Arise Agenda: Info Commissioner Spotlights Gov Eno’s Deepening Impact in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information,  Aniekan Umanah, says Governor Umo Eno’s administration is deepening its impact across key sectors of the state through the sustained implementation of the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure renewal, human capital development, tourism expansion, and social welfare.

Speaking at the October edition of the Monthly Media Interactive Briefing held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Umanah said the government remains resolute in delivering purposeful governance that improves the prosperity and wellbeing of the people. He highlighted several milestones recorded in recent months, including the restoration of night flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport after the calibration and upgrade of navigational aids and lighting systems.

The Commissioner also announced that preparations are in top gear for the unveiling of the ARISE Palm Resort — a flagship project envisioned as a world-class tourism and leisure destination that will boost Akwa Ibom’s hospitality profile, attract investors, and position the state as a leading travel and business hub in West Africa. He described the project as a reflection of Governor Eno’s vision for a diversified economy driven by tourism, rural development, and sustainable enterprise.

He revealed that the state government recently approved the upgrading of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education to a University of Education as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development.

Other initiatives include the inspection of the CNG Mass Transit Bus Terminal project along the new stadium road in Uyo, which will feature a gas station, training school, and maintenance workshop.

Umanah further disclosed that the Governor had signed a ₦695 billion supplementary budget into law, bringing the total revised 2025 budget to ₦1.65 trillion. He said ₦60 billion has been released to contractors to fast-track road construction and rehabilitation ahead of the dry season.

Highlighting reforms in the public service, he noted that a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Test Centre has been established to ensure merit-based recruitment, while the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) has been repositioned under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to drive palm oil production and rural wealth creation.

He also announced the flag-off of Youth-Friendly Centres across the 31 local government areas to promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among young people.

Umanah praised the Governor’s growing support for the creative and entertainment industry, citing his attendance at major events such as Okon and Friends Live in Concert and Davido’s 5ive Tour Concert in Uyo. He said plans are underway to establish the Ibom Creative Village — a purpose-built hub for talent development in film, music, fashion, and digital innovation.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,  Anietie Udofia, disclosed that the 2025 edition of Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged — a 32-day celebration of music, cuisine, art, and culture — will hold from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, at Unity Park, Uyo. He added that the ARISE Palm Resort may be unveiled in December as part of the state’s grand tourism rollout for the festive season.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerette Udoh, and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mrs. Ime Udo, also gave updates on ongoing projects, while the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended Umanah for sustaining the monthly briefings as a platform for strengthening government-media collaboration.