Gov. Eno’s weekly updates, away from politics to governance, Akwa Ibom rising

You and Your Governor with Solomon Essiet

“We are here to work because the change we seek for our State begins with us,” Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.

Indeed, there is a time for everything under the sun as recorded in the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-3. Governor Umo Eno understood the realities behind time, it’s often said that time waits for no man.

Over the week, in what seems like a complete departure from politicking to the business of governance, the Governor presided over the State’s Projects Delivery meeting, receiving briefs from the Delivery Advisors overseeing a list of over 40 quality projects, ongoing in Akwa Ibom State.

An attempt will be made to list these projects in this report. Stay with me. Other activities carried out by the Governor in the week under review include:-

Gov. Eno, ably represented Mr. Emem Bob, at the Thanksgiving Service to mark Public Service Week, Sunday, June 29, 2025; Gov. Eno attended the Government House Monthly Covenant Service, Tuesday, July 01, 2025; Gov. Eno Commissioned Arise Compassionate Home at Ikot Udoiyak Village, Ukanafun LGA, Tuesday, July 01, 2025 and Gov. Eno, reportedly approved additional 62 Arise Compassionate Homes, for construction, Wednesday, July 02, 2025.

Gov. Eno presided over Day One, Project Delivery meeting, received 26 presentations, Thursday, July 03, 2025; Gov. Eno Presided over Day Two, Project Delivery Meeting, received 16 Presentations, Friday, July 04, 2025; Gov. Eno convened a special FGPC Meeting on Itam Industrial Park Project, Friday, July 04, 2025; Gov. Eno approved an increase in the monthly State’s allowance of Corp Members, from 5000 Naira to 20,000 Naira and Gov. Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi at the Public hearing for South-South geopolitical zone review of 1999 constitution, Friday, July 04, 2025.

Gov. Eno led some critical State leaders to the APC South-South Stakeholders Meeting in Edo State, Saturday, July 05, 2025.

At a time when leaders across the board pay lip service to actual performance and service delivery, Governor Umo Eno took it upon himself to serve the People of Akwa Ibom State with his full might, body, soul, and spirit.

Ordinarily, one would think the position of a Governor is that of enjoyment. But I can tell you sincerely, as a member of the Governor’s team, that being a Governor is not a bed of roses. Especially, if you are the type who cares for the people, like Governor Umo Eno is doing.

Governor Umo Eno is a leader sent by God himself to the Akwa Ibom people. Especially the “Nobodies”. If that is an English word. He is a Governor for the forgotten, fatherless and motherless.

He is the Governor for those without God fathers and God mothers. Governor Eno is the Governor of all Akwa Ibomites irrespective of tribe and ethnicity. I write as someone who witnessed the Governor’s love for the poor, demonstrated in the award of contracts and other empowerment programmes carried out in the State.

From my observation, by the time everyone has spoken in such critical meetings, Governor Eno is the one who always speaks for the poor and those without connection or bearing to those in power.

According to Governor Umo Eno, “When we plan for the award of contracts, let us make provision for the ‘nobodies’, those without Government connections. They must have jobs to do as well”.

For instance, if you are a contractor that has applied through the designated portal for the over 400 building contracts existing in the State, all you need is to be sure that you can handle the job.

And that you have handled such a project elsewhere successfully with a proven track record. Next, the job will be given to you, whether you know anybody or not. Governor Eno is very much interested in the testimonies of those who will land the contract without knowing any man in Government.

I can tell you for sure that that is his heart’s desire. Same with the 3000 jobs for the State civil service, which will soon be posted on the employment portal.

Governor Umo Eno is interested in getting people to have confidence in his administration, that the son of a nobody can rub shoulders with the son and daughter of a big man in a job environment, board meeting rooms across the State.

Governor Eno understood that the vote offered by people from privileged backgrounds is not different from the one that came in from the poor and vulnerable amongst us in Akwa Ibom State, and so the distribution of privileges coming from the Government circle should not be solely for the rich and privileged few in our society.

These and many more give validation to one of my articles, in which I described Governor Umo Eno as “Senior advocate of the Neediest”. In all my little sojourn on earth, I am yet to see a leader so compassionate like Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

On day one of the project’s delivery meeting

The July edition of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s Monthly Delivery Advisory Meeting commenced on a purposeful note today, Wednesday, July 3, 2025, with Governor Umo Bassey Eno reaffirming his administration’s resolve to accelerate project execution and ensure the timely delivery of State projects across sectors.

Held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, the meeting was presided over by the Governor and witnessed a broad-based attendance comprising members of the State Executive Council, Delivery Advisors, senior citizens, political stakeholders, and participants from across party lines and sectors.

In his opening remarks, Governor Eno welcomed all attendees and restated that the monthly session is a strategic governance mechanism designed to review the status of ongoing projects, receive expert contributions, and provide a platform for frank engagement to ensure effective service delivery.

According to him, “We have numerous projects we are pursuing to develop our State. We have no time, and we must move fast without excuses.” The Governor emphasized that “we are here to work, because the change we seek for our state begins with us,” urging stakeholders to remain focused, committed, and transparent in discharging their responsibilities.

