The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced the ARISE Project Tracking Series to evaluate the progress, quality, and impact of ongoing projects across local government areas in the state.
The exercise, led by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, took off with inspection visits to project sites in Abak and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas, drawing commendation from residents who described Governor Umo Eno’s administration as people-focused and development-driven.
Receiving the team, the Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government, Ime Effiong Charles, lauded the initiative as a mark of transparency and accountability, assuring continued cooperation of the council in sustaining the Governor’s development agenda.
At the Mega Oil Palm Processing Plant and Storage House, facilitated under the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Project, at Ikot Akwa Ebom, Ediene Clan, the State Coordinator, Ofonime Etuknwa, said the facility is a fully equipped, women-managed oil mill featuring automated heating, pressing, and fibre-separating systems.
She thanked Governor Eno for the intervention, noting that such modern plants were being replicated across all eleven wards of Abak.
Beneficiaries, including Enobong Uduak Bassey and Emem Michael Jimmy, expressed gratitude for the empowerment initiative.
Jimmy said: “This project has changed our lives. We now make good money and support our families. The Governor is indeed a promise keeper.”
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The team inspected ongoing and completed road projects including the 8.6km Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan road, the completed 10.4km Pepsi Junction–Ukpom–Abak road, and the 18.9km Ibiakpan–Abiakpo Otoro–Abak Manta road with spur.
Residents and road users expressed delight that the projects had ended years of isolation and hardship.
A youth leader, Ndifreke Adiauko, said the road had been impassable for decades before the Governor’s intervention, while a cyclist, Pastor Aniedi Paul, described it as “an answer to 30 years of prayer.”
The team also inspected ARISE Compassionate Homes built and furnished for vulnerable citizens. Beneficiaries including Sylvester Michael- a physically challenged father, Arit Ikpe Moses, and Theresa Joseph Udom, among others expressed appreciation for the furnished homes and business startup financial grants.
At Holy Child Convent Model Primary School, a Primary 6 pupil, Mary Imo Sunday, thanked the Governor for rehabilitating the school and prayed for his continued success.
In Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, the Council Chairman, Gideon Uwa, described the Governor’s development initiatives as transformative. He cited the 16km Etim Ekpo–Essien Udim road, the Model Primary Health Centre at Utu Ikot Nkor, and several other ongoing road projects.
The Project Manager, Johnny Ime of Nsik Engineering, commended the Governor for the timely release of project funds for the Etim Ekpo–Ika–Essien Udim road, promising timely delivery.
Accountability and transparency
The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, speaking at the close of the inspection, said the project tracking exercise underscores Governor Eno’s commitment to transparency and measurable governance.
He said: “Governor Umo Eno has taken governance to every doorstep. His Excellency believes every kobo spent must be accounted for, and that development must be visible, measurable, and felt by the people.”
He commended the cooperation of local government chairmen, contractors, and residents, assuring that the tracking series will continue across all local government areas in line with the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.
According to him, the effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth and equitable development across all tiers of government.
By deepening community-based accountability and transparency, Akwa Ibom’s ARISE Projects mirrors the national vision for grassroots empowerment, and a shared commitment to transforming governance into tangible benefits for every Nigerian.