ARISE Agenda: Governor Eno, security, people

By Solomon Essiet

Governor Umo Eno has advocated for a robust partnership with the private sector to tackle crime and criminality in the state. Governor Eno stated this during the official launch of the State Security Trust Fund, with the theme, “Partnership for a Safer Akwa Ibom,” held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, on Tuesday.

He said all over the world, even in developed or mature democracies, security is a shared responsibility between governments, corporations, individuals, and agencies, emphasising that with the launching of this initiative, the private sector will step up and join the state in maintaining its status as a safe, secure, peaceful, inviting, and serene state to live and thrive,” he said.

‘’We expect to draw millions of people annually to our state to enjoy the facilities at our Arise Resorts, which, when commissioned in December this year, will considerably be the best family-themed resort in the nation; our International Conference Centre, the shopping mall, and the hotel, all located within the Tropicana area; as well as the International Worship Centre, which is by far one of the most beautiful church buildings in Nigeria,”

“That we are celebrated for being one of the safest states in the nation is because of the patriotic and passionate work they (security agencies) have done in collaboration with the government to ensure that criminals do not have a haven here in our dear state. We salute their Commanders, the Directors, officers, and men of the various security commands in the state.” Governor Eno said.

According to the Governor, the State will continue to work with security agencies to ensure that security challenges are mitigated or reduced to negligible proportions, promising to always ensure an enabling environment for them to operate.

The Governor said security management is a crucial part of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, and enumerated some of the efforts in the last two years to include the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, General Koko Essien, and the creation of Ibom Community Watch which he said will soon be expanded.

He attributed the peace and security in the State to the efforts of past leaders for their single-minded devotion, which foundation he said his administration was building on.

Governor Eno appreciated the security Chiefs for taking part in the event, and also appreciated the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, for working collaboratively with the State Government to move the State forward.

The strategic investment in the Security Sector by Governor Eno has transformed Akwa Ibom State into one of the safest and investor-friendly states in Nigeria. The Governor has taken to key policy reformations in the Security Sector for the good of Akwa Ibom People, such as the establishment of the State-of-the-art Command and Control Center, strengthening partnership with the security agencies, investment in key security infrastructure and equipment, protection of Public Assets and infrastructure. Being equipped with advanced digital technology and linked to emergency ambulance services, the center represents a move towards intelligence-driven policing and rapid response to crises, for effective security management.

The Command and Control Center, one of the most daring investments in the Security Sector, will integrate multiple communication and surveillance systems across the State. The center will enable real-time information sharing, coordinated responses to security incidents, and comprehensive monitoring of the state’s coastline and waterways.

Governor Eno has strengthened partnerships with Security Agencies, cultivating a strong cooperative relationship with the Nigerian Air Force and other Security bodies in the Country. The objectives are to secure our maritime routes and inland waterways, improve coordinated rapid response strategies, and share intelligence to curb crime effectively. This alliance has reinforced the State’s reputation as a safe and stable environment for both residents and investors. In further demonstration of these collaborations, the Governor has delivered 14 gunboats to the Nigerian Navy and formalised a contract for the construction of 24-metre steel cruise ferries and new jetties, managed by Naval Shipyard Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian Navy.

These measures have strengthened patrols and enabled an effective fight against maritime crimes such as piracy, kidnapping, and militancy across the coastal corridors of the State.

To bolster enforcement capability, the State Government has undertaken significant intervention to improve security in the State. The launch of Ibom Community Watch, with profiling and training of about 550 operatives in the State, created a grassroots security presence across communities.

The procurement of 50 new INNOSON mini-buses to supposed patrols and rapid-response mobility allows for swift deployment across land and border communities. Also, the donation of 15 operational Hilux vehicles to various Security Agencies has enhanced field effectiveness. The huge investment in the Oron Maritime hub, with the capacity to feature Joint Taskforce Jetties, Cargo Jetties, Ferry Jetties, Floating Bay, Cold rooms, Car park, and other Security supporting infrastructure, is aimed at boosting businesses and keeping the waterways secured.

The enactment of the Akwa Ibom State Security Trust Fund Bill serves to ensure sustainable funding for the State’s multifaceted security initiatives. These comprehensive investments in the Security Sector have tangibly improved the surveillance, rapid deployment, and interdiction capacity of the State’s security apparatus, both on land and at sea.

For the protection of Public Assets and Infrastructure, the State Government has established the Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency (AKIAMMA). This initiative is to ensure safety and value retention of the State Assets, implement preventive security measures for public infrastructure, and oversee maintenance to avoid deterioration and misuse of Public Assets. The Governor’s security strategy is closely linked to his economic development vision of achieving a peaceful environment in the State for businesses to thrive, thereby encouraging investors to visit our State in large numbers to carry out their business ventures in a safe and protective atmosphere.

Arise, that same God.

Pastor Essiet, ACIA, Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.