May 29: Gov Eno Unveils Scorecard, Seeks Support For 2nd Term

Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reviewed the performance of his administration over the last three years, declaring that his government has delivered substantially on its campaign promises and deserves another term in office.

In a state-wide broadcast titled, “Promises Made and Promises Fulfilled: Onward to Arise 2.0,” Governor Eno highlighted achievements across critical sectors of the state economy under his administration’s ARISE Agenda blueprint, saying the progress recorded so far positions him favourably for re-election.

The governor said his administration’s accomplishments were made possible through the support of President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited for creating more fiscal space for sub-national governments, as well as former governors of the state, including Obong Victor Attah, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel.

“Let me thank our past leaders for the great work they did, which today we are determined to deepen and expand the rings and layers of our growth and shared prosperity,” he said.

Eno also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom APC Chairman Stephen Ntukekpo, women groups, youths, students, clergy, civil society organisations, the media and civil servants for contributing to what he described as the smooth running of the state.

“On May 29, 2023, when I stood before you and gave my inaugural speech, I had made clear concrete promises anchored around the ARISE Agenda, our developmental blueprint.

“Today, I make bold to state unequivocally that we have ticked all the boxes and are rearing to do even more when, by the grace of God, you return me for another four-year tour of duty next year,” he stated.

Highlighting achievements in agriculture, the governor said his administration had launched the Oil Palm Tree Crop Revolution aimed at restoring Akwa Ibom’s position as a leading oil palm producer in the country.

He also pointed to the establishment of the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company, which he said would provide subsidised equipment to farmers, alongside the distribution of farm implements, seedlings and N2 billion grants to farmers across the state.

According to him, projects such as the Ibom Model Farm and various agricultural schemes undertaken by local government chairmen were targeted at reducing the prices of staple food items.

The governor further stated that his administration had expanded infrastructure and social amenities in rural communities through the construction of roads, wet markets, model healthcare centres and model primary schools.

“There is no local government today that has not benefited from a completed project or has ongoing ones,” he said.

Eno disclosed that his administration recently approved N7.3 billion, representing N20 million for each of the 369 wards in the state, for the formation of women cooperatives.

He added that each ward would also benefit from solar-powered Braithwaite tank boreholes in partnership with the late First Lady’s pet project, GIFA.

“We are determined to open up the rural areas for the free flow of goods and services,” he added.

On infrastructure, the governor said the administration had either completed or commenced work on 1,300 kilometres of economically viable roads and 40 bridges across the state.

“In the area of infrastructure, we have commissioned, or have ongoing, 1,300km of economically viable roads with 40 bridges,” he said.

Speaking on education, Eno said his government had sustained free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary school levels, while continuing bursary payments and grants to state-owned tertiary institutions.

He announced that the Akwa Ibom College of Education, Afaha Nsit, had been upgraded to a University of Education following the passage of the enabling law by the State House of Assembly.

“The House of Assembly recently passed a Bill to that effect, and in the next few weeks, we will constitute the Governing Board of the University,” he said.

The governor also revealed that his administration had built and commissioned solar-powered model primary schools equipped with computer laboratories and teachers’ quarters.

He added that 1,000 teachers had already been recruited, while approval had been granted for the recruitment of an additional 1,000 teachers.

Eno further disclosed plans to establish three model secondary schools with modern facilities across the three senatorial districts of the state, noting that construction of the first school was already ongoing in Uyo Senatorial District.

In the healthcare sector, the governor said his administration had commenced or completed primary healthcare centres across the 31 local government areas and recruited 2,854 medical personnel.

He also disclosed that more than 200,000 residents had been enrolled into the state’s health insurance scheme, while work had begun on the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital with 24 departments.

“We have commissioned or have ongoing work on primary healthcare centres across all the 31 local government areas; recruited 2,854 medical personnel for the sector; enrolled over 200,000 persons into our Medical Insurance policy; commenced work on our 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, complete with 24 departments,” he stated.