Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has opened up about the profound hardships his family endured following the death of his father, a tragedy that forced him into street hawking as a teenager in Lagos.
A Life-Altering Tragedy
The governor shared this deeply personal story during the Convocation Lecture at the 7th Convocation ceremony of Mountain Top University, located in Ibafo, Ogun State. The event took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Governor Eno revealed that his father, who served as a police officer, died in the line of duty. His passing marked a drastic turn in the family's fortunes. "Life became very difficult after my father's death," the governor recounted, painting a vivid picture of the sudden struggle for survival.
The Struggle for Survival on Lagos Streets
To support his mother and help augment the family's meager income, a young Umo Eno took to the bustling streets of Lagos as a hawker. He sold soft drinks to passersby, a demanding task he undertook even while holding the prestigious position of Senior Prefect at Victory High School.
This period of his life underscored a stark contrast between his academic responsibilities and the economic realities at home. His story highlights the resilience required to navigate such challenging circumstances from a young age.
A Message to the New Generation
Following the lecture, Governor Eno took to his social media platform to elaborate on the core message he delivered to the graduating students. He emphasized the rejection of entitlement and shortcuts, championing instead the values of creativity, integrity, and relentless diligence.
"I shared my own journey from humble beginnings to remind them that God honours hard work, humility, and obedience," he wrote. The governor stressed that success is fundamentally built on character, faith, and consistent effort, encouraging the youth to boldly challenge old limits.
He further commended the leadership of Mountain Top University for their role in nurturing morally sound and visionary individuals poised to contribute to nation-building.
Public Reaction and Recognition
The governor's revelation sparked reactions from Nigerians online, with many commending his humility and transparency. Comments on his post praised his demeanor and governance style.
One user, Bassey Faith, noted, "Governor, you are always so well-dressed and looking perfect. You speak well and are not careless like other governors." Another, Oluwatobi Oyetola, shared a positive experience from serving in Akwa Ibom State, thanking the governor for a conducive environment.
The narrative of Governor Umo Eno stands as a powerful testament to the possibility of rising from extreme adversity to a position of significant leadership and service.
