting that the governor’s actions were consistent with his vision for an inclusive, forward-thinking leadership style.
