Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reassured residents that, with divine assistance and their continued support, his administration will intensify its governance efforts in the coming years.
Addressing the public at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday during his one-year anniversary in office, Governor Eno expressed his commitment to fully implementing the state’s 2024 Budget, titled the “Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion.”
He remarked, “Let me say that what we have achieved together in the last one year gives us hope for what is going to happen in the next three years and beyond. As I begin my second year in office, I am fully committed to implementing our 2024 Budget, which was duly passed by the State House of Assembly and signed into law by me. Christened the ‘Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion.’”
Governor Eno elaborated on his administration’s plans for the second year, emphasizing the continuation and enhancement of various developmental projects under the ARISE agenda’s five pillars. He stated, “The 2024 Budget is completely linked to my Blueprint and is focused on delivering a variety of people-centric projects. In our second year in office, we plan by the grace of the Almighty God and the support of all people both at home and the diaspora to increase the tempo of governance in the coming years.”
In the agricultural sector, Eno highlighted the completion of the Ibom Model Farm and Resort in collaboration with Songhai Farms of Porto Novo, aiming to boost food production and stabilize prices of staple foods. He also mentioned plans to link existing infrastructure to a full value chain and continue funding rural development. “I have approved the next 31 projects in continuation of the one Local Government one project initiative to commence immediately,” he added.
Governor Eno detailed further projects, including the construction of the ARISE Shopping City in Uyo, and converting strategic facilities in Lagos and Abuja into commercial properties. “Government will be active in the commercial property market in both Lagos and Abuja respectively by converting our existing strategic facilities in those cities into commercial use for the benefit of our people. These planned investments in infrastructure will bring huge returns to our State and signpost our determination to play big in the thriving real estate business in those two major cities,” he said.
On industrial and security improvements, Eno revealed plans to revitalize the Industrial Park and enhance security through proactive measures, including donating more operational vehicles and equipment to security agencies. He also announced the commencement of work on Oron Beach to improve water transportation between Akwa Ibom and Calabar in Cross River State.
The governor further shared his commitment to advancing the state’s aviation sector. “We remain committed to our obligation with our flagship airline Ibom Air. In July, we will receive the second A220-300 brand new Airbus to Ibom Air fleet. We will complete and put to use the Smart International Terminal Building Maintenance Repair and Overhaul building and the Taxiway and we will build a complete aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Governor Eno called on diasporan citizens to partner with the state in its developmental efforts, underscoring the dynamic nature of life and the necessity for changes. “By the grace of God and your continuous support, we will continue to roll our sleeves and work for you. That’s why you elected us,” he concluded.
