By Ekemini James
Retired American business executive and chemical engineer, Jack Welch had the story of Akwa Ibom State in mind when he said that “great leaders create a vision, articulate the vision and drive it to completion”.
On assumption of office, Governor Umo Eno drew up a dynamic blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, to guide his approach to governance and service delivery. This clearly defined vision has since become the compass of his administration.
In the past two years and some months, the Governor has relentlessly driven the ARISE Agenda vision to the admiration of even his harshest critic.
His administration has made great strides across key sectors in line with the ARISE Agenda and a firm determination to fulfil campaign promises, a commitment that has catalysed economic development and improved the standard of living of the people.
So far, the impact of the ARISE Agenda particularly in rural development, agriculture, security management, public service productivity, and the upliftment of vulnerable citizens is indeed remarkable and worthy of emulation by other sub-nationals.
His achievements across key sectors have placed Akwa Ibom on the national map as a model of good governance and people-focused development.
In the area of agriculture, the Governor has spearheaded a transformative agricultural revolution in view of achieving food security and creating generational wealth for rural communities. So far, over 69,000 farmers have benefitted from government support through the distribution of farm implements, fertilizers, tractors, and agro-processing equipment.
The 50-hectare Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium put in place by the current administration has become a hub of modern farming practices, complemented by the ARISE Home Farms scheme, the Back to Farm Initiative, and the consistent provision of critical inputs to farmers, while the planned palm tree crop revolution is set to restore the state’s historical status in palm oil production and provide sustainable income for rural households.
In rural development, the Governor has ensured that no local government is left behind. The administration has undertaken extensive infrastructure projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 900 kilometers of roads, development of new feeder roads, electricity and water projects, model primary schools, healthcare centers, and modern markets.
These initiatives are strategically designed to curb rural-urban migration and improve the quality of life of citizens in all 31 local government areas of the state.
On security, the Governor has strengthened the State’s safety architecture through robust collaboration with service commanders and the establishment of the Security Trust Fund. In his first year in Office, he created Ministry of Internal Security headed by Gen. Koko Essien, (rtd.)
In his quest to strengthen security in the state, Governor Eno has also established the Ibom Community Watch, a local network that works alongside institutionalized security agencies to provide crowd control and strategic services at the community level.
He has supplied 14 gunboats to the Nigerian Navy Joint Patrol Team and vehicles to the Rapid Response Squad of the State Police Command, ensuring officers are fully equipped to serve effectively.
Also, the State Command and Control Centre is under construction at Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, and when completed, will serve as the nerve centre for surveillance, coordination, and rapid response across the state. These efforts have maintained Akwa Ibom as a peaceful and secure state, recognized nationally for its low crime rates and effective security management.
In education, Governor Eno’s administration has prioritized functional and quality education. The free education policy, payment of WAEC fees, construction and equipping of model primary schools, provision of bursaries for tertiary students, and support for students with disabilities reflect his administration’s commitment to preparing citizens for the modern knowledge economy.
Plans are also underway to construct model secondary schools across all three senatorial districts, beginning with a pilot in the Uyo Senatorial District already under construction at Nsit Ubium.
Healthcare has been a major focus under the current administration, the Governor had declared a state of emergency in the sector and also approved the recruitment of over 3,000 healthcare professionals to strengthen service delivery.
General hospitals and primary healthcare centers have been upgraded and equipped, oxygen plants and molecular laboratories established, and projects for an international hospital and diagnostic center are underway, aimed at meeting global standards and providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to citizens.
In aviation, housing, and sports, Governor Eno has revitalized Ibom Air through the acquisition of new aircrafts, restructured the Aviation Village, constructed a modern terminal building, and commenced a new maintenance and repairs organisation facility, while also installing night lighting at the Victor Attah International Airport. With these upgrades, the airport now operates round the clock on a 24-hour basis and is poised to commence international flight operations in 2026.
Beyond aviation, his administration has advanced key housing projects including the Judiciary Village, Ewet Luxury Estate, and Grace Estate.
In sports, the administration has deepened its investment through the ongoing establishment of a Sports Academy in Eket to uncover new talents, promote youth engagement, and prepare athletes for national and international competitions, alongside the upgrading of the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium, the construction of new sports infrastructure in Ikot Abasi, and the renovation of sports hostels at the Uyo Stadium, all aimed at rebuilding a competitive and sustainable sporting ecosystem in the state.
Social investments under his leadership have targeted poverty alleviation and the welfare of vulnerable citizens. Nearly 50,000 individuals have been engaged in various empowerment programs, N9.3 billion has been disbursed in grants, over 300 Arise Compassionate Homes delivered, and support extended to over 600 elderly monthly.
Additionally, the administration has cleared over N75 billion of the backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and commitment to civil servants.
Aside the deliberate interventions made to addressing the backlog of pensions and gratuities for workers and retirees, the administration has made deliberate interventions to restore dignity and confidence in public service by also approving the payment of a ₦1.2 billion wardrobe allowance to teachers, implementing the ₦80,000 minimum wage, and sustaining the thirteenth-month salary as a morale booster.
These efforts are consolidated by the ongoing recruitment of 3,000 workers into the state workforce, engagement of 2,000 health professionals to strengthen the healthcare system, and the provision of brand-new official vehicles to all Permanent Secretaries, which shows a structured approach to welfare, motivation, and institutional efficiency.
Economic empowerment and SME development have been prioritized. Over 3,000 youths have been trained and provided with start-up grants through programs like the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme (EAP) and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC). A N2 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry to enable access to single-digit loans, stimulating entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The 2026 budget further earmarks N31 billion to support SME programs across all local government areas of the State.
Tourism and economic diversification have received strategic attention, with the ongoing construction of the 5,000-capacity, International Convention Centre, ARISE Shopping City, and the Arise Palm Resort. Renovations of Ibom Plaza, Ibom Hotels and Golf Resorts aim to position the State as a premier tourist destination while creating jobs and enhancing internally generated revenue.
Infrastructure development remains central to his agenda, including the implementation of the Power Summit action plans, commencement of CNG bus services, expansion of the Ibom Deep Seaport, and progress on the Oron Marine Infrastructure project. These initiatives and many more are designed to boost trade, investment, and the State’s blue economy.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Governor Umo Eno has not only delivered tangible improvements in the lives of Akwa Ibom citizens but has also set a national benchmark for visionary and people-centered governance.
His recognition with the Distinguished National Excellence Award is a reflection of his impactful leadership and dedication to the principles of the ARISE Agenda.
Through his achievements, the Governor has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most decorated serving governors, earning multiple prestigious recognitions for good governance, transparency, infrastructure expansion, media openness, and people-centric leadership.
Among his recent recognitions are the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Excellence Award for Good Governance, which highlighted his transparent and media-friendly disposition; the Social Media Governor of the Year Award by NISMA for effective digital communication; and the Governor of the Year (2024) from Leadership Group Limited for outstanding progress across key sectors.
He was also named Best Governor of the Year (2024) by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), cited for fiscal responsibility, responsible planning, and meaningful grassroots impact. His steadfast support to security agencies earned him the Most Consistent Security-Supporting Governor Award from Security Watch Africa Initiative and an Award of Excellence from the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom Command.
On the continental front, Governor Eno was recently honoured as African Governor of the Year (Infrastructure Development) at the African Business Leadership Awards in London, recognizing significant achievements in urban renewal, rural infrastructure development, water sector reforms, and strategic planning.
Just a week ago, Governor Eno recieved distinguished award for Excellence in Sustainable Development and Community Empowerment by the Government of the Federation.
This latest honour adds to a growing list of awards that reflect increasing national and continental affirmation of his leadership approach.