Eno presents review of his administration’s achievements

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, presented a comprehensive review of his administration’s achievements over the past two years, with emphasis on transparency, measurable impact, and inclusive governance.

Eno, in his keynote address during a public presentation of the Socio-Economic Impact of the Arise Agenda in two years, revealed that over 205 Arise compassionate homes had already been constructed for the indigents across the state, with a target to reach 500 homes in the next two years.

Speaking on the theme, “Measuring Progress, Deepening Impact,” he noted that his administration intervened where they saw the need, adding that the administration’s mission is to uplift the most vulnerable in the state.

“We intervene where we see the need; our mission is to uplift the most vulnerable,” Eno said.

The governor, while addressing stakeholders, explained that his administration had settled gratuity of N78 billion out of the N90 billion arrears and had not borrowed money to finance his projects in the last two years.

He said that significant investments have been made in public infrastructure, including economic roads, healthcare, and aviation.

“Two brand-new CRJ-900 Bombardier aircraft and Airbus A200-300s have been acquired outright for Ibom Air, while the international terminal at Victor Attah Airport nears completion,” he said.

Eno said that there had been an improvement in the health sector as his administration had built model primary healthcare centres across the federal constituencies to bring healthcare services closer to the people.

“So far, over 130,000 people have been registered under the Health Insurance Scheme.

“Tourism and economic diversification are also key pillars of the administration’s ARISE Agenda.

“We have constructed a tourism hub, ARISE Resort, on a previously erosion-threatened ravine near the Government House. This will be Nigeria’s mini-Disneyland,” he said.

Eno described his administration as data-driven, hence the establishment of an Independent Bureau of Statistics, already signed into law, to strengthen the integrity of data collection and policy implementation.

The governor reiterated the call for support, investment, and critical engagement, stressing that his government is open to suggestions, even criticism, as long as it comes with solutions.

In his remarks, Prof. Akpan Ekpo urged the state government to have reserve funds in case of dwindling oil prices for the state to fall back. Ekpo said that transparency and accountability remain the key to economic development and good governance.