….Next Ikono/Ini and Etinan Federal Constituencies.
You and Your Governor
Featuring: Socio-Economic Impact of Arise Agenda, Town-Square meeting.
By: Solomon Essiet
The week under review was pregnant with wonders. It was so intriguing to see the Governor of Akwa Ibom State honoured by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), as the best Governor of year 2025, during the public presentation of the Socio-Economic Impact of Arise Agenda in Two Years. Other activities of Governor Eno in the period includes:-
✅Gov. Eno worshipped with All Nations Christian Ministries Int’l, Onna, as he inaugurated the new Church building, Sunday, August 03, 2025
✅Gov. Eno revalidated his membership with the All Progressive Congress, APC, at his Political Ward, Ibiakpan Obotim, ward II, Nsit Ubium LGA, Monday, August 04, 2025
✅Gov. Eno commiserated with family of late Rev. Aniekan Etukuwa, Etinan LGA, Tuesday, August 05, 2025
✅Gov. Eno Commissioned 100-Bed facility mother and child Specialist Hospital in Ibiono Ibom LGA, Wednesday, August 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno played host to a team of academia and media professionals, anchoring the public presentation of Socio-Economic Impact of Arise Agenda in Two Years, Thursday, August 07, 2025
✅Gov. Eno felicitated with Mr. George Uriesi, CEO, Ibom Air, on his birthday, Friday, August 08, 2025
✅Gov. Eno joined the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, on their inaugural summit, Friday, August 08, 2025
✅Gov. Eno celebrated APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, on his birthday, Friday, August 08, 2025
✅Gov. Eno empowered 1,187 beneficiaries with N492 Million Naira Grants at Uyo Federal Constituency’s Town-Square Meeting, Saturday, August 09, 2025.
♦️MATTERS ARISING
Due to inconsistencies in the performance indices of Akwa Ibom State at different fronts, as a result of non-availability of accurate data, it was pertinent that Akwa Ibom State Government, led by Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, opened up the blueprint of his Arise Agenda and key achievements of his administration in the last two years, for public scrutiny, in what was titled, “Public Presentation of Socio-Economic Impact of Arise Agenda in Two Years”. The exercise underscores transparency, accountability, and responsibility, as the Governor has maintained a very open policy in his administration, helping the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Bank, and other related Organizations to be up to speed with current data, representing the current economic realities of our State. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has transformed the economic outlook of the State through continuous Empowerment, Entrepreneurial Development and Human Capital Development, since his assumption of office and it was only normal that an accurate information regarding the State Government activities in all sectors covered by the Arise Agenda, be brought forward for public scrutiny, thereby ascertaining the true qualitative and quantitative State’s data on developmental strides so far recorded.
Akwa Ibom State Government is big on empowerment. We cannot talk about Entrepreneurial Development without talking about empowerment. I mention this because of the recent argument during the Public Presentation of the Socio-Economic Impact of Arise Agenda, in Two Years, that the State Government should move from Empowerment to Entrepreneurship. Ideally, in the case of ongoing Town-Square Meeting across the Federal Constituencies that made up Akwa Ibom State, where Governor Eno is empowering the Farmers and Traders with equipment support and financial grants ranging from 500 Thousand Naira to 1million Naira and above, and even 5million Naira in most cases, the State Government is directly or indirectly contributing to the entrepreneurial development of the State, so far Thousands of Farmers and Traders have benefited, these capital from grants would be injected in their businessess, thereby stimulating the economy. I stand to be corrected. At least one of my favorite Lecturers, Dr. Abasifreke Idiong, said he can only surrender to a superior argument. Moving forward, the State Government is also training some youths through Ibom leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center, IBOM-LED, and Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre, DASAC, of which about 2000 youths have so far benefited from the training and empowerment. Governor Eno, during the Town-Square meeting in Uyo on Saturday, August 09, 2025, has directed that more youths be recruited into IBOM-LED for further training, while that of DASAC is ongoing at the moment. To be very sincere, permit me to say that Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is not paying lip service in the area of Entrepreneurial Development in Akwa Ibom State. Rather, he is very intentional in changing the narratives in that area, by introducing new innovations, such as what is happening at IBOM-LED, the first of its kind in the history of the State.
♦️ON PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF ARISE AGENDA
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, said his administration will partner with the National Bureau of Statistics in order to accurately capture the gains of the ARISE Agenda in its drive to provide more transparent and people-centric governance.
The Governor made the call at the public presentation of the Socio-Economic Impact of the ARISE Agenda in two Years, anchored on the theme: “Measuring Progress, Deepening Impact,” which took place at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
He said the public presentation was in fulfillment of the promise he made in his inaugural speech to occasionally invite stakeholders in the political class, the media, civil society, and corporate Nigeria to present his Scorecard so they may know the direction of government, and how the resources have been utilized to advance the vision of the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor, who said the evaluation was a measurement for improvement, added, “This event can be likened to a first-half review, where we pause to take stock of our progress so far, ask questions, assess impact through data representations, and look for ways of improvement where gaps may have been detected.
