Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th‑month salary bonus for all state workers ahead of the Christmas 2025 celebrations.
The bonus, popularly tagged “Eno‑mber”, is intended to ease financial pressures during the festive season and ensure that public servants can celebrate without strain.
The governor disclosed the development on Monday in a message shared across his social media accounts, moments after directing the State Accountant General to disburse the funds before Christmas.
“I have directed the Accountant General to pay the 13th‑month Eno‑mber salary before Christmas, so our workers can celebrate with ease. Happy New Month,” Eno posted.
A 13th‑month salary is an additional yearly payment to employees, typically equivalent to one month’s wage, and is traditionally paid at year‑end to help workers meet holiday obligations, buy gifts, travel, or handle personal expenses during the celebrations.
A Tradition of Support for Workers
This is the third consecutive year “Eno‑mber” bonus was paid to public servants in Akwa Ibom State.
The payment has become a recurring gesture of goodwill, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to supporting the state’s workforce during periods of high expenditure.
In December 2024, Eno also introduced a landmark policy by implementing a new minimum wage of ₦80,000 for all public servants under his administration, well above the ₦70,000 national wage, a move widely praised as one of the most generous wage gestures in Nigeria’s public sector.
The latest announcement is expected to boost morale among workers and strengthen confidence in the governor’s leadership.
For many families, the “Eno‑mber” bonus provides a cushion against rising costs and ensures that the joy of Christmas can be celebrated without financial hardship.
Masquerades Banned
Meanwhile, the governor has banned street masquerades across the state during the festive period, citing rising security concerns.
The Ekpo masquerade holds significant cultural value in Ibibio tradition, symbolizing ancestral spirits during community festivals.
However, recent incidents involving violence, harassment, and extortion—including the arrest of a masquerade group leader earlier this month—prompted the state government’s directive.
“Any masquerade found parading on the streets of Akwa Ibom State will be arrested and prosecuted,” Governor Eno warned, emphasizing the administration’s obligation to maintain public peace.
Reactions have been mixed. Supporters applaud the decision as a proactive safety measure, while critics argue it threatens cultural heritage and raises questions about whether other public festivities will face similar restrictions.
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