…As we celebrate our State’s 38th Anniversary
To count the gains of the Arise Agenda successfully after two years of the Golden era Administration, is to count key sector by sector reforms undertaken by Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Transforming the State through key policy reformations by Governor Eno underscores his unwavering commitments in leading one of the most fastest developing State in Nigeria. Nothing could be more rewarding than the positive reforms that Governor Eno has successfully implemented to move Akwa Ibom State forward since his assumptions of office on 29th May, 2023.
Without an attempt to exaggerating my position on major reforms carried out by Governor Eno, this article will attempt to expose the positive effort of the State Government in challenging the norms and precedents in some key sectors of Akwa Ibom State’s Economy. Under this Administration, We have witnessed major reforms in key sectors such as Health, Education, Power, Housing, Security, Technology, Agriculture and Human Capital development. The Governor is making a deliberate effort to ensuring that he is leaving the State better than he met it. The Governor has judiciously applied the available resources in areas considered most relevant to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
Looking at the power sector, the 2-Day Electricity Summit convened by the Akwa State Government ended with Governor Eno disclosing plans to set up a State Electricity Regulatory Commission and an Electrification Agency.
According to the Governor, Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC) will provide fair tarrifs, transparent licensing and independent oversight, while the Akwa Ibom State Electrification Agency (AISEA) will deliver electricity access to towns, villages, and underserved communities. To set the ball rolling, the boards of the new Agencies will be constituted within a one month period to fulfill the long term ambition.
As part of the Power sector reforms, Ibom Power Company will be commercialise as soon as possible, to raise capital and commence its urgent rehabilitation, while taking steps to establish the Akwa Ibom Electricity Distribution Company and upgrade the State distribution network that it operates. The plan is to launch the Akwa Ibom Electricity market by licensing Ibom Power Company and the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Distribution Company, Akwa Ibom holding majority shares.
In finance, to ensure fiscal sustainability and budgetary framework, the Governor directed the Ministry of Finance, the Internal Revenue Service, the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, and relevant Agencies to intensify their collective effort in mobilizing revenue streams, thereby facilitating a more streamlined and efficient funding mechanisms for budgetary allocations.
Governor Eno has prioritized Agricultural development, implementing programmes that enhances food security and support for local farmers. Initiatives such as improved irrigation systems, access to modern farming equipments and training programmes have increased Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability. The financial grants to farmers and traders in the recently concluded town-square meeting across the 10 federal constituencies, has not just boost the businesses of the beneficiaries, but reposition our State’s economy for a more rubust engagement.
Still in the area of Agriculture, in response to the rising cost of staple good items, the Governor initiated ‘Farm Free Days”. This initiative has encouraged workers to return to the farm, planting the essential food that we consume. The State Government has provided enhanced cassava cuttings, maize seeds, pumpkin seeds, fertilizers and other essential Agricultural inputs to local farmers. Akwa Ibom State Government has built a Model Farm at Ikot Edibon, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, first of it kind in the State’s history, by implementing the Songhai Farming model, the State Government has successfully integrated Agriculture with tourism and hospitality.
In education, Governor Eno has built model schools across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. This is a testament to his unprecedented commitment in ensuring that the poor kids in the public schools also have access to basic school facilities, as these schools are completed with State-of-the-art facilities, such as Library, Computer laboratory, solar lights and constant water supply. Also the government ensures school uniform, bags and school shoes are given to the children free of charge. In an effort to assist the students in higher education, Governor Eno has increased the bursary amounts from 10,000 to 20,000 Naira for undergraduates in general programmes, and from 10,000 to 30,000 Naira for those studying professional courses such as law, medicine, engineering, and Agriculture.
The Administration of Governor Eno has instituted a 100 million educational trust fund for students with disabilities. While the undergraduates students with disabilities were given 250,000 Naira, 300,000 Naira went to postgraduate students studying professional courses. Again, as regards educational reforms, the gesture is first of its kind in the history of Akwa Ibom State. This same administration have equally approved and paid a one time wardrobe allowance of 1.1billion Naira to teachers in the State to encourage them to do more for the State Government. The State Government also paid ‘WAEC’ fees to the Senior Secondary School Students to support the parents of these students who may not be able to afford the fees.
In healthcare, significant investment have been made to improve facilities and access to medical services. One of the major reforms in healthcare is the successful launching of the Arise Care Medical Insurance Scheme. The State Government also undertook to sponsor a percentage of the civil servants in the State. Thousands of households have also keyed into the State’s healthcare insurance scheme. Model healthcare centers have been built in most the 31 Local Government Areas in one project per local government initiative. The State Government is building dialysis centers across the 10 Federal Constituencies, to further stamp its foot on the health sector.
A world class medical facility, Arise Senior Citizens Center, has been constructed by the Golden era Administration to cater for the Senior Citizens. An initiative undertaken only by Akwa Ibom State Government from available information.
Under Civil Service reforms, Governor Eno approved 80,000 Naira minimum wage for workers, higher than the 70,000 Naira benchmark by the Federal Government, of which some of the States are struggle to pay. Indeed, Akwa Ibom State is blessed with a compassionate Governor. Governor equally approved 13th Month salary to all civil servants in the State, of which he has successfully paid in the last two Christmas as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Governor Eno has so far paid gratuities to the tune of over 78 billion Naira out of the over 90 billion he inherited as an unpaid gratuities on his assumption of office.
In terms of technological advancement, Civil Service has been digitalized to some extent and more work is still be carried out to ensure a complete digitalization of the civil service. For the first time in Akwa Ibom State that people can be employed by merit instead of slots, godfatherism and man-know-man. Through the State employment portal, people are getting jobs and even contract without any connection. This is one of the key reforms of Governor Eno, ensuring that that poor also breathe.
In capacity building, there is huge investment in capacity building and social safety net for public servants in the State. For instance, Governor Eno gave out 150 units of two bedrooms apartment to junior workers between level 1-8 through a raffle draw, in a free and fair process. The Governor has also allocated brand new vehicles to Permanent Secretaries in the State to enhanced their productivity.
These and other key reforms in Akwa Ibom State has seen the State coming forward as one of the best in Nigeria. The Governor’s investment in tourism drive, a major sectoral reform is subject for another day. I thank His Excellency, for his commitments to the development of Akwa Ibom State. Happy 38th Anniversary Akwa Ibomites.
Arise that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