“We are also, by this event, demonstrating in practical and concrete terms, our passionate commitment to transparency and accountability.
“We are a government that is data-driven, which is why the State House of Assembly expeditiously signed into law the bill we had sent to establish a stand-alone Bureau of Statistics. The bill was signed into law by me some months ago. Let me again thank the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and the Honourable members for their great cooperation and collaboration,” he said.
The Governor enumerated some of the achievements of the State under his leadership to include: setting up of an Internal Evaluation Team to help streamline and eliminate wastages in the procurement processes, executing audacious projects, providing social services, building 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes with a target to build 400; paying of over N78 Billion, backlogs of gratuities, which dates back to 2012, with accumulation of over 90 billion, and building economically viable roads and bridges.
He also mentioned the outright purchase of two brand new CRJ 900 Bombardier Aircraft, taking delivery of two Airbus 200-300 Series, getting the International Terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport ready for operations, and meeting all other obligations to Ibom Air and the larger aviation ecosystem.
“Model Primary Healthcare Centres are being built, healthcare delivery services are being improved and expanded, with free medical services extended to various layers of our society, especially the most vulnerable under our ARISE Medical Insurance scheme. Just yesterday, we commissioned the first ‘Mother and Child’ hospital in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, a project that shows President Tinubu’s passionate dedication to tackling the mother-child mortality rate, especially those in the rural areas
“We are building tourism assets all over the State, chief among them, the ARISE Resort, which, upon completion, will be the mini-Disneyland of Nigeria. The Honourable Commissioner for Information will ensure that you get to visit the Resort and see for yourself how resources can be applied for the common good.
“The land upon which the ARISE Resort sits used to be a gulley- erosion ravaged ravine. We are priming Akwa Ibom State beyond oil, with strategic investments in tourism, blue and digital economies.
“Through various projects executed by the government across sectors, we have created jobs, got thousands of our people out of poverty in line with the SDG goals.
“Over 50 audacious projects are currently ongoing, and we are doing all these without borrowing from the banks. These projects are fully funded because we have decided that we will use the resources of Akwa Ibom State to work for the Akwa Ibom people, not for individual or group interest.
“But we are not resting on our oars. As captured in Philippians 3:13 14, we are pressing forward, not counting what we have already collectively achieved, but with Renewed Hope for what lies ahead, especially with our Progressive Movement to the Centre,” he added.
The Governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he has provided, and for ensuring that the subnationals have the resources to fund projects, saying, “He deserves our support to continue with his laudable reforms and good work for the nation.”
While saying the State was very peaceful to live and invest, he commended the security agencies for their dedication and synergy, and assured them of continuous support to maintain the trajectory.
He also appreciated his team from the Secretary State Government, SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah to the entire implementation team and Lead Presenter, Professor Chris Ekong, for distilling and putting together statistical documents that details the achievements of government across sectors in the last two years stressing, “through this presentation, you will see how we have impacted the lives of our people across sectors, presented in measurable, authentic and verifiable data.
In his presentation on the theme: ” Socio-economic Impact of the ARISE Agenda, Prof Christopher Ekong, who touched on all the thematic areas of the ARISE Agenda, said the ARISE Agenda has witnessed a tremendous level of accomplishment in the two years of its implementation and has surpassed expectations as indicated in the MTEF document of the State.
He said if the State government sustained its abiding faith in fiscal responsibility and sagacity, it would soon emerge as the economic pride of the Nigerian Federation.
In his tone setting, the SSG, Prince Uwah, said the ARISE Agenda with 17 aspirations, is not a mere slogan but a governing philosophy, a bold and deliberate road map anchored on conviction and clarity of purpose, adding that the gathering was not only a moment to report but to reflect, to introspect, a time to pause, to measure, and to ask the hard questions that strengthens institutions and sharpens focus.
He commended the Governor for initiating the bold exercise, saying it takes true leadership to open its books halfway, weigh itself on the scale, and invite others to take a look, listen, and speak over its direction.
In a goodwill message, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, commended Governor Eno for doing so well, and praised him for subjecting his administration to public scrutiny, adding that the State was unique for being very accommodating and peaceful.
He said, given the laudable pace of development, Akwa Ibom is one of the component States that will help his ministry achieve the trillion-dollar economy challenge by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
On his part, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended the Governor for his inclusive approach to governance and described him as a ‘true Democrat’ whose achievements have set an unprecedented benchmark for future administrations.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, represented by Prof Agba Gambo, commended the Governor for his exemplary leadership style, saying that in a State-for-State analysis, Akwa Ibom came top.
