Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has presented a comprehensive state development scorecard to indigenes residing in Abuja, highlighting the achievements of his administration across key sectors.
Speaking at the convergence of Akwa Ibom indigenes in Abuja and Northern Nigeria, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, emphasising ongoing engagement with residents both within the state and across the diaspora.
He described the event as a meaningful forum for promoting unity, solidarity, and collective development among Akwa Ibom communities.
“The array of people we have here today is a strong delegation, and it shows solidarity, one front, one family, Akwa Ibom United,” he said. “We thank all of you for this love that we have enjoyed from you.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the Akwa Ibom Community Abuja for endorsing him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections, and for installing him as Grand Patron. “By the grace of God, we will not disappoint you,” he assured.
Scorecard on Governance
Presenting a scorecard of his administration, Governor Eno highlighted that the ARISE Agenda is delivering tangible democratic governance results across the state.
“As I speak with you, there is no local government in Akwa Ibom State that we do not have a government presence,” he said, citing road construction, schools, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
He disclosed that works are ongoing on approximately 1,210 kilometres of roads, alongside 84 “very audacious projects” across the state. He also highlighted the Arise Farm Resort, reclaimed from severe gully erosion and now transformed into what he described as “one of the most beautiful resorts in this country.”
In the health sector, the governor announced the establishment of a 350-bed Ibom International Hospital with oncology and specialist departments, as well as the ARISE Health Insurance Scheme.
“We have instituted health insurance for our people, where you pay 18,000 naira to get the insurance cover, and you can visit any health centre in the state,” he said, adding that a 24-hour emergency ambulance service is operational statewide.
Budget, Projects and Abuja Investments
Governor Eno said his administration conducted needs assessments across the ten federal constituencies ahead of the 2026 budget.
“At least there is one project from every local government in the 2026 budget,” he stated.
On investments in Abuja, the governor announced plans to redevelop the Akwa Ibom property in the Federal Capital Territory into Ibom Hotels and Apartments, following the successful acquisition of a Certificate of Occupancy.
“I am glad to inform you that… Akwa Ibom State Government has the title document of this property,” he said.
He also disclosed that the state had applied for land in Abuja to develop an Akwa Ibom Estate to provide affordable housing for indigenes working in the FCT.
Political Endorsements and Mobilisation
Governor Eno thanked the community for supporting him and other leaders ahead of 2027.
“First on the list is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Akwa Ibom is solidly behind him,” he said. He also affirmed support for Senate President Akpabio to return to the Senate from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
He urged party members to participate in the ongoing APC digital registration and voter card validation, stressing that registration would be tied to party activities and opportunities.
The governor also called on indigenes to register with the ARISE with Renewed Hope initiative, describing it as the umbrella campaign platform for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and his administration.
In a show of support, Governor Eno announced a financial donation to the community.
“I decided that I have to give it to you, to support this community… you get ten million naira cash,” he said.
Health Sector Validation
In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, said that since the Governor declared a state of emergency in health in 2025, progress has been made.
“We focused on upgrading infrastructure… and ensuring that human resources for health are made available,” he said, adding that health worker welfare has improved:
“Health workers in Akwa Ibom earn at least 40% more than the national average. We want to reverse medical tourism, put in place infrastructure and health care professionals who will be able to reverse medical tourism…”
He added that recruitment is ongoing: “3,300 health workers will be infused into the system between this February and 1st of March.”
On the proposed hospital and how it will affect treatment costs, he said: “We’ll have Nigeria’s most advanced hospital… a comprehensive cancer centre, a transplant centre, and a neurosurgical centre. A procedure for which you would go abroad, you’re going to spend maybe 20% or 10% in Nigeria. So yes, it’s going to address that.”
Also Read: Akwa Ibom Governor Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Development
Reactions
A member of the House of Representatives, Paul Ekpo, described the convergence as a demonstration of unity.
“When we call on what keeps the party, we say Akwa Ibom United,” he said, pledging support for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
The President of the Akwa Ibom Community Abuja, Mkpisong Fan Gabriel, said the visit symbolised “greatness, oneness and a forward-looking future,” adding that the community would stand by the state’s leadership in 2027.
The Woman Leader of the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Dame Maria Orok, raised concerns over the welfare of women and families, noting that many widows are struggling to care for their children.
“We have about 100 widows in our midst, who are not able to pay the children’s school fees. Some of the children are dropped out from school.”
She also appealed for youth empowerment and employment opportunities for graduates, calling for the extension of the ARISE Agenda to Abuja-based women.
“We have a lot of unemployed youth in our midst… a lot of graduates that do not have jobs… We want to see the evidence of ARISE Agenda in the lives of our women in Abuja.”
Moving a motion on behalf of the community, Comrade Tommy Etim PhD, Trustee of the Akwa Ibom Community Abuja, declared:
“In 2027 we will vote them back to office,” referring to President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
The event, attended by former and serving National and State Legislators, Commissioners led by the Dean, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, captains of industry, political stalwarts, and other stakeholders, concluded with renewed calls for peace and unity.