Governor Umo Eno has described the last three years of his administration as a period of “growth and shared prosperity,” marked by the fulfilment of major promises made under the Arise Agenda, with broad-based growth witnessed across critical sectors of the economy in Akwa Ibom State.
Delivering his third anniversary address at Government House, Governor Eno thanked the people for their prayers, support and faith, saying the achievements recorded within three years were made possible through peace, unity and collective commitment.
“Together and collectively, we have achieved a lot, in line with the promises I made during the 2023 campaigns,” he stated.
The Governor, in a policy-driven address titled “Promises Made and Promises Fulfilled: Onwards to Arise 2.0″, said the State was fast becoming “a destination of choice” and “a shining City on the Hill”.
Governor Eno equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for supporting development initiatives in the state and commended past leaders for laying the foundation for growth.
On politics, he applauded the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the state, noting that the party conducted “very peaceful primaries” ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor disclosed that the government had launched the Oil Palm Tree Crop Revolution to reposition Akwa Ibom as a leading oil palm-producing state, stating that farm implements, seedlings and N2 billion grants had been provided to farmers, while Ibom Model Farm and local government farming initiatives were ongoing to reduce food prices.
“We recently launched the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company, which will make equipment available to farmers at highly subsidised rates,” he said.
Governor Eno said government had intensified rural development through the construction of roads, wet markets, model healthcare centres and model primary schools across the 31 local government areas.
“Recently, we approved N7.3 billion at N20m for each of the 369 wards in rural areas to form women cooperatives,” he said, adding that each ward would also benefit from solar-powered borehole projects in partnership with GIFA.
On infrastructure, the governor announced that the government had completed or commenced work on “1,300 km of economically viable roads with 40 bridges.”
In the education sector, he reaffirmed commitment to free and compulsory education, bursary payments and institutional grants, announcing that “Akwa Ibom College of Education, Afaha Nsit, is now fully upgraded to a university of education.”
He further disclosed that model primary schools equipped with solar power, computer laboratories and teachers’ quarters had been built and commissioned.
“We have equally recruited 1,000 teachers and recently approved an additional 1,000 teachers to be recruited soon,” he emphasised.
Governor Eno also announced plans to establish three model secondary schools, one in each senatorial district, with the first already under construction in Uyo Senatorial District.
On healthcare, the Governor said the government had commissioned or commenced work on primary healthcare centres across all local government areas and recruited 2,854 medical personnel, with over 200,000 residents so far enrolled into the state health insurance scheme.
“Work on our 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, complete with 24 departments,” he noted, was ongoing.
Governor Eno said the administration was positioning Akwa Ibom as a tourism hub through investments in hospitality and recreation infrastructure, announcing that the state would hold a variety night at the soon-to-be commissioned Arise Palm Resort to mark the anniversary celebration.
Other tourism assets highlighted included the International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels and the Arise Shopping City Centre.
In aviation, the Governor said the state recently recorded its maiden international flight from the new terminal to Accra, Ghana. The government had purchased two CRJ900 Bombardier aircraft and was expecting an Airbus A220-300 aircraft later in the year to strengthen Ibom Air operations.
“Ibom Air is working on commencing international flights, and this is a thing of joy for our state,” he said.
According to the governor, projects such as the Aviation Village, maintenance repair and overhaul facility, taxiway, perimeter fencing and airport hospital were progressing steadily.
On social welfare, he said his administration had so far cleared more than N83 billion out of over N111 billion in gratuity arrears inherited by the government.
“Today, we have paid over N83 billion of the backlogs and remain firm and committed to liquidating the entire backlog before the end of our first term in office,” he assured.
He further disclosed that the government had disbursed over N6 billion in business grants to youths and farmers through empowerment schemes and town square meetings.
Thousands of youths had also received training through Ibom-LED and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, alongside N750,000 start-up support packages.
Governor Eno announced the launch of the Youth Development Centre in Oron Local Government Area to provide training in e-commerce, fashion, creative enterprise and digital skills, adding that the initiative would be replicated across the 31 local government areas.
In the power sector, the Governor said steps were being taken to ensure a stable electricity supply, including off-grid solutions for rural communities.
On maritime infrastructure, he stated that the federal government had approved certification and compliance processes for the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
“We will pursue the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport by the grace of God and with your support,” he stated.
Governor Eno also highlighted achievements in housing, revealing that the government had constructed 1,048 housing units across compassionate homes and medical, aviation, judiciary and legislative villages.
In sports development, he announced plans for a sports academy in Eket to nurture young talents.
He further disclosed that work was ongoing on a major transport terminal project, while 50 Compressed Natural Gas buses were expected in June to improve public transportation.
The Governor added that improvements in Internally Generated Revenue through the Treasury Single Account system were helping to strengthen fiscal management.
Looking ahead, Governor Eno unveiled “Arise 2.0” as the blueprint for development between 2027 and 2031.
“We will work to complete the 85 other audacious projects that will change the landscape of development across sectors in our state,” he declared.
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive leadership, he urged political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and maintain peace ahead of the elections.
“I had promised you that I would be the Governor for all Akwa Ibomites. Politics of ideas, and not one of name-calling or character assassination. I came as a peacemaker, and I will leave, by the grace of God, the office in 2031 as a peacemaker,” he declared.
