09/07/2022
Pastor Umo Eno goes to School
By Osondu Ahirika
Etim Etim just reminded me of an intensely enduring Junior Secondary Literature in English textbook I read - Eze Goes to School.
As profound as Chinua Achebe's Chike and the River, Eze Goes to School was a masterpiece co-authored by Onuora Nzekwu and Micheal Crowder.
Here's an abridgement of the tale.
On the throes of death after a leopard attack, Okonkwo Adi’s last wish is that his son, Eze must get an education by all means.
Eze’s uncles frittered away his late father's resources in the aberration tagged befitting burial. His poor mother who made to fulfil her husbands dying wish is incapacitated by illness.
Eze’s teacher, Mr. Okafor, and a soldier, Wilberforce Ezeilo who comes back from Second World War are touched by his plight. Brilliant but unable to pay his fees, the duo got Eze a scholarship.
That's how 7 year old only son, Eze Adi, whose father was illiterate turns the first child in his village Ohia to attend both primary and secondary school up to one of the big colleges at Onitsha.
Eze becomes a hero. The archetypal less-privileged African Child who had to overcome formidable odds such as grinding poverty and general apathy to have an education
He epitomises the post colonial and modernist quest for an educationally empowered individual and its utmost relevance in the society.
So, I do not blame citizens who join issues to glean the educational quotient of public office holders and our leaders.
We searched for President Buhari’s Certificate. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari was sacked for a fake Toronto Degree.
Adams Oshiomhole had issues with his certificate and his successor, Godwin Obaseki had issues with his NYSC Certificate for which Ex Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun threw in the towel.
Reports that Mr Obono-Obla was arraigned for certificate forgery is still fresh.
Obono-obla is a former Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution to President Buhari and ex-Chairman of the disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP),
Repeatedly, we have had scandals of eerie educational ratings amongst public officers. Therefore, I do not blame anyone for the cynicism with which we review academic profiles of public officials.
Digging into Pastor Umo Eno's academic orbit by Etim Etim who claimed he was so induced by an unnamed 'senior citizen' refreshes in my minds eye, Eze's testament.
In Etim's words, "Soon after Mr. Umoh Enoh was unveiled as the governor's chosen candidate for the 2023 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State, I received a call from a senior citizen of Akwa Ibom State. ''Chief Etim (that's how he addresses me), do you know that Pastor Umoh Enoh does not even have school certificate''?"
They betray their sorrow so casually. That Endorsement of Pastor Umo Eno is causing nightmares for 'senior citizens'.
A ''do your research'', commission ended the call to Etim. No ooo! Not a research on how to arrest the Covid 19 scourge or many other plagues of society.
It is an 'amebo' research contract from a 'senior citizen'.
It matters though that we scrutinize those who pop up aspiring to lead us. This objective must not be driven by bile, bitterness or intention to blackmail.
So, Etim Etim goes to School to search if Pastor Umo Eno went to school. He lays his research enquiry?
"The questions then are:
1. Does Umoh Enoh have the requisite credentials for the Office of Governor?
2. Did Umoh Enoh attend any secondary school? When did he take the WASCE and does he have the West African School Certificate?
(Bla...bla..bla.) But I will not rush to judgement. I am waiting for him to publish his profile, showing the educational institutions he attended with corresponding dates."
Dr Uwemedimo Umanah helped us with a simple response. I quote.
"Umo Eno is an entrepreneur, administrator and a minister of the Gospel. An accomplished hospitality professional and fellow of the Nigerian Catering and Hotel Institute (FNCHI), He got his FSLC from Local Authority School Ikeja, from 1970 to 1975, thereafter proceeded to St. Francis Secondary School, Eket, Akwa Ibom State and Victory High School, Ikeja, Lagos State between between (1975 – 1981) where he bagged School Certificate (O’ Level) and didn’t end there. He always had a push for education and success. He proceeded to the University of Uyo, Uyo Akwa Ibom State and bagged a degree in Bachelor of Science, Political Science & Public Administration (1998 – 2002). He went further to bag a Master of Science degree in Political Science & Public Administration (2006 -2008).He is an alumnus of Pan African University’s Lagos Business School (LBS), and has over 35 years working experience in the private sector, spanning banking, marketing, management and hospitality."
Pastor Umo Eno's route to education like typical African children of his generation is not dissimilar to Eze Adi’s experience in the interior deprived enclave of ohia.
The 'Senior Citizen' should meditate inferentially on the words of Pastor Eno about growing up and he will see the reflection of an Eze Adi curve and mindset.
Eno said:
"My father was a Policeman and I grew up in the barracks where I lived with different people without divide. I know how to fix things from scratch. I understand the policies of government. Our youth don't have to roam the streets to beg for money. We need to do a lot to resuscitate our Science Park and ICT to provide employment for our youth. We cannot just be players in Akwa Ibom, we can join the leagues of International players. I will further peace and prosperity in Akwa Ibom. Our fishermen in Oron are languishing. I will put trawlers for Oron people to aid their fishing. I will create wealth for Akwa Ibom people."
In the foregoing verses, Pastor Umo Eno has espoused his SCHOOL OF THOUGHT on how to lead Akwa Ibom State if given the chance.
Those words said when Pastor Umo Eno
consulted the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, are not just hypothetical but heartfelt.
Dakkada Bo Eno!
This article was first published on February 20, 2022. It is repeated as Pastor Umo Eno gets confirmation from WAEC