Gov Umo Eno Unveils Ambitious Vision For Akwa Ibom In 2025

In a heartfelt and detailed New Year’s broadcast, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State laid out an ambitious vision for the state in 2025, pledging a renewed focus on agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, tourism, and social welfare.

Addressing Akwa Ibom residents on January 1, 2025, from Government House, Uyo, the Governor expressed gratitude to God for the progress achieved and called for unity as the state strides forward under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

Transforming Agriculture

Governor Eno highlighted the state’s progress in agricultural transformation. He announced that the work-free farm days and the Arise Home Farms Scheme had been embraced by residents, furthering the administration’s vision for food security. The Ibom Model Farm project, a blend of agriculture and tourism, is steadily advancing, promising to revolutionize farming practices and make the state a hub for agricultural innovation.

Expanding Infrastructure

The Governor emphasized his commitment to infrastructure development, revealing that his administration has undertaken 157 road projects across the 31 local government areas within 19 months. Many inherited road projects have been completed, alongside a zero-pothole campaign transforming Akwa Ibom into a thriving construction zone. He praised contractors for utilizing the dry season to expedite ongoing projects under the “One Project Per Local Government” initiative.

Empowering Youth and Strengthening Education

Governor Eno commended Akwa Ibom’s youths for their role in maintaining peace and announced plans to deepen youth engagement through a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development. He reiterated his administration’s investment in education, including commissioning model primary schools, paying WAEC fees, providing school supplies, and training teachers. His administration aims to prepare Akwa Ibom children to compete with peers globally.

Advancing Healthcare

Healthcare remains a top priority, with plans to reorganize the Ibom Specialist Hospital, expand the ARISE Care Medical Insurance Scheme, and flag off the construction of a Medical Village. The state will also formally launch a State Ambulance Service to complement its healthcare initiatives.

Tourism and Economic Diversification

In line with the ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno pledged to position Akwa Ibom as a tourism hub. The ARISE Park, set to open this year, will feature family-friendly attractions, including a golf course and artificial lakes. Plans for inter-state water travel between Akwa Ibom and Cross River State are also underway, bolstered by the expected delivery of passenger ferries from the Nigerian Navy.

Strengthening the Economy

To boost the state’s economy, the Governor announced plans for the construction of Ibom Hotels in Abuja and Ibom Towers in Lagos, aimed at converting moribund state assets into revenue-generating ventures. The AkwaGIS initiative, expected to launch in Q1 2025, will enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Governor Eno described SMEs as the “engines of growth” and outlined initiatives to support them. Over 2,000 youths have been trained under the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme, with participants receiving seed grants. Partnerships with the Bank of Industry will ensure loans for traders at single-digit interest rates, alongside converting previous loans to grants for traders across different communities.

Commitment to Social Welfare

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to social welfare, announcing the continued payment of gratuities, ARISE Compassionate Homes, and the ARISE Free Food Voucher programme. Monthly stipends for elders and the construction of an Elderly Citizens’ Home were also highlighted.

Aviation and Seaport Development

Governor Eno praised Ibom Air’s growth, noting the acquisition of additional aircraft and plans to expand routes across Africa. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the International Terminal at Victor Attah International Airport will commence operations this year. Strategic engagements will continue for the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

A Call for Unity

As he concluded, Governor Eno called on Akwa Ibom residents to remain united and shun divisive politics. He emphasized that his administration’s success would translate to the state’s collective progress. He also invited residents to the January 2 Solemn Assembly to thank God and commit the state into His hands for the year ahead.

The Governor’s address has been widely regarded as a comprehensive roadmap for consolidating past achievements while charting a course for further growth. With a firm commitment to inclusive governance, Akwa Ibom appears poised to consolidate its position as a leading state in Nigeria.