UYO – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared that, his administration has substantially fulfilled the promises made to the people in 2023, unveiling a fresh development roadmap tagged “Arise 2.0” as the blueprint for the next phase of good governance in the State.
Speaking Friday at Government House, Uyo, during his third anniversary address titled, “Promises Made and Promises Fulfilled, Onward to Arise 2.0,” the Governor said, his administration had recorded massive achievements across critical sectors including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, tourism, housing, youth empowerment and rural development.
He attributed the successes recorded within the last three years to the support, prayers and unity of the people, as well as the collaboration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“We have ticked all the boxes and are rearing to do even more when, by the Grace of God, you return me for another four-year tour of duty next year,” the Governor declared.
Highlighting major achievements of his administration, the Governor disclosed that over 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges have either been completed or are ongoing across the State, while all the 31 Local Government Areas have benefitted from one project or another.
In the education sector, Governor Eno said free and compulsory education has remained uninterrupted, with bursaries and grants continually paid to students and institutions.
He also announced the upgrade of the Akwa Ibom College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to a University of Education, alongside the recruitment of 1,000 teachers and approval for another 1,000 teachers to be employed.
The Governor further revealed that his administration had recruited 2,854 medical personnel, enrolled over 200,000 residents into the State health insurance scheme and commenced work on a 350-bed Ibom International Hospital.
On agriculture, Governor Eno announced the launch of the Oil Palm Revolution Programme, Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company and the disbursement of N2 billion in grants to farmers aimed at boosting food production and reducing food prices.
He stated that his government had paid over N83 billion out of the N111 billion gratuity backlog inherited from previous administrations, assuring retirees that the remaining balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
Governor Eno also announced that over N6 billion had been disbursed as business grants to youths and farmers, while youth development centres would be replicated across the 31 Local Government Areas to train young people in digital and vocational skills.
Speaking on tourism and aviation, the Governor described the soon-to-be commissioned Arise Palm Resort as a signature project that would reposition Akwa Ibom as a tourism destination, adding that Ibom Air had successfully operated its maiden international flight to Accra, Ghana, with additional aircraft expected later in the year.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved certification and compliance processes for the Ibom Deep Seaport project, expressing optimism that the long-awaited project would soon materialise.
Looking ahead, Governor Eno unveiled “Arise 2.0,” which he described as an ambitious five-year development agenda containing 85 strategic projects aimed at transforming the State between 2027 and 2031.
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Governor urged politicians and supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid violence, hate speech and character assassination.
“Politics will come and go, but the spirit and bond of our brotherhood will remain unbroken,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and inclusive governance, Governor Eno said he would continue to govern Akwa Ibom with the fear of God and maintain his role as a “peacemaker” throughout his tenure.
The anniversary celebration also featured renewed calls for unity under the administration’s political slogan: “Akwa Ibom United.”