The Governor extended his appreciation to the senior citizens and stakeholders who took time to attend the meeting, describing their presence as a testament to the shared commitment to development across all fronts. He also urged Akwa Ibomites, particularly the youth, to register on the State Government’s Procurement Portal to position themselves for the various job and contract opportunities emerging from ongoing and future projects across the state.

The session featured detailed textual and visual presentations on twenty-six priority projects across critical sectors, followed by interactive question-and-answer segments, where delivery advisors and sector leaders provided clarifications, offered suggestions, and engaged with participants to address challenges.

Presentations were received on 26 projects from the Ministry of Special Duties, AKICORP, Ministry of Internal Security, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Housing, and Ministry of Health, covering major initiatives including the Itam Industrial Park, the Ibom Convention Centre, the expansion and rehabilitation of Ibom Hotels in Uyo, Abuja, and Lagos, the ongoing House of Assembly Complex rehabilitation, and the development of the AkwaGIS House.

Other projects reviewed included ten airport-related infrastructure projects, the Ibom Towers, Ewet Luxury Estate, Ibom Paints, and the Dakkada Oil Palm initiative. In the security sector, updates were presented on the Security and Command Centre, Correctional Centre, and the Police Counter-Terrorism Unit base. The state’s tourism and destination development strategy was also spotlighted, with updates on the ARISE Resort, Ibom Hotels rehabilitation, and the Aviation Village and Doctors’ Quarters.

In the health sector, attention was drawn to the progress of work at the Ibom International Hospital, the General Hospital in Ibiono Ibom, the Mother and Child Hospital, and the General Hospital in Ukanafun, among others.

Governor Eno charged all MDAs and delivery teams to uphold a high sense of urgency, professionalism, and efficiency in the discharge of their duties. He emphasized that project delivery timelines must be respected, as performance will be continuously tracked in line with the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and service under the ARISE Agenda.

The July session of the Delivery Advisory Meeting continues with more technical briefings and review sessions in the days ahead, reinforcing the state government’s results-oriented approach to governance and sustainable development.

On day two of the project’s delivery meeting with Gov. Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on Friday, July 4, 2025, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to timely project delivery and sustainable development during Day Two of the State’s Monthly Delivery Advisory Meeting, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

Presiding over the session, Governor Eno described the meeting as “the soul of the State,” emphasizing its strategic importance in tracking project implementation, ensuring accountability, and driving results across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“This is a serious meeting, and it is the soul of the State. We must be deliberate about delivery. We can make this State grow to what we want, and all we need is in this room,” the Governor said.

Throughout the two-day session, a total of 42 priority projects were reviewed in detail by MDAs and Delivery Advisors, cutting across critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, security, housing, social welfare, and agriculture.

Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far, stating:

“These projects are alive, and we hope to finish all of them within the next two years.”

A Special Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) Meeting was convened to consider and approve vital infrastructure works at the Itam Industrial Park Roads, further reinforcing the administration’s focus on industrialization and economic diversification.

Among other directives, the Governor charged the Ministry of Education to design capacity-building programs for teachers during the upcoming long vacation. The initiative is aimed at refreshing teachers’ knowledge and building capacity to deliver the quality education envisioned by the administration.

On the Sports Academy project in Eket, Governor Eno approved the immediate construction of a perimeter fence and a main entrance gate to enhance security and preserve the integrity of the site.

Following a presentation by the Delivery Advisor on Tourism, the Governor announced that December 19, 2025, has been set as the official date for the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival, further boosting the state’s profile as a vibrant tourism and cultural destination.

Other major projects reviewed included the Ibom Tourism Summit, Judiciary Quarters, Governor’s Office Annex, One Project Per Local Government, Senior Citizens Centre, Compassionate Homes, Executive and Legislative Quarters, CNG City Buses, and Maritime Infrastructure and Transport Projects.

In his continuing drive for youth inclusion and empowerment, Governor Eno encouraged young Akwa Ibomites to register on the State Procurement Portal to access job and contract opportunities emerging from state projects.

The session was well attended by members of the State Executive Council, Delivery Advisors, senior citizens, political leaders, and stakeholders across party lines, all of whom actively engaged in presentations, feedback, and interactive discussions to enhance the governance process.

Notably, distinguished stakeholders, including Assam Assam, SAN, Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, in their various contributions, commended Governor Eno for painstakingly hosting the monthly delivery sessions. They described the forum as the engine room of state development, noting that the bulk of the work that drives Akwa Ibom’s progress happens at the Delivery Meetings.

Governor Eno thanked all participants for their presence and insights, describing their support as a testament to the shared vision of building a stronger and more inclusive Akwa Ibom State.

The July 2025 Delivery Advisory Meeting concluded on a high note, with renewed urgency and collective resolve to ensure the efficient, transparent, and timely delivery of all state projects under the administration’s ARISE Agenda.

One thing remains a mystery. That is how the Governor found time to sit down for long hours to preside over the project delivery meeting every month. Putting the People of Akwa Ibom State first in everything, just like the selfless leader he is. At this juncture, I implore the people of our dear State to rise totally in support of the God fearing administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the people’s Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Thank you very much for reading to the end. Till I come your way again by next week, bringing more exciting activities of the Governor your way.

Arise, that same God.

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