Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, has approved the immediate employment of Miss Abigail Okon Edet, a young woman once abandoned at birth and raised in a government-owned children’s home, in a moving moment at the ongoing Christmas Unplugged 2025.
The Governor made the announcement during the formal opening and inspection of the Akwa Ibom State Government Pavilion, drawing loud applause from the audience.
Exercising his prerogative powers, Governor Eno waived all conditions and approved Abigail’s instant employment into the State Civil Service, with deployment to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service to ensure proper mentorship. He also directed the Head of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission to ensure immediate compliance.
Making the announcement, the Governor said:
“I approve the immediate employment of this young girl into the State Civil Service and direct the Head of the Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission to implement this decision without and deploy her to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service for mentorship . I am proud of her for rising above difficult circumstances, with government support, to become a graduate. No one should allow the circumstances of birth or life’s challenges to limit their success. Everyone is born with a purpose.”
Governor Eno urged young people not to be defined or limited by their background, place of origin, or life challenges, encouraging them never to give up on life.
Miss Abigail, while sharing her emotional life story, recounted surviving abandonment, rejection, and multiple attempts on her life before being rescued in 2010 by the Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and admitted into the Special Children’s Home, Uyo.
She went on to study Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Uyo, graduated in 2023, and completed her NYSC on 7th August 2025.
Reacting emotionally, Abigail said:
“I would have been long gone and forgotten. My grave would have been filled with grass by now if not for the intervention of the Government of Akwa Ibom State through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.”
She added:
“God bless Governor Umo Eno and the Government of Akwa Ibom State. God bless the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. God bless my fellow siblings in the five government homes. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child protection and inclusive governance, describing Abigail’s journey as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of compassionate leadership.
The gesture stood out as one of the most defining moments of Christmas Unplugged 2025, reinforcing the message that in Akwa Ibom State, leadership is measured not only by projects delivered, but by lives restored and hope rekindled.
