Gov Eno Highlights 3yrs Achievements, Urges Media To Uphold Patriotism In Discharge Of Duties

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged journalists to uphold patriotism in the discharge of their duties and prioritize reporting that promotes the state’s social, economic, and political development

Addressing a cross section of media practitioners at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, as part of activities to mark his third anniversary as Governor of the State, he said the rush for breaking news and desire for laurels should not be at the detriment of the general good of the State.

He highlighted some of the achievements of his administration in three years to include: construction of 1,348 km of roads, payment of over N80 billion to clear backlog of gratuities, systemic transformation especially with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) that has surged the State internally generated revenue from N2 to N12 billion.

According to him, the government has aggressively pursued road construction and rehabilitation across the State, linking rural communities to urban centres and improving access to markets and other economic opportunities.

Speaking on the abandoned 12.15km Ikot Akpan Abia–Oboyo Ikot Ita–Enen Nsit Road project, he said the road was critical to the socio-economic development of the affected communities, and the State generally.

He disclosed that the project had been reassessed, and directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga to facilitate the process and re-award the contract.

The Governor noted that the contracts for the Tabernacle Road project and the 16-kilometre Midim–Atan–Ikot Nyang–Ikot Imonte Road, including its 30-metre span bridge linking Essien Udim and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas, would be terminated if the contractor failed to meet the completion agreement for July 2026.

On some failed portions of roads in the State, the Governor also directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service to constitute a committee comprising representatives of Civil Society Organisations and the media to assess previously awarded rehabilitation work, and the ones that still deserve intervention.

On power sector, the Governor said efforts have been intensified with reforms aimed at achieving stable and sustainable electricity supply in the state, adding that regulatory transition framework as required under the Electricity Act had been completed.

He said the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, AKSERC has been established and members of the commission, whose members have already been confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, will be inaugurated soonest.

The Governor also unveiled plans to extend electricity access to underserved communities through renewable energy solutions, noting that the state was developing a programme to provide solar power systems to approximately 50,000 households, particularly in rural areas where conventional grid connections may not be feasible.

On waste disposal, he urged the Chairman,Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) to be more committed as the current administration has increased the agency’s funding and given it neccesaary support to meet set goals.

He used the oppprtunity to encourage Akwa Ibom indigenes to stop indiscriminate dumping of refuse, while revealing that the State is seeking credible partners to deliver its Waste to Wealth programme.

He called on everyone to remain supportive as his administration is committed to delivering on his campaign promises as contained in the ARISE Agenda.

Earlier in the briefing, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, commended journalists and media organisations for their continued support in projecting government policies, programmes and achievements.

They noted that the ARISE Agenda has remained the guiding framework of the administration and expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded across its key thematic areas over the past three years.