Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his commitment to completing inherited projects, describing abandoned projects as broken commitments to communities rather than legacies of previous administrations.
He also said the value of democracy extends beyond elections, stressing that its success should be measured by the quality of governance and its impact on citizens’ lives.
Speaking at the centenary lecture of the Yoruba Tennis Club in Lagos, Governor Eno described the century-old institution, founded in 1926, as an enduring example of self-governance, institution-building and inclusive leadership.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Democracy and the Imperative of Good Governance: Renewing Hope in Challenging Times,” the Governor said democracy must deliver tangible benefits through improved healthcare, quality education, reliable infrastructure and expanded economic opportunities.
Governor Eno identified accountability, transparency, public participation, the rule of law and equity as the pillars of good governance, urging leaders at all levels to remain open, responsive and accountable to the people.
On national issues, he reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a bold effort to tackle long-standing economic and institutional challenges through reforms. He also declared his support for the President’s re-election bid, saying Akwa Ibom State would back him to continue the national renewal programme.
Highlighting his administration’s ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno outlined achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure development and the payment of gratuities to retired workers.
Governor Eno disclosed that his administration had paid over ₦88 billion out of an inherited ₦111 billion gratuity backlog and remained committed to clearing the outstanding balance.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Governor Eno’s presentation and developmental initiatives, while Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, Chief Olawumi Gasper, praised the Akwa Ibom governor for infrastructure projects, including road construction, bridges and the transformation of a major erosion site into a tourism destination.
