Gov. Eno’s weekly review: Ministerial briefing takes centre stage

By Solomon Essiet

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has charged political appointees in the state to remain focused on the delivery of quality services to the people in line with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.

The Governor gave the charge on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the opening of a two-week Ministerial Briefing Series held at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo.

He urged members of the State Executive Council, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to use the platform to give a full account of their stewardship, including staff strength, achievements in 2025 and plans for 2026 in alignment with the ARISE Agenda.

Governor Eno noted that although the political season was approaching, appointees must not lose sight of their primary responsibility of governance and service delivery to the people of the state.

He revealed that the state currently has over 60 ongoing priority projects outside road infrastructure, with a clear focus on completing them before the end of his first term.

“From today, the 12th of January to about the 21st, we will be holding daily ministerial briefing sessions, taking presentations from members of the Executive Council, Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

I urge Council members to use this opportunity to give a full account of their Ministries, including staff strength, achievements in 2025, and plans for 2026, not only as it is in the budget, but in alignment with the ARISE Agenda.

“Together, we can consolidate the achievements of this administration and ensure that our work continues to improve the lives of the people of Akwa Ibom State. This will be a busy year of expansion and growth, building on all the great work we have done in the past two and a half years.

“We remain dedicated to expanding our developmental footprints under the ARISE Agenda to benefit all Akwa Ibomites. We have zero tolerance for excuses; this is the year for action and results,” the Governor added.

He also urged members of the Executive Council to mobilise their constituents to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise as well as the e-registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his brief remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, commended the Governor for his leadership and fatherly disposition, describing the briefing initiative as unprecedented. He assured that members of the Executive Council were ready to deliver accordingly.

Unveiling the presentation schedule, the Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, announced that the briefing commenced immediately with presentations from the Ministry of Works and the Fire Service.

Key Approvals from Ministerial Briefings
Following reports from the ongoing ministerial briefings, Governor Eno approved the maintenance of 83 roads within Uyo metropolis and a full rehabilitation of Aka Itiam Road.

The Governor directed that failed portions of roads be fixed with immediate effect and disclosed that Amitec Construction and Development Limited had been mobilised to commence work.

He insisted that all repairs must be completed before the end of the dry season.

Some of the roads earmarked for maintenance include Oron Road by Udo Umana, Udo Eduok, Okon Essien, Plaza Bypass, Ikot Ekpene and Abak Roads, Clement Isong Avenue, part of Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Port Harcourt Street, Itam Junction Roundabout, part of Obio Imo Street, D’Angelo Hotel and EFCC roads in Ewet Housing Estate, Johnson Street off Aka Road and Ekpenyong Street, among others.

The Governor also received briefings from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.

For the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, he approved the first-quarter distribution of food items to vulnerable citizens to take place during the forthcoming Easter period.

In the education sector, Governor Eno approved the payment of first and second-term subventions for public primary, secondary and technical colleges, payment of WASSCE, NABTEB and science practical fees for SS3 and ST3 students of Akwa Ibom State origin in public schools, as well as the purchase of school uniforms, socks, bags and shoes for pupils in model primary schools.

While taking a briefing from the Ministry of Health, the Governor approved all health-related 2025 counterpart funding, including health insurance, primary healthcare and programmes such as immunisation, family planning and nutrition. He also approved the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund, revitalisation of the State Central Medical Stores and issuance of appointment letters to newly engaged contract staff.

Governor Eno, who had last year declared a state of emergency in the health sector, commended the ministry for the reforms and milestones recorded in 2025 and urged it not to rest on its oars in 2026.

Major Activities During the Week
Beyond the ministerial briefings, Governor Eno had an eventful week under review.

On Saturday, January 10, he held a breakfast meeting with the leadership of the Youth Council of Nigeria, where he engaged them on youth development and inclusive governance.

On Tuesday, January 13, the Governor approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between INTERAF Group and the Akwa Ibom State Government on the Ibom Deep Seaport project. He also welcomed Barrister Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) the same day.

That Tuesday, he also approved the maintenance of 83 roads in Uyo metropolis and the full rehabilitation of Aka Itiam Road.

On Wednesday, January 14, Governor Eno celebrated with Mayor Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter on her re-election as Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington, Ohio, United States. He also approved the flag-off of the construction of Local Government Chairmen’s lodges across the remaining 30 local government areas of the state and felicitated with Hon. Unyime Idem on his birthday.

On Thursday, January 15, the Governor attended the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony at the Cenotaph, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo. He also celebrated the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, on his 57th birthday, condoled with a former classmate, Victor Inwang, over the demise of his sister, and surprised Uyo grocery merchants and vendors with cash gifts.

On Saturday, January 17, Governor Eno attended the Government House monthly prayer meeting and commissioned facilities at 3E Arena and Gardens along Ring Road 3.

In a goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno congratulated Mayor Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter on her swearing-in for a second term as Mayor and Council President of Upper Arlington, Ohio, which took place on January 12, 2026.

The Governor noted that Mayor Awakessien-Jeter broke a more than one-hundred-year record by becoming the first person of colour to be elected Mayor of Upper Arlington, describing the feat as historic and deeply gratifying.

He recalled that her re-election last November was a clear indication of her impressive performance during her first term and a confirmation of the trust her people continue to repose in her leadership.

Governor Eno referenced the Mayor’s reflection that in her first election “voters chose possibility,” and in her second-term election “voters chose trust,” noting that the statement aptly captured the confidence and faith of her constituents.
He prayed that the trust would endure and deepen as she begins her second term in office.

“Congratulations once again, our daughter and Madam Mayor,” the Governor said.

“This is where I draw the curtain until I come your way next week, bringing more exciting activities directly from the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno. Stay with me—this is You and Your Governor.”

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