Arrival of Apostle of a New Akwa Ibom

By Emmanuel Nicholas

Our iconic ancestors who valiantly embarked upon the arduous journey to establish Akwa Ibom State, many may not have lived to witness its glorious inception, yet their spirits undoubtedly rejoiced, for the aspirations they held dear were ultimately brought to fruition.

We remember with profound respect our valiant champions, such as Obong Sampson Udo Idiong, Obong Sampson Udo Etuk, Ekukinam Bassey, Chief Effiong Eyo Okon, Professor Eyo Ita, Dr. Esin Anwana Esin, Chief Nyong Essien, Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, Chief Ibanga Udo Akpabio, Chief Ntieyong Udo Akpan, Chief Michael Edet Asuquo Anwana, Sir Robert Umoinyang, Chief O. O. Ita, Dr. Clement Isong, Brigadier-General Wellington Umo Bassey, Dr. (Madam) Emma Brown, Chief Bassey Udo Adiaha Attah, Brigadier General Udoakaha Jacob Esuene, and Chief Eyo-Uyo. These remarkable individuals fought valiantly, akin to a noble legion, united in purpose and spirit.

Their vision of becoming a distinguished people within the broader community of states in Nigeria is swiftly materializing.

Today, Akwa Ibom is renowned as one of the most rapidly developing states in the nation, boasting exceptional infrastructure, including some of the finest road networks, second only to Abuja.

Beyond the impressive road systems, the dreams of this state to emerge as a domain of excellence for both Nigeria and Africa are advancing toward tangible reality.

On May 29, 2023, an Apostle of the new Akwa Ibom State arrived. The new apostle is dedicated to fostering development and transformation within the state.

With a vision focused on creating an enviable state, this leader emphasizes sustainable growth, infrastructure improvement, and human empowerment.

By promoting education, agriculture, tourism, real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities, the apostle aims to uplift the standard of living and enhance the overall quality of life for the Akwa Ibom people.

His approach combines innovative strategies and collaborative efforts with all stakeholders across political parties, ensuring that Akwa Ibom emerges as a model of progress and prosperity in Nigeria.

This Apostle is Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

At present, Akwa Ibom is home to the premier airline in Nigeria, which has been awarded the title of Best Airline Company for three consecutive years.

Ibom Air has evolved into a significant symbol of pride, birthed under the visionary leadership of His Predecessor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, a leader whose remarkable intellect and investment acumen are of truly global caliber.

He envisioned Ibom Air not merely as a profitable enterprise but as AKWA IBOM’s signature soaring in the skies. In a mere year and a half, Governor Umo Eno has successfully introduced four brand-new aircraft to enhance the international and domestic routes of this Nigerian airline.

Wherever individuals envision their holidays or seek locations to host international conferences, Akwa Ibom emerges as the premier destination of choice.

With the exceptional Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, alongside the Four Points by Sheraton, this state offers not only luxurious accommodations but also boasts a remarkable history characterized by peace and a nearly crime-free environment.

Enhanced by its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine, Akwa Ibom has truly established itself as a preferred locale.

Today, the state is fortunate to have established three international sports facilities: Eket Stadium, Uyo Stadium, and the Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium, which have collectively transformed Akwa Ibom into a pillar of excellence for hosting sporting events.

In the context of Nigeria, the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium holds a unique status as the sole venue approved by FIFA for tournament qualifiers and is also the only stadium accredited by CAF to host its football events.

The narrative of Akwa Ibom is swiftly evolving into a beautiful tale akin to that of Dubai, a region that has transformed from an arid desert to one of the most stunning and visited destinations globally.

The aspirations for greatness in Akwa Ibom are steadily materializing, with each successive leader championing the dreams of our ancestors. These aspirations resonate far and wide, with stories of their realization being shared across the globe.

Governor Umo Eno has embarked on a transformative journey, likened to a 22-cylinder turbo engine, propelling the development of Akwa Ibom State with unprecedented speed.

His visionary initiative, known as the Arise Agenda, seeks to elevate the state’s dreams to international prominence.
Furthermore, the 18-story building in Lagos stands as a clear example of astute investment, promising to benefit future generations of the state. Refusing to let this state-owned property languish in disrepair, the Governor has undertaken a revitalization effort, transforming it into a lucrative asset that proudly announces Akwa Ibom State to the world.

The project that has begun is set to be completed in just 24 months, promising to significantly enrich the state Treasury.

Pastor Umo Eno’s Arise Agenda is also projecting another initiative in Abuja, aimed at revitalizing two state-owned properties that have been underutilized and wasted.

Dr. Umo Eno’s administration plans to construct two five-star hotels on these neglected sites, transforming them into premier destinations for tourists and business class visiting the Nigerian capital.

Each hotel will feature classical international conference centers.
The vision for Akwa Ibom is to establish itself as a leader in Nigeria and Africa, becoming the first state that does not rely solely on crude oil allocations from the federal government but can sustain itself through internally generated revenue.

Returning to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Government, led by Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., is developing an international recreational center that will include water parks, a sports village, and hotels along the Dominic Etuk gully erosion site.

What was once considered a dangerous area is being transformed by a visionary leader who sees potential for wealth creation beyond the ravaging gully.

Upon completion, this center will provide athletes and tourists with a venue to showcase their talents and share their emotional stories, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.

Also, Governor Umo Eno is set to complete the IBOM Tropicana Hotels and International Center, further enhancing the state’s Treasury.

The Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre features a striking 14-story, five-star hotel with more than 200 rooms, complemented by a theme park that covers three hectares. Additionally, it boasts a shopping mall, a convention center with a capacity of 5,000, and multiple cinema halls.

This hotel is poised to become a hub for international conferences in Nigeria, generating significant internal revenue that will contribute to the vision of making Akwa Ibom a prosperous and enviable state.

A leader who invests in infrastructure without developing the people is akin to one who builds industries without cultivating a skilled workforce.

In line with this vision, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is sponsoring students to study various professional courses abroad, particularly in aviation.

This initiative includes training for pilots, aeronautic engineers, air traffic experts, and aircraft logistics handlers.

Moreover, selected students are also receiving sponsorship for medical, engineering, and computer science courses.

The Governor aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of supporting the developing businesses and infrastructure within the state.

To rejig the local economy, he has empowered over 5,000 entrepreneurs by providing grants exceeding ten billion naira, which has allowed them to either start new businesses or expand existing ones.

Recognizing that a prosperous state requires its residents to have sufficient food for both sustenance and export, the Governor is focusing on the agricultural sector, which currently drives the economy more effectively than any other sub-sector.

To bolster this sector, he is establishing a modern farm spanning over 50 hectares in Nsit Ubium local Government Area and has distributed fertilizers worth over two billion naira to farmers throughout the state.

Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., has identified both commercial and cooperative farmers within the state and has ordered farming machinery to help them enhance their agricultural operations.

Moreso, he has made interest-free loans available through the Bank of Industry and FDAMA Bank, enabling farmers to access funds for the commercialization of their farms.

The vision for a new Akwa Ibom is taking shape, showcasing a state distinguished by its economic drivers and recognized globally for its sustainable world-class infrastructure and status as a preferred destination.

Governor Umo Eno is clarifying this vision and leading the mission to realize it, aiming for a genuine paradigm shift that will elevate the people of Akwa Ibom to the status of first-class citizens on a global scale. Governor Umo Eno is clarifying this vision and leading the mission to realize it, aiming for a genuine paradigm shift that will elevate the people of Akwa Ibom to the status of first-class citizens on a global scale.