In just one year in office, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has made significant strides in fulfilling his campaign promises. Despite attempts by his detractors to slow him down, he has remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
He is already having an impact on everyday citizens, those often overlooked in governance. Governor Eno has not only advanced infrastructural development, as promised, but he has also prioritized youth empowerment, demonstrating a strong commitment to his manifesto.
Prior to assuming office, Governor Eno had already outlined a comprehensive economic plan, known as the ARISE agenda. ARISE stands for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management, and Educational Advancement, and it serves as a blueprint guiding his administration’s efforts to foster progress across key sectors.
This report examines his achievements across various sectors within just one year in office.
Agriculture
Agriculture is a key sector Governor Umo Eno pledged to revitalize, and he is taking concrete steps with his “Back to Farm” program, which supports farmers and encourages Akwa Ibom residents to view agri-business as a serious pursuit.
Known for leading by example from his years in the private sector to his time as a pastor, Governor Eno has personally taken up farming to inspire others. Further boosting agricultural engagement, the governor has designated the first and third Fridays of every month as work-free days, allowing workers dedicated time to participate in farming activities.
According to reliable sources, Governor Eno has revived Akwa Ibom State’s Palm Produce Company which has been docile for over 20 years. Going forward, he plans to distribute improved seeds to farmers.
Governor Eno has also provided 12,000 bags of fertilizer and improved seedlings to farmers across the state’s three Senatorial districts to enhance agricultural production. He announced this support while launching the 2024 second planting season at Uruan Local Government Area in September.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to elevating agriculture to a profitable venture, encouraging young people to view farming as a business. He emphasized that with the state’s rich agricultural environment, it’s essential for every individual to at least cultivate what they consume.
Infrastructural Development
Under the ARISE agenda, Governor Umo Eno has delivered transformative projects across various sectors. In just one year, he has constructed over 280.93 km of roads throughout Akwa Ibom State. Key projects include the dualization of the 8 km Ring Road 3 – Ikot Ekpene Road, connecting Uyo, Ikono, and Ibibiono Ibom Local Government Areas across three federal constituencies; the 8.6 km Ediene Abak – Ikot Ekan Road, linking Abak and Etinan LGAs across two constituencies; and the 16 km Midim Aran – Ikot Inyang Akpan Ekpenyong-Etok Uruk Eshiet – Ikot Imonte Road, which connects Essien Udim and Etim Ekpo constituencies.
Governor Eno also discussed the recent approval for the purchase of two Bombardier 900 CRJ aircraft to enhance Ibom Air’s fleet. Emphasizing the long-term benefits, he stated, “We aim to buy these aircraft outright, without bank facilities, to make Ibom Air a direct state asset and generate dividends for Akwa Ibom.”
Demonstrating compassion for the people, Governor Eno has paid N18.2 billion in gratuities to retired civil servants, primary school teachers, and local government workers. Additionally, he has awarded N500,000 grants to each beneficiary of the state’s Entrepreneurial Centre.
Education
In the education sector, Governor Emo has built Model Primary Schools in Uyo, Idung Offiong in Eket; Ikot Ibritam, Oruk Anam L.G.A, Afaha Itam, Itu LGA, Convent Primary School, Hospital Road, Abak L.G.A, Ukana Iba, Essien Udim L.G.A and Nung Atai Etta, Okobo L.G.A.
Each primary school he has built has a Computer Lab so that a child in primary school can have access to computer education.
Also, Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to education led to the establishment of a 100 million Naira Education Trust Fund dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities enrolled in tertiary institutions. This fund is available to all Nigerians, regardless of their state of origin.
Additionally, the governor has ensured the provision of bursary payments to Akwa Ibom State students in tertiary institutions, helping to alleviate their financial burdens.
Security
In alignment with the ARISE Agenda’s security objectives, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has bolstered the operational capacity of security agencies in the state by donating Toyota Hilux trucks. This donation follows a recent provision of fourteen gunboats to enhance waterway security.
While handing over the vehicles to the State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, Governor Eno emphasized his administration’s commitment to keeping Akwa Ibom free from criminal elements and ensuring a safe environment for residents and investors alike.
Governor Eno also announced the establishment of a Tactical Command Control Centre in the state to improve inter-agency coordination and streamline information sharing. He expressed gratitude to the state’s security agencies for their cooperation and adaptability in maintaining seamless security operations amid leadership changes. “The core responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of its people, and we are determined to fulfill that duty,” he stated. “These vehicles are intended to support our goal of driving criminal activity out of Akwa Ibom, whether by land or sea.”
The governor reiterated that the vehicles are solely for security operations within Akwa Ibom and are not to be used outside the state, ensuring their full impact aligns with the government’s goals.
Receiving the vehicles, CP Waheed Ayilara thanked the governor for his steadfast support, pledging to use the vehicles effectively to protect lives and property across the state.
State Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (Retd.), highlighted that the vehicles are equipped with advanced communication tools to facilitate secure contact among patrol teams and base stations.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, community leaders, and prominent stakeholders, including Senator Effiong Bob, Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District.
Empowerment
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans for a youth engagement and appreciation rally to be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Uyo Township Stadium. This event will launch a special program to engage and empower 5,000 youths across the state. Speaking during the September edition of the State Government’s Monthly Covenant Prayer Service at the Banquet Hall in Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno highlighted that the rally fulfils his promise to recognize the state’s youth for staying away from recent nationwide protests, which risked being exploited by negative elements.
At the rally, the governor will outline the framework for the program, including a list of selected beneficiaries from each local government area (LGA), published for transparency. He noted that 200 youth representatives from each of the state’s 31 LGAs will attend. Additionally, 2,000 verified Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will receive empowerment packages to bolster socio-economic growth within the state. “We have completed a needs assessment, and we know what these SMEs require. Their names and LGAs will be published for public verification. By supporting these SMEs, we aim to facilitate economic progress,” Governor Eno said.
The governor also announced the state’s readiness to directly distribute food to the less privileged, removing agents from the process. This direct approach follows concerns about some agents failing to comply with the terms of the bulk purchase program, and future distributions will be managed directly through the Bulk Purchase Agency.
Looking ahead, Governor Umo Eno has outlined plans to accelerate efforts in rural development, food security, housing, market expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and real estate projects in both Lagos and Abuja. He also announced approval for a second round of the “one project per LGA” initiative and the construction of additional key rural roads.
“In our second year, with the Grace of Almighty God and support from both local and diaspora communities, we plan to intensify our efforts. Our focus will remain on implementing projects aligned with the five pillars of the ARISE agenda.
“In agriculture, we will complete the Ibom Model Farm and Resort in partnership with Songhai Farms of Porto Novo, aiming to boost food production and stabilize staple food prices. We plan to connect current infrastructure into a full value chain and build on existing policies and programs,” he stated.
