Gov. Eno’s weekly recap: Building a stronger Akwa Ibom, successful passage of 2025 budget by AKHA

By Solomon Essiet

“Let us support and promote our indigenous artists to grow.” Pastor Umo Bassey Eno Ph.D

The performing Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno had a handful of activities over the week, some of which were:-

Despatched condolence message to the family of former Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Major Gen. Godwin Abbe (Rtd), on Sunday, 22nd December 2024.

Facilitated with Dean of Commissioners, Sir. Monday Ebong Uko, on his birthday, Monday 23rd December 2024.

Visited the family of the Late Nne Isong on Condolence, Monday, 23rd December 2024.

Commissioned CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo, on Tuesday, 24th December, 2024.

Inspected Ewet Luxury Gardens Estate and Arise Park Projects on Tuesday, 24th December, 2024

Hosted critical Stakeholders of the Party on Tuesday, 24th December 2024.

Released Christmas Day Message to Akwa Ibomites on Wednesday, 25th December, 2024.

Worshipped at ANCMI, Eket, with his family on Wednesday 25th December, 2024.

Visited Late Ben Udowa’s family on condolence, Wednesday 25th December, 2024.

Joined immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel on Onna Day Celebration, Wednesday, 25th December 2024.

Hosted the entire Akwa Ibom State on “Governor’s Day” at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, on Thursday, 26th December 2024.

Felicitated Prelate Isaiah Isong on his birthday, Thursday 26th December, 2024.

Had a community engagement with Ikot Ekpene Udo village and the people of his political ward in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Friday, 27th December 2024.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State has not only signed a pact for good Governance with Akwa Ibomites but sees to it that the corresponding dividends are delivered to the people. Governor Umo Eno is running a very responsible administration in the State.

No wonder he is making waves in all components of the ARISE Agenda and, by extension, all sectors of Akwa Ibom State’s economy.

From the onset, bringing the Government closer to the people has been his heart cry, and the Governor has been pursuing it religiously to close the wide margin between the rich and the poor in the State, thereby creating a vibrant middle class that is non-existent at the moment.

To this end, the Governor harps on having a representative of Government in each of the 2,272 gazetted Villages in Akwa Ibom State. The Governor mentioned this, during the meeting he had with critical Stakeholders on 24th December, 2024. Insisting that it is doable and very possible to achieve that in this administration.

According to the Governor, “I believe that we should have an appointed or elected individual in all the 2,272 villages. I believe it is doable; let us not be too familiar with holding onto the past.” If you ask me, this is a visionary approach to governance. When the Governor first indicated his intentions of having a Personal Assistant to the Governor from each of the Political Wards, many dismissed it as an unrealistic venture, but today, that has been achieved effortlessly. As we speak, one project per Local Government Area concurrently has been made possible in this administration in about 18 Months of the Governor’s stay in office; some Local Government Areas have had their second Project implemented or ongoing in less than 2 Years of the golden era administration.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has defiled many norms acting like a cork on the wheel of progress in Akwa Ibom State, much like a retrogressive effect of tradition, conquering them all, by introducing a rather scientific approach to governance, insisting on getting things done differently, yet with the right kind of results.

Normally, no one can do things the same way, yet expect a different result. The Golden Era administration is full of wonders. Indeed, we are in an era of great possibilities in Akwa Ibom State.

On commissioning of CEEDAPEG Hotels

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday, 24th December 2024, assured the State of his continuous partnership with different players in the hospitality industry to actualize its tourism master plan.

Speaking at the commissioning of a luxury apartment in Uyo, CEEDAPEG Hotels, he noted that the hospitality industry is very critical to achieving the tourism goal of the State.

Governor Eno said the State will host a tourism summit in the new year to draw its tourism master plan that will serve as a guide to help the State achieve her dream of making Akwa Ibom State a Tourism hub in the Country and West Africa, in preparation to emerging one of the highest earners from Tourism in the nearest future.

He noted that Tourism is a key component of the ARISE Agenda and sits very close to his heart, adding that the State is recording some laudable strides in the tourism sector, including the ARISE Park with its nine-hole Golf Course and many other State-of-the-art features.

