Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on citizens to embrace a strong safety culture in their daily activities, describing it as essential to preventing accidents, injuries, and loss of lives and property.
The Governor made the call on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, while declaring open a four-day training programme for newly recruited Safety Officers and Lawyers in the State Civil Service. The event held at the Ibom-LED Centre along IBB Avenue in Uyo.
Governor Eno emphasised that safety must be treated as a top priority across all sectors, including ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), homes, schools, hotels, and construction sites.
“Let safety be first in our lives. If we are going to compromise safety to do any job, let’s not do the job at all. That is the only way we can save our State and ensure that we continue to work in safe spaces,” he stated.
The Governor charged the Senior Special Assistant on Health, Safety and Environment, Mrs. Jayne Ufot, to intensify awareness campaigns across institutions and organisations in the State, urging residents to become more safety-conscious.
He also directed Commissioners, Special Advisers, and other top government officials to lead safety advocacy efforts within their respective MDAs.
“I expect each Commissioner to be the number one safety officer in his or her Ministry, just as I accept to be the number one safety officer in the State,” he added.
Governor Eno further urged citizens and residents to adopt safety as a way of life, noting that proactive measures are key to reducing avoidable incidents and ensuring a safer society.
In her welcome remarks, the Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters, commended the Governor for prioritising the welfare and safety of the people. She particularly praised the establishment of the Department of Occupational Safety, describing it as a pioneering initiative in the State.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Health, Safety and Environment, Mrs. Jayne Ufot, expressed appreciation to the Governor for his continued support, which she said has enabled her office to effectively drive safety awareness campaigns across Akwa Ibom.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council; Local Government Chairmen; political leaders; and captains of industry.
