Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has applauded the Catholic Church for its consistent role in championing social reforms and advocating for the welfare of the less privileged.

The Governor gave the commendation at the opening session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), which commenced on Sunday at the Diocesan Retreat and Youth Centre, Nto Ekpu Ikot, Obot Akara Local Government Area.

He noted that the Catholic Church has been at the forefront globally in demanding equity, justice, and good governance, while also influencing policies that prioritize the welfare of the people.

Governor Eno particularly lauded the contributions of eminent clerics including the late Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, for their commitment to democracy, human rights, and the protection of the poor and voiceless in society.

Highlighting his administration’s Christ-centric approach to governance, the Governor outlined several interventions targeted at alleviating poverty and improving living conditions in the State.

He disclosed that 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes have been built and handed over to widows and vulnerable families, each equipped with modern facilities such as solar power and boreholes.

“We are also paying N50,000 monthly stipends to 600 elders drawn from the 368 wards across the State, while free food distribution has so far reached 477,000 households.

“This is in line with the promise I made to run a Christ-centered government,” he stated.

Governor Eno further disclosed that over N70 billion out of the N98 billion backlog of gratuities inherited from past administrations has been cleared, to ensure retirees enjoy their pensions in peace and dignity.

On healthcare, he reaffirmed his administration’s declaration of a health emergency in the State, noting the recruitment of 2,000 health workers and the recall of fit retirees in the sector to boost manpower.

He added that, the government was upgrading health facilities and partnering with nursing schools to strengthen the pipeline of medical professionals.

Welcoming the Bishops to Akwa Ibom, the Governor congratulated the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene and its Bishop, Most Rev. Camillus R. Umoh, for hosting the week-long conference.

Earlier, the President of CBCN and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, cautioned against the growing prevalence of Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), calling for stronger government regulation and ethical guidelines.

He also urged authorities to curb malpractices in so-called “Miracle Examination Centres” that erode educational standards.

The solemn opening session began with a Holy Mass and was graced by top dignitaries, including Nigeria’s President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and other key stakeholders.