According to the Governor, “Akwa Ibom State is making considerate progress in the area of Tourism. This has attracted several people to relocate to our State to live and work. There is a need to have more quality hotels such as CEEDAPEG.

“The ARISE Park, one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken in this State by converting a ravine into a model park of international standard. It has a golf course, children’s playground, chalets, banquet hall, shops, and others,” he said.

He commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of CEEDAPEG for putting up such a magnitude of investment in the State, which, according to him, will impact the general economy of the State.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ewet Luxury Apartments Limited, Elder Ubong Obot, represented by Mr. Asuquo Antai, said the commissioning is a major achievement in the tourism and hospitality industry in the State, adding that CEEDAPEG is a remarkable addition to the growing portfolio of top hotels in the State and across Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of CEEDAPEG Hotels, Dr. Effiong Afiakurue, said CEEDAPEG Hotels is designed to redefine hospitality in the State, and the country generally, adding that it has 117 luxury rooms and suites, two executive rooms, two bedroom apartments for extended stays and a presidential suite featuring a private 15 – seater conference room, and many others.

He appreciated the Governor for coming to commission the facility and assured him of continuous support for the development of the State.

Christmas Day message by the governor;

Today, we join millions of Christian adherents to celebrate Christmas which signifies the birth of the Prince of Peace and Saviour of mankind, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christmas is a season of love, of giving, and of unity. It is a period where we should redouble our efforts in looking out for the vulnerable and the downtrodden and inspire in them a spirit of hope and faith that, just as our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born in a manger, their circumstance today may change, and they too, can be leaders of tomorrow.

Let me thank you, my dear people,for the prayers and support you have given us in the last eighteen months as we work to deepen the growth and prosperity of our dear State. We have been humbled greatly by what we have collectively achieved across sectors, and as we get ready to usher in the New Year, we will continue to roll our sleeves and work harder to ensure we produce enough food to feed our people, extend more development to the rural areas, expand our infrastructure, ensure our State remains an oasis of peace and tranquility and get our children to remain focused in their educational pursuits, so they may compete with their peers all over the world, in the spirit of our Arise Agenda.

We will continue to focus on the needs of our people, while challenging them to Arise and flourish through the creative application of the talents and creativity God has embedded in us all.

We have already paid the 13 month salary popularly known as ‘Eno-mber’. Together, with the Organized Labour, work on the verification exercise of actual number of public service employees is ongoing and we hope the process will end very soon so we may commence the payment of the 80 thousand Naira minimum wage we have agreed on.

To bring Christmas cheers to every corner and cranny of this blessed State, we have released 20 bags of rice to be given to each of the 2, 272 gazetted villages in the State.This is a season of glad tidings and we are hopeful that other stakeholders all over the 368 wards will complement the efforts of government to touch the lives of the people in their respective communities.

.Our State is peaceful, safe and secure, and I urge our great and resourceful youths to help maintain this status during the Yuletide. I enjoin them to shun anti-social tendencies or acts capable of disturbing public peace.

Let us wear our unity and love as badges of honour and continue to celebrate our bonds of kindredship, which, thankfully, is currently in full display at the Christmas Unplugged 2024 edition. I am aware of the extraordinary cultural display and renaissance currently on going at the Christmas Village and the thousands of visitors that are trooping in daily.

This is who and what we are all about- the spirit of Akwa Ibom: Happy, industrious, united, creative and God–fearing people, bound by shared aspirations, hopes and dreams.

As we celebrate Christmas today, may this spirit of unity and oneness lead us safely and triumphantly into the New Year.

.I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New year in advance!
God bless us all!

On governor’s day celebration

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said his administration will continue to motivate, support and promote any Akwa Ibom citizen who is endowed with any creative talent, to enable them excel in their calling.

Governor Eno said this at his country home, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, during an event which is part of the Governor’s initiative to celebrate Christmas with his people right from his first Christmas in office in 2023.

He noted that attaining stardom is a gradual process which requires encouragement, support, and motivation, and pledged to continue to provide platforms for various up-coming artists to excel in their chosen fields of interest.

The Governor who had earlier openly endorsed and supported a music star, Ikpa Udo, one of the prominent indigenous artists, advised that while celebrating and supporting foreign artists, indigenous ones must be encouraged to grow.

