Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stirred deep emotion and reflection on Sunday as he returned to his spiritual roots at The Apostolic Church, Nigeria, Maboju Assembly in Lagos—a place he credited with his miraculous healing from chronic illness nearly five decades ago.
Speaking during a heartfelt Homecoming and Thanksgiving service, Governor Eno shared the moving story of how, as a young boy in 1975, he was plagued by persistent ill-health until his mother, driven by desperation and faith, brought him to a revival meeting at the church.
"By the grace of God, I received my healing during that revival," Eno declared, recalling the transformative encounter with conviction. “From then on, my mother and I became regular worshippers here. This community became our home. I schooled here, lived here—everyone in this neighborhood knew us.”
The event, attended by high-ranking government officials, business leaders, and longtime friends, was as much a celebration of faith as it was a powerful reminder of destiny, humility, and spiritual grounding. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, while Akwa Ibom’s Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, also stood by Eno during the service.
The Apostolic Church leadership, in turn, testified to Eno’s long-standing commitment to service within the church. Before his relocation to Akwa Ibom in 1995, the governor was actively involved in various capacities, laying a spiritual foundation that many believe still guides his leadership today.
Choking with emotion, Governor Eno likened his return to the biblical story of Jacob’s return to Bethel—a place of divine encounter and covenant renewal. He referenced Genesis 35, explaining that the homecoming was not merely ceremonial, but a deeply spiritual act of obedience and gratitude.
“The Spirit of the Lord laid it strongly on my heart to return to Bethel,” he said. “If you forget the blessings of yesterday, you risk forfeiting the blessings of tomorrow. This journey back is a recognition of where it all began—a sacred place that marked the turning point in my life.”
The governor’s testimony resonated deeply with the congregation, many of whom were visibly moved by his humility and faithfulness. His story, a powerful blend of personal healing, spiritual calling, and public service, offered an inspiring message of gratitude and divine purpose.
For Eno, the visit to Maboju Assembly was not just a return to a physical location—it was a rekindling of faith, a spiritual reset, and a public acknowledgment that in both personal life and leadership, it pays to remember the altar where your journey began.
