Business
Gov Eno Canvasses Diaspora Collaboration For Akwa Ibom’s Development
to actively partner with his administration in driving the ARISE Agenda
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on indigenes of the state in the diaspora, to actively partner with his administration in driving the ARISE Agenda.
The State Chief Executive made the appeal while addressing members of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), Calgary Branch on July 19, 2025, during their annual gala and fundraising event.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Health, Safety and Environment, Mrs. Jayne Ufot, Governor Eno said the state remains open to collaborations with the diaspora to attract investments, harness specialized skills, and encourage backward integration.
He noted that the state has recorded notable achievements in agriculture, infrastructure, security, rural development, healthcare, and education within the past two years.
He announced that the state government is pursuing an economic diversification strategy, investing heavily in tourism, the digital and the blue economy to reduce dependence on oil.
Governor Eno who reaffirmed the government’s pride in Ibom Air, noted that, the state owned airline, has recently expanded its fleet with two new CRJ 900 Bombardier aircraft and an Airbus A220-300 and called on Akwa Ibom indigenes abroad to be part of the state’s transformation story.
He said that Akwa Ibom is now regarded as the safest and most event-friendly state in the country, invited the diaspora community to return and witness the changes taking place back home, assuring them of a welcoming and secure environment.
“For two years now, our state has witnessed continuous growth in all the key pillars of the ARISE Agenda from agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructural expansion, security to educational advancement and other focal areas such as healthcare delivery.
“Work is ongoing on 70 acres of formerly gulley erosion ravaged land, that we have converted into what upon completion, will be the best family- themed resort in the nation- a mini Disneyland. The resort features a 9- hole golf club, artificial lakes, banquet hall, 20 fully furnished chalets, restaurants, children play ground, sporting arcade and numerous other features.
“We are also building an international convention centre, an international hotel and shopping mall, as well as a 350- bed international hospital that will feature all the departments that are found and comparable to any such hospital even here in Canada.
“We are building a world- class elderly people’s centre and have launched a medical insurance scheme- The Arise Care. So far, over 30 thousand people especially the poor and the vulnerable have been enrolled free of charge.” He said.
