Akwa Ibom state Governor in Southern Nigeria, Umo Eno, has described the 38-year journey of the state as one of phenomenal growth, peace, unity and pride.
In a media broadcast to mark the 38th anniversary, the governor said:
“It has been a journey of renewal, of phenomenal growth, of undiluted peace, of the deepening of bonds of unity, kindred spirit and pride in our collective identity. It has been a journey that will gladden the hearts of our founding fathers who had prayed, consulted and dreamed of a homogeneous state of shared values, ethos and drive.”
Akwa Ibom State At 38th Broadcast, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, Governor, Akwa Ibom State.https://t.co/m1WJDgg95V
— Akwa Ibom State Govt (@aksgovt) September 23, 2025
From Rural Backwater to Modern State
Recalling the humble beginnings, he noted that thirty-eight years ago, Uyo was “for all intents and purposes, a glorified village, a rural backwater bereft of modern infrastructure.”
Today, he said, Akwa Ibom has become “the destination of choice, the nation’s best kept secret… in place of dusty narrow streets, some of which looked like bush tracks, we now have possibly the best road network in the nation.”
Honouring Past Leaders
Governor Eno commended past leaders for laying enduring foundations, insisting that “we should celebrate and honour them for their service to the State, rather than disrespecting or castigating their legacies. We owe them deep respect.”
Expanding Infrastructure and Agriculture
Highlighting ongoing interventions under his Arise Agenda, the governor disclosed that 771 kilometres of roads had been delivered or were under construction across the three senatorial districts. “Some of these roads were inherited from past administrations on which we have deployed our finisher’s anointing,” he explained, announcing that the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, would commission the 15.13 km Ikot Otomo–Azumini Road on September 24.
On agriculture, he pointed to renewed focus on food production and tree crop development, saying: “The tree crop development plan which we will soon launch will provide generational and sustainable economic prosperity for our people and restore our place as the nation’s leading oil palm producers.”
Security, Social Protection, Health And Education
In the areas of security and social welfare, the governor emphasised recent strides. “Just a few days ago, we launched the Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund aimed at bringing the private sector together in the onerous task of ensuring we remain one of the nation’s safe, secure and peaceful states,” he said.
On social protection, he added: “Our free food distribution programme, drawn from the State’s verified Social Register, is now in its third phase, and we have so far reached over 500,000 households.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to healthcare and education with the declaration of an emergency in the health sector, the planned 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, and model schools across senatorial districts.
Tourism Investment and Partnership with the Federal Government
Turning to tourism and investment, Governor Eno announced that the Arise Resort would be commissioned in December. “It is expected to draw visitors in millions to our State,” he said, alongside projects such as the 5,000-capacity International Convention Centre, the 200-room Ibom Hotel and Arise City Centre.
The Governor also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, pledging Akwa Ibom’s backing for his reforms: “We pledge our unflinching support to him as he submits himself again in 2027 for Nigerians to return him to Aso Rock to complete his audacious reforms that have already started to bear fruit.”
Peace and Unity Rallying Call
Suing for peace and unity, Governor Eno urged leaders and youths alike to resist divisive politics. “We should eschew bitterness in our political engagements and embrace the ennobling ideals of love and unity… I also appeal to our youths not to be used as agents to cause violence, because the law will take its course on anyone who flouts the rules and the sanctity of public peace.”
He concluded with a rallying call: “Let us all Arise to a Renewed Hope for Akwa Ibom and for Nigeria. God bless Akwa Ibom State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
As Akwa Ibom marks 38 years of statehood, its history tells the story of resilience, vision, and steady transformation from a humble beginning as a largely rural enclave to a modern state with national and global relevance.
Governor Umo Eno, the 11th Leader and 5th democratically elected governor of the State, inheriting this legacy, has positioned himself as both a custodian of the dreams of the founding fathers and a builder of new frontiers through his Arise Agenda.
Observers say his commitment to unity, peace, and inclusive development reaffirms the promise that Akwa Ibom, the Land of Promise, will continue to rise as a model of growth, pride, and possibility in Nigeria’s federation.