A Professor of Economics from the University of Uyo, Christopher Ekong, has commended the Governor Umo Eno-led administration in Akwa Ibom State for surpassing its MTEF expectations in the two years of the ARISE Agenda implementation.
Speaking as the Lead Interrogator of the Mid-Term Review of the Socio-Economic Impact of the ARISE Agenda in Two Years, themed “Measuring Progress, Deepening Impact,” Ekong said the ARISE Agenda has emerged as a shining example of effective governance, with remarkable achievements across various critical sectors.
Hinging his interrogative analysis on the ARISE Agenda’s five anchor pillars and 17 focal points, Prof. Ekong said the visionary initiative has built a smart, resilient, and diversified economy that is benefiting all citizens.
On Agriculture, he said the state government’s programmes—such as multiplication seed farm plantations, provision of agricultural processing machines, and farm inputs—have resulted in a significant increase in food production, employment, and farm income, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
“…your provision of agricultural processing machines, 25,060 beneficiaries. For grants that you’ve given in the agricultural sector, 2,322, Quantity of farm inputs, 327,000 and processing machines, 13,060,” he said.
He disclosed that about ₦1.8 billion sunk into agricultural inputs has resulted in skilled and unskilled labour employment, with 40,900 farm input beneficiaries now actively farming.
“Crop produced, we measured in 2.07 million tonnes, and 2.762 million fishes produced. We’ve seen a significant increase in agricultural productivity, which has made the prices of agricultural products go down, thereby beating down food price inflation,” he added.
On Tourism, he noted that heavy investments in projects such as the construction of Unity Park, Arise Resorts, and restoration of old slave boats at Marina Nwaniba have not only generated employment and revenue but also showcased Akwa Ibom’s rich sociocultural heritage.
“The objective of our tourism blueprints is to develop the tourism and hospitality sector by leveraging the rich sociocultural heritage of the state, making Akwa Ibom a destination for culture, adventure, and business,” he said.
He added that other initiatives like “Christmas Unplugged” have elevated the state’s global image and created jobs.
“The first Christmas Unplugged saw 1,700 people being employed. Tourists that came into the state in that year, 1.5 million, and we had 30 artists, kiosks, open space, but in 2024, you see the leap, and if you’re talking percentages, it’s more than 10%, and we hope that this year, figures will triple. It’s increased level of employment, and tourism has united Akwa Ibom people through shared culture and encouraging coexistence and hospitality,” he explained.
On Environmental Management, Ekong said improved management of the Uyo mega dumpsite, massive desilting of drains, and public enlightenment programmes have reduced pollution and disease outbreaks while creating a healthier environment.
“We’ve seen a high up prevention of flood, even during extreme raining conditions, and reduced pollution accumulation,” he said.
On bridging the Rural Development and Empowerment Gap, Professor Ekong said basic services, grants, and transport support for women and youths are improving agricultural distribution and bridging the rural-urban divide.
“The construction of 72 new federal roads and 30 wet markets across the state has enhanced easy transportation and distribution of agricultural products to final consumers,” he said.
On Infrastructure Development, he noted the government’s work on roads, bridges, and other projects has generated employment and improved transport, laying a strong foundation for economic growth.
“This achievement is a significant step towards creating a prosperous and thriving Akwa Ibom. A total of 105 road projects have been executed in the state, and a total of 19,093 employment has been created,” he said.
On ICT Development, Ekong said portals such as the Unified Public Service Payroll Portal, state pension portal, and procurement portal are revolutionising transparency in governance.
“The ICT initiatives will drive the smart economy that we are looking for in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
On Security, he said the government’s community watch and security recruitment drive have ensured relative peace and order.
“There is relative peace and orderliness in our state, and the state security services have come back already at all times with its operational effectiveness,” he said.
On Education, he said investments in model primary schools, learning materials, and exam fee payments are raising literacy rates and promoting high-quality education.
“The governor has invested in education robustly, and the impact is an intentional effort to create a comfortable learning environment that encourages students to participate in class,” he said.
On Health, he said the construction of model primary health centres and provision of free health services are improving healthcare delivery.
Ekong also hailed the state’s aviation investment, stating that it is boosting the economy.
“The state’s flagship airline, Ibom Air has become a symbol of Akwa Ibom’s progress, providing convenient and reliable air travel services to citizens and visitors alike. Ibom Air is tremendous in advertising the state, in bringing profit to the state…”
On Empowerment, he applauded programmes targeting rural well-being, grants, and youth support.
He commended the state’s fiscal discipline and transparency.
“I looked through all the books, I didn’t see you borrow money, so my probe indicates that the feat is expressly occasioned by fiscal discipline of the state government, indicated by fiscal transparency, which is timely report of your accounts, strict monitoring and compliance with procurement procedures, which you just said, which reduces leakages from government revenue and budgetary discipline,” he said.
Ekong described the state’s achievements as a model of governance and urged the National Bureau of Statistics to partner with the state to update its data.
“If the Akwa Ibom State government sustains this abiding faith in fiscal responsibility and sagacity, Akwa Ibom State will soon emerge as the economic pride of the Nigerian Federation,” he added.
PIAK