Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has announced plans to establish a Creative Village in the state to serve as an incubation hub for youth talent across film, music, comedy, fashion, and technology.
Governor Eno made the announcement in Uyo during the “Okon and Friends Live in Concert” event organised by renowned Nollywood actor and comedian Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos.
Last night, I joined our very own Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, for his Okon and Friends Live in Concert, a celebration of talent, creativity, and resilience.
I reminded our young people that success doesn’t come overnight. Hard work, consistency, and focus are… pic.twitter.com/LO24k6lAKh
— Pastor Umo Eno (@_PastorUmoEno) October 6, 2025
The Governor described hard work, consistency, and resilience as the cornerstones of lasting success, urging Nigerian youths to remain focused and creative in their chosen careers.
“We will continue to work with our young people and support creativity and innovations that will positively promote and position them to accomplish more in life,” he said.
Governor Eno observed that many young people struggle to stay committed to their career paths, often switching directions without perseverance.
”One of the things that is not right with our young people today is that they don’t pursue their paths; they want to run other people’s races. They are not consistent and tenacious in their chosen careers to make a huge difference,” he remarked.
Commending Okon Lagos for his 25 years of resilience in the entertainment industry, Eno described the actor as a model of focus and discipline, adding that “excellence, not imitation, drives global relevance.”
“You have been steady and focused on this career path; that’s why you are making an impressive impact in Nigeria and beyond,” the Governor said.
He further cautioned against “career drift” among youths and encouraged them to cultivate clarity of purpose and perseverance.
“Our youths need to develop that perseverance; they need to know what they want. Today, they start a career; tomorrow, they abandon it to start another one. They want everything and end up having nothing. Be focused and consistent to make a mark,” Governor Eno advised.
Earlier, Okon Lagos expressed gratitude to the Governor for attending his concert, joking that,
“It could only take the Governor’s humility to patronise my stupidity.”
During the event, the comedian presented a posthumous award to the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Eno, for her encouragement and belief in his career. The award was received on her behalf by Lady Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, who described Okon Lagos as “the pride of Akwa Ibom State.”
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The concert featured comedy and music performances from top entertainers including MC Pashun, The Senator, Koloman, Funny Bone, Dan D’Humourous, I Go Save, and Mista Xto.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, among them the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; captains of industry; and entertainment enthusiasts.
Governor Eno’s commitment to nurturing youth creativity aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies the creative industry as a key pillar for national economic transformation.
The initiative also reflects the state’s broader goal to harness youth potential in contributing to Nigeria’s projected one-trillion-dollar economy, positioning Akwa Ibom as a creative force on both the national and global stage.
