Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has ushered the people of the state into the New Year with a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to peace, inclusive development, and fiscal discipline.
In his New Year address, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to God and the people of the state for their support over the last two and a half years.
“We thank the Almighty God for seeing us through the year that has just ended, for His grace upon our people and our land, for the peace we enjoy, and for the steady progress we have made together in the last two and half years, for which we are committed to expanding and deepening in the new year.”
The Governor also appreciated Akwa Ibom citizens for their prayers and cooperation, commending the State House of Assembly for approving the 2026 People’s Budget of Consolidation and Expansion.
“This spirit of collaboration is the reason our people elected us to work for them.”
He further extended New Year greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We remain encouraged by the early gains of his bold reforms and committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda so he may return in 2027 to finish these bold reforms.”
Governor Eno also thanked youths of the state for their recent rally and political endorsements.
Speaking on the spiritual direction for the year, he referenced the theme of the state’s New Year Thanksgiving and Covenant Service.
The theme… ‘The God of All Flesh’ from Jeremiah 32:27, reminds us that God remains sovereign and faithful, even in the face of challenges.”
Also Read: Akwa Ibom Governor Reaffirms Unity, Development at Yuletide Carol
On governance priorities, he assured residents that peace would remain the bedrock of development.
“Peace remains the foundation of growth and the reason our development efforts continue to yield great results.”
He announced renewed investments in agriculture, including the launch of a Tree Crop Revolution.
“This year, we will launch our Tree Crop Revolution to empower farmers across all Local Government Areas to create generational wealth and strengthen our rural economy.”
Governor Eno disclosed that the Treasury Single Account for all government revenues took effect from 1 January 2026.
“The era of MDAs generating and spending funds outside the TSA is over… there will be consequences for defaulters.”
On infrastructure, the Governor said over 1,000 kilometres of roads were either completed or ongoing, with projects drawn from community needs.
“Our target is to ensure that the people feel the impact of government across the 31 local government areas of our State.”
He commended security agencies for their collaboration, saying, “We will spare nothing to ensure that our State remains safe and secure.”
In health and education, Governor Eno highlighted ongoing projects, including the commissioning of Ukanafun General Hospital and the construction of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital.
Addressing social welfare, he said compassion remained central to governance.
“We will build more ARISE Compassionate Homes beyond the 335 already delivered and continue to reduce the N112 billion inherited gratuity backlog, having paid over ₦76.6 billion so far.”
He further outlined major tourism and aviation projects scheduled for commissioning in 2026 and confirmed progress on the Ibom Deep Seaport.
As political activities intensify, Governor Eno appealed for restraint: “I urge all leaders and citizens to reject violence and divisionary tendencies.”
He concluded with prayers for unity and progress.
“May God bless us richly in this new year and grant us unity, peace and progress as we continue to ARISE to the Renewed Hope that now define our State and Nation respectively.”