Uyo, Akwa Ibom – In a move to honor the contributions of former deputy governors, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno presented a fleet of brand-new Toyota Land Cruisers during the state’s 38th anniversary celebrations in Uyo on Thursday.

The gesture by the governor, has sparked widespread debate, with the lavish gift clashing against the backdrop of the state’s economic challenges.

The vehicles, estimated to cost between ₦100-150 million each, were presented as a "token of appreciation" for their years of service and sacrifice, with Eno emphasizing their continued role in sharing wisdom with the state.

However, the announcement has ignited a firestorm of criticism as residents and commentators have pointed to Akwa Ibom’s alarming poverty rate, estimated at 40-50%, and a youth unemployment rate of 50%, exacerbated by Nigeria’s national inflation rate of 34%.

Governor Eno, who assumed office with a promise to transform Akwa Ibom through his A.R.I.S.E. agenda—focusing on poverty reduction, job creation, and sustainable growth—now faces pressure to address these concerns.

The state, rich in oil resources, has historically struggled to translate its wealth into broad-based prosperity, a tension now highlighted by this controversial gift.

As the debate rages, the governor has yet to respond to the public outcry.