The Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the award of 357 projects across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to qualified youths and companies in the State through the State procurement portal, to boost youth empowerment and national development.
The decision was reached at the State Executive Council Meeting, held at Government House, Uyo, presided over by Governor Umo Eno.
Speaking, Governor Eno emphasised the importance of teamwork and synergy; urging members to “leverage one another’s strengths in the collective drive to actualise the ARISE Agenda for the overall development of the State,”
The Council in its resolutions, ratified the Project Agreement, Contract Award, and formal handover of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, envisioned as a first-class medical facility, providing specialised care and reducing medical tourism outside the country.
Also, presentations by the Ministry of Works revealed 771km of ongoing road projects spread across the 31 Local Government Areas, and the Governor directed the Works Commissioner and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning to align constituency road needs with the 2026 People’s Budget.
To consolidate energy reforms, Council approved the hosting of a State Power Summit to accelerate reliable and affordable electricity delivery and attract investors and set a roadmap for sustainable energy in Akwa Ibom.
The Council also inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Delivery Committee to drive preparations for its forthcoming Tourism Summit in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute to position Akwa Ibom as a leading hub in Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
Ahead of the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival scheduled for September 8, Council approved the procurement of equipment in 30 sporting categories to promote youth engagement, talent discovery and youth empowerment with the Governor urging Council members to mobilize support and participation in their LGAs.
In the maritime sector, Council directed expedited works on the Oron Maritime Terminal and associated jetties to boost transport services, fast-track the resumption of full maritime services and unlock blue economy corridor development, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda
To combat illegal mining, Governor Eno inaugurated a State Committee on Combating Illegal Mining, chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, with membership drawn from security agencies and coastal LGAs to regulate, protect and monitor mineral resource exploration.
Council also received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on a courtesy call, who commended Akwa Ibom State as one of the safest in Nigeria.
“Akwa Ibom remains a model in security cooperation. We appreciate the unwavering support of the State Government,” Gen. Oluyede said.
Furthermore, Council acknowledged the commencement of INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and urged members and stakeholders to mobilize citizens participation and registration.
To boost transportation, Council approved an upward review of CNG-powered city buses on order from 20 to 50 units to ensure coverage across the 31 LGAs, for efficient, clean, and affordable, transportation aligning with national transportation infrastructure and green energy priorities
The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, noted that the decisions reflect the administration’s commitment to people-centered governance.
“Every resolution taken today speaks directly to the economic, social, and security needs of our citizens. That is the spirit of the ARISE Agenda,” Umanah said.
Governor Umo Eno also emphasised “Step by step, we are building the Akwa Ibom of our dreams, which is transparent, people-focused, and forward-moving. God bless Akwa Ibom State.”
Hauwa Abu