– Pst. Solomon Essiet
In a groundbreaking move, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State convened the Akwa Ibom Dialogue, a three-day event that brought together experts and stakeholders to review and refine the ARISE Agenda, the state’s economic blueprint. This novel approach to governance has set the stage for the success of Governor Eno’s administration.
♦The Gathering of Experts
Renowned industrialists, entrepreneurs, investors, and professors of international repute gathered at the five-star Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort from July 24 to 27, 2023. The event was chaired by Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, former Minister of Budget and National Planning. Notable attendees included:
– Former Governors of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and Obong Victor Attah
– Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji
– Former Minister of Petroleum and chieftain of the APC, Atuekong Don Etiebiet
– Former Minister of Housing, Chief Ndueso Essien
– Former Minister of Women Affairs, Obonganwan Rita Akpan
– Akwa Ibom governorship candidate of ADC, Architect Ezekiel Nyaetok
– Past and present national lawmakers across all political spectrum in Nigeria
– High-ranking officials of ECOWAS, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Allcare Health Services, USA, NNPC, NUPENG, International Institute of Hospitality, USA, and Association of Tour Operators of Nigeria
♦The ARISE Agenda: A Roadmap for Development
The ARISE Agenda, representing five aspirations in Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security, and Education, was broken down into 18 focal sectors. Each sector was reviewed and refined through breakout sessions, with 236 resource persons and 14 world-class businessmen and intellectuals contributing their expertise. The resulting roadmap provides a clear direction for the state’s development.
♦Benefits of the Ibom Dialogue
The Ibom Dialogue has numerous benefits, including:
– Inclusive governance: The event demonstrated Governor Eno’s commitment to inclusive decision-making.
– Collaborative problem-solving: The dialogue fostered a collaborative environment, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise.
– Comprehensive roadmap: The resulting roadmap provides a clear direction for the state’s development.
– Implementation guidelines: Sectoral reports provide implementation guidelines, timelines, and action points.
– Robust and pragmatic recommendations: The reports are robust, pragmatic, and eye-opening, providing a clear direction for the state’s development.
♦Commitment to Implementation
Governor Eno guaranteed the implementation of the refined ARISE Agenda, pledging to do his best to make the dreams of his administration a success. It is evident that the Governor has followed the blueprint of his administration religiously, thereby making wave as the best performing Governor with several awards in about a year and three months in office. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno is not leaving any stone unturned in the implementation of the Arise Agenda. So far, the journey has been very smooth. This commitment ensures that the benefits of the Ibom Dialogue has been very helpful and realizable.
♦Outcome and Communique
The communique of the dialogue, signed by Professors Okon Ansa and Trenchard Ibia, acknowledged the tremendous inputs and enrichment of the ARISE Agenda by the 18 facilitators and 236 resource persons. The outcome of the dialogue has been hailed as a pivotal force for the success of Gov. Eno’s administration.
The Akwa Ibom Dialogue has marked a significant milestone in the state’s history. The event’s outcome has set a high standard for governance, demonstrating the power of collaboration and inclusive decision-making. As Governor Eno is embarking on this historic Administration, the ARISE Agenda will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving development, prosperity, and success for the administration for the benefits of the entire people of Akwa Ibom State.
Pst. Solomon Essiet (ACIA)
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
