Governor Eno’s pivotal approach to governance

By Solomon Essiet

Governor Umo Eno’s approach to governance has helped to drive the implementation of his administration’s blueprint, the ARISE Agenda. At the heart of this approach are peace and unity, which have created an atmosphere for development across Akwa Ibom State.

Rather than allowing political differences to slow the work of government, the administration has focused on cooperation, continuity and service delivery. This approach has produced results across several sectors of the state.

Among the achievements recorded are
Unification of leaders across party lines
Completion of inherited projects
Payment of inherited gratuities and leave grants
Execution of major projects such as the ARISE Park Resort and Ibom Medical City
Delivery of development across all 31 Local Government Areas
Transformative reforms in Internally Generated Revenue
Healthcare reforms
Maintenance of a zero-debt administration
40 percent participation for women in governance
Implementation of youth-friendly programmes
Protection of elders through the Elderly Citizens Scheme
Construction of more than 450 Compassionate Homes
Construction of Model Schools
Implementation of rural electricity reforms
Launch of the Tree Crop Revolution
Payment of external examination fees for secondary school students
Payment of bursaries to students in tertiary institutions

A government anchored on peace and unity creates the stability needed for meaningful development. The level of progress recorded in any state is often influenced by the atmosphere in which government and citizens operate.

Governor Eno’s commitment to maintaining peace in Akwa Ibom has provided room for his administration to pursue its programmes without unnecessary political distractions. The result has been steady development across different parts of the state.

The model is simple but productive, seek peace and work with everyone. At a time when some governors devote their first months in office to probing or criticising their predecessors, Governor Eno chose a different path. He moved to consolidate on earlier achievements and complete projects inherited from previous administrations. Through what many describe as his “finisher’s anointing,” he has connected the dots on projects that were abandoned and ideas that never moved beyond the planning stage.

The idea of a Science Park was first mooted during the administration of His Excellency, Obong Victor Attah. Governor Eno expanded the concept by decentralising it through Youth Development Centres across the Local Government Areas.

Some of the centres have been completed, while construction is ongoing in other locations. The centres are expected to equip young people with skills in programming, software development, artificial intelligence and other areas of technology.

Governor Eno also turned his attention to the long-neglected International Conference Centre and Ibom International Hotel within the Tropicana area. He looked beyond the years of neglect and saw facilities that could still contribute to the development of the state.

His administration moved to revive the projects rather than allow them to remain abandoned. The objective is to place the facilities at the service of Akwa Ibom people and the wider economy.

The Governor’s compassionate approach has also reached students and members of the National Youth Service Corps. The state allowance for Corps members was increased from ₦5,000 to ₦20,000, while the bursary paid to students was raised to ₦50,000. The Corps members’ allowance was also extended to Akwa Ibom indigenes serving in other states of the federation. The initiative ensures that beneficiaries are supported by their home state regardless of where they are posted for national service.

Governor Eno’s contribution to the completion of the new terminal at Victor Attah International Airport is another reflection of his focused leadership. The terminal has strengthened the aviation infrastructure of the state and improved the airport’s capacity. The approval for international operations has also opened a new chapter in the development of the facility. This gives Akwa Ibom greater potential to attract investment, tourism and international business.

The transformation of the once-neglected Dominic Utuk Avenue is another example of the administration’s willingness to take on difficult projects. An area previously threatened by erosion is being turned into a world-class recreational centre.

The project is expected to be commissioned by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It shows what can be achieved when leadership is bold, focused and prepared to act.

The payment of more than ₦87 billion in inherited gratuity obligations also reflects the administration’s concern for retired workers. Clearing such a substantial backlog requires commitment and a clear understanding of the difficulties faced by elderly citizens who served the state. Governor Eno has promised to settle the outstanding gratuities before the end of his first term in office. It is an ambitious commitment that places the welfare of retirees at the centre of government policy.

Governor Eno’s reforms in the financial sector also led to the implementation of the Treasury Single Account in January 2026. According to figures from the administration, the state’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue rose from about ₦3 billion to more than ₦10 billion within the first six months. The administration has linked this improvement to stronger financial controls, transparency and accountability. Akwa Ibom also received $6.2 million from the World Bank, a development welcomed by people of the state at home and in the diaspora.

The completion and ongoing construction of more than 1,300 kilometres of roads within the first three years of the administration further demonstrate the Governor’s commitment to infrastructure development. The road projects are not limited to major urban centres but extend to rural communities across the state.

This approach gives people at the grassroots a greater opportunity to feel the presence and impact of government. It also supports movement, commerce and development within local communities.

Instead of spending valuable time pursuing perceived political opponents, Governor Eno has remained focused on improving the fortunes of Akwa Ibom State. His leadership has been peaceful, deliberate and centred on projects that touch the lives of the people.

The progress recorded so far reflects an administration determined to leave the state better than it met it. At the centre of these achievements remains a commitment to peace, unity and continuity.

Arise, That Same God.

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