Governor Eno said the State is prepared to encourage and support the youths, hence the creation of a separate ministry for youth development, adding “we must celebrate what we have, let’s celebrate our own and encourage them to excel.”

It is worthy of mention that the Governor has since assumption of office, been very deliberate and consistent in patronizing and promoting local content at all events, including socials and religious gatherings.

He commended his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his encouragement and support for indigenous artists through the ONNA day celebration held every December 25 at QIC Primary School, Awa – Iman.

The Governor appreciated everyone for joining him in the celebration of Christmas in his hometown and assured of continuous collaboration with stakeholders to deliver on Project Akwa Ibom.

Speaking also during the event, the immediate past Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, who was accompanied by his wife, Martha, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for keeping to his promise and furthering on the development of the State.

Other notable speakers that during the event include, Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Oku Ibom Ibibio and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium LGA, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, State Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Aniekan Akpan, and Chairman of the State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, and Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, Hon Alfred Charles, who appreciated the Governor for his leadership disposition, especially for his inclusiveness, and his all round support for youths, elders, women.

They assured him of their continuous support to enable him deliver on the economic development blueprint for the State, the ARISE Agenda.

The epoch-making event featured different indigenous artists including Libra, David Cruz, aka Disasta, Ikpa Udo and other artists with captivating performances, comedy and cultural displays.

On the passage of 2025 budget by Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA).

On Tuesday 24th December, 2024, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly successful passed the 2025 budget, sent to the House by Akwa Ibom State Governor on Tuesday, 26th November, 2024.

By implication the ₦955 Billion Naira 2025 Budget of Consolidation and Expansion has been considered, following the passage of the budget by the State House of Assembly, with a recurrent expenditure of ₦300 billion while ₦655 billion is budgeted for capital expenditure.

The total 2025 budget outlay represents a 3% increase from the ₦923.412 billion revised provision of 2024.

This follows the adoption of the report by the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Finance, Hon Dr Itoro Etim, which saw the House dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to consider the report, after which it was read the third time and passed into law by the lawmakers.

The 2025 AKSG budget as passed has a sectoral allocation of ₦215.863 billion representing 22.6%, of the total budget sum allocated to Administration, ₦564.417 billion representing 59.1% allocated to the Economic sector, ₦21,398 billion representing 2.2% goes to Law and Justice, ₦1.002 billion representing 0.1% will go for the Regional sector, while the Social Sector has an allocation of ₦152.325 billion representing 16.0%.

The budget has a projected revenue estimates of ₦830 Billion, sourced from; IGR ₦80 billion, Statutory Revenue ₦20 billion, Derivation Revenue ₦135 billion, 13% Derivation Revenue Arrears ₦60 billion, Exchange Gain, Augmentation and others ₦455 billion, Excess Crude Revenue ₦5 billion, VAT ₦70 Billion and Ecological Fund ₦5 billion.

Recurrent Expenditure for 2025 is ₦300 Billion made up of Personnel Cost of ₦115.695 billion and Overhead Cost of ₦184.305 billion while the ₦655 billion total capital receipts and expenditure earmarked for Capital Expenditure which represents a 14.25% increase from the revised provision of ₦573.319 billion for 2024, will be financed with ₦530 billion coming from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, while the balance of ₦125 billion will be sourced with ₦100 billion from the Opening Balance from 2024 Account, ₦10 billion from External Bank Loan, Grants ₦11 billion, Reimbursement from FG on Roads ₦1 billion, Other Exceptional Income ₦1 billion and ₦2 billion from the Stabilisation Account.

The budget which is predicated on Oil Benchmark of $75 per barrel, production rate of 2.12 million barrels per day, exchange rate of #1400 to the US dollar, National GDP of 3.68% and Inflation rate of 32.8%, has its Policy Thrust anchored on the five critical pillars of the A.R.I.S.E Agenda which includes; Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security and Educational Advancement. The Bill is awaiting the Governor’s Assent.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, with his thrilling record of performance was recently announced by Leadership Newspaper as the best Governor in Nigeria. We have the duty to support the Governor to succeed in his quest to transform Akwa Ibom State and take us to our promise land.

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