Umo Eno, Setting the Pace 

For the Executive Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, he has remained a round peg in a round hole. Like the Boy Scout slogan, ‘Be Prepared,” he came into the governance business with enough preparedness. He is well-equipped for the challenges ahead, which has helped him navigate the rough tides like a skilled sailor. He had contributed immensely to the development of the state in various capacities before Providence found him worthy to govern the oil and tourism-rich state after winning the election last year in February 2023. To the chagrin of his detractors, his delivery rate has made them recoil back into their shells in shame. When many were playing politicians, he has moved on to the business of governance with development and has even shoved aside party differences but has embraced development by bringing all hands on deck for the good of the state.

Following the teachings of the Bible, Eno was never caught in the web of casting aspersion on opposition leaders or parties like some of his peers do; instead, he consolidated his ability to bring everyone together under the umbrella of peace and development regardless of party affiliation. This we gathered further made him the delight of many who are ready to collaborate with him for the development of the oil-rich state.

Governor Eno is ruling the state with the fear of God and also seems to be held accountable for his actions, which have seen him deliver tremendously well. When he was sworn in, he immediately hit the ground running, focusing on key areas incorporated into his Arise Agenda. He chose economic/industrial advancement and wealth creation, security management, sound educational and health sector management, infrastructural maintenance advancement and ICT development, rural development, women and youth empowerment, the agriculture revolution, tourism, sports and social development, and environmental management.

Under his watch, he has invested in a lot of key infrastructural projects, which include the expansion of 21.5 KM Emmanuel Udom Road, reconstruction of the Model Primary Health Centre Ibesikpo Asutan, construction of the Christ the King Wellington School Uyo, awarding grants to 800 MSME’s, rebuilding the collapsed Asifia Nsit Road Eket, and the donation of 20 operational vehicles to security agencies. Launching of state patrol vehicles and boats, construction of Ndiya Street internal road, increasing of Ibom Air fleet with Airbus A220-300, installation of solar lighting on major roads, reformation of the traditional institution in the state, resuscitation of the Ibom Tropicana abandoned project, launching of the Arise compassionate home scheme, completion of the 236 two-bedroom Grace Estate, payment of fifty thousand Naira for the elderly, payment of 18.2 billion Naira in gratuities, and 500 thousand Naira grant for Entrepreneurship accelerator programme, among others.

With these numerous achievements in just the space of one year, Akwaibomites has passed a vote of confidence on him to deliver more within the next year, touching almost all the LGA with critical infrastructural projects aimed at developing the state. With the reward for good work comes more work; Eno is not relenting in bringing his repertoire of knowledge into play in enhancing an Akwa-Ibom that will stand out as one of the best states in Nigeria.

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