While commending the Governor for not borrowing, yet doing amazingly well, he presented a plaque of honour from the forum to the Governor as the Best Governor in the country.
Similarly, the Statistician General of the Federation, who was represented by Chief Austen Anyakorah, Director: Corporate Planning & Statistical Coordination, felicitated with the Governor for hosting the evaluation event, and assured that the Bureau will collaborate and partner with the State government to validate the numbers and to compile the State GDP and Consumer Price Indices.
In their separate views, a team of expert panelists, including Prof Akpan Ekpo, Nancy Illoh, and Terry Ikumi, as well as Dr. Ruben Abati, commended the Governor for his transparency and for hosting the event for public scrutiny and contribution.
They described the ARISE Agenda as an audacious and robust economic development blueprint, and advised that more efforts be made in areas of macroeconomics and setting out development plans for a specific time frame.
The event also witnessed presentations on the Next Steps and New Projects Delivery Plan by the Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, and on Akwa Ibom State Investment Outlook by Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP).
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the award of the “Governor of the Year 2025” by the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdullateef Shittu, represented by Prof. Abba Gambo.
♦️ON UYO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY’S TOWN-SQUARE MEETING
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, empowered 1187 persons with N492.7m farm, trade, and business grants in Uyo Federal Constituency.
The Governor disbursed the grants at the Uyo Federal Constituency Town Square Meeting held at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo.
The Governor, who was elated by the massive turnout out said 276 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 628 for the ARISE Traders grant, 263 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eight persons benefited from the N5 million MSME grant, and 12 got cars and mini buses.
Governor Eno said within the two years of his administration, 116 projects, including roads, health centres, compassionate homes, elderly homes, and primary schools have been executed across the Federal Constituency, which comprises Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Attai, and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs.
He said the meeting was to receive the Needs document of the Constituency in order to include them in the 2026 People’s budget, and to give grants to the constituents, as would be done in all other federal constituencies.
The Governor said the selection process was powered by the ARISE Youth Employment portal and that the beneficiaries were qualified citizens of the Federal Constituency.
Governor Eno, who appreciated the people of Uyo for the massive turnout, said it was indicative of their status as the landlords of Government House, and also appreciated the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, for leading his people to unite with the centre, assuring everyone of more development projects.
The State Chief Executive said he received the needs document from the people of Uyo with an open heart, and promised to treat it accordingly, based on the availability of funds.
Governor Eno appreciated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal administration for making funds available to States, which, according to him, has made it possible to execute the empowerment scheme, the entrepreneurship support, and different development projects.
He directed the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center (Ibom LED) to commence the process of training another 50 persons each from all the recognised female and male support groups, for another set of empowerment.
The Governor also announced the federal government-funded ward development empowerment initiative for 1000 persons per ward, and urged the people to return to their respective wards to ensure that entrepreneurs in their respective wards partake in the programme.
He called on the people to support the President for a second term in 2027, as well as other APC candidates in the 2027 elections, to further the synergy with him, having enjoyed an overwhelming endorsement as the sole candidate for Governorship in the 2027 elections.
Governor Eno who has since inception of his administration remained committed to celebrating Akwa Ibomites who are making impacts in their different careers across the world, also took out time to celebrate a daughter of Uyo Federal Constituency, Uduak Otu Ita, Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Police College, Oji River, Enugu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Commissioner in the Nigerian Police Force, and presented her with a brand new SUV, saying that the stride was a source of encouragement and motivation especially for the girl child.
He urged everyone to continue to remain united with a focus on the Akwa Ibom project, warning against insulting any leader irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that a united and progressive Akwa Ibom supercedes every other consideration.
“We want to continue to ask you to remain united. Please don’t abuse anybody and when people abuse you, don’t answer them. We want to continue to build this state for our generation and generations unborn,” he said.
Presenting the needs document, the Secretary to the State Government and political leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated the Governor for the impactful development projects in the Federal Constituency, adding that they have been enjoying double of the projects executed in other federal constituencies, and assured of more support in the 2027 election.
Earlier, while setting the tone for the event, the Director General of campaigns, Ambassador Assam Assam, said having moved around the State with the Governor during the 2023 electioneering campaign, he was proud that the Governor has kept to his campaign promises.
On their parts, the local government chairmen, Commissioners, House of Assembly members, and Paramount Rulers from the Federal Constituency, as well as non indigenes, appreciated the Governor for all his impactful strides in their domain, and assured him of their continuous support.
High point of the event was the unanimous adoption of the Governor as the sole Governorship candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency in the 2027 election, following a motion moved and seconded by Rt. Hon. Mark Esset and Hon. Ubong Attah, respectively.
♦️Indeed, posterity will be kind to Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the performing Governor of Akwa Ibom State. This is where I draw the curtain. Till I come your way again next week, with more exciting activities of the Governor. Stay with me. This is “You and Your Governor”.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
