Overview of Gov. Umo Eno’s performance in 2024, on agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare

By Emmanuel Nicholas

On December 21, 2023, the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly formally ratified the fiscal budget of the State Government for the year 2024, culminating in a substantial final budgetary allocation of ₦849.970 billion.

Following this legislative endorsement, Governor Umo Eno ceremoniously enacted the 2024 budget into law, thereby signifying a noteworthy increment of ₦4.3 billion over the preliminary budgetary figure of ₦845.63 billion.

During the signing of the 2024 budget into law, the governor articulated that his administration was implementing a multitude of comprehensive and meticulously crafted strategies aimed at significantly enhancing the state’s internally generated revenue, thereby ensuring the fiscal sustainability of the budgetary framework.

He urged the Ministry of Finance, the Internal Revenue Service, the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission, and various other pertinent agencies to intensify their collective efforts in mobilizing revenue streams, thereby facilitating a more streamlined and efficient funding mechanism for budgetary allocations.

Achievements on agriculture

Governor Eno has prioritized agricultural development, implementing programmes that enhance food security and support local farmers. Initiatives such as improved irrigation systems, access to modern farming equipment, and training programmes have increased agricultural productivity and sustainability. The introduction of market access initiatives has also empowered farmers, boosting the local economy.

So let’s look at his achievements in the agricultural sub-sector.

As this year close, let us reflect on the significant strides, Governor Umo Eno has made over the past eighteen months in his mission to ignite an agricultural revolution and ensure food security in the State.

In response to the rising costs of staple food items, the Governor initiated “Farm Free Days” on the first and third Fridays of each month.

This initiative has encouraged workers to return to the fields, planting the essential foods we consume. The enthusiastic participation from our rural areas provides his administration confidence in a bountiful harvest in the coming year.

This year also heralded the commencement of the 2024 First Planting Season, during which the Government of Akwa Ibom State provided enhanced cassava cuttings, maize seeds, pumpkin seeds, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural inputs to local farmers.

Governor Umo Eno has also initiated the construction of the Ibom Model Farm, underscoring his commitment to acknowledging agriculture as a viable business sector.

By implementing the Songhai Farming Model, the Governor has integrated agriculture with tourism and hospitality, positioning the Ibom Model Farm as a promising hub for conferences and training in advanced agricultural methodologies.

The administration of Pastor Eno is actively revitalizing the St. Gabriel’s Coconut Oil Factory and the Dakaadda Global Oil Palm Plantation.

This initiative has attracted interest from multilateral organizations and the Federal Government, exploring collaborative partnership opportunities. The Government of Akwa Ibom State is committed to maintaining its leadership in agricultural value chains nationwide.

Achievements in infrastructure development

Governor Eno’s administration has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.

These improvements have facilitated better connectivity, promoting trade and economic growth within the region. Efforts to enhance utilities such as water supply and electricity have also been prioritized.

In 2024, a total of 254 billion Naira was released for infrastructural development; Governor Umo Eno launched a total of 156 road projects across all local government areas, reflecting his commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility.

This includes 57 strategic and economically viable FGPC-approved Arise Road projects, 11 Arise Direct Labour Road Projects, 37 FGPC Road Projects inherited and funded, and 51 old Direct Labour Projects also inherited.

Among the roads commissioned in 2024

1, Atiku Abubakar Flood Control Tunnel A significant advancement in our flood management capabilities.

2, Udom Emmanuel Boulevard (formerly Airport Road): Completed and commissioned, enhancing travel into our state.

3, Ekparakwa-Ntak Ibesit Road, A vital route in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

4, Ikot Eyo-Edem Idim Okpot-Mbiekene-Nnung Obong-Ikot Ntung-East-West Road, An important connection in Nsit Ubium local government Area

5, Ikot Obio Offong–Enen Nsit Road Completed to improve local access.

6, Mkpat Enin-Ikot Ubo Road-Ikot Ntot Road

7,Urueffong-Utuku-Ibotong Road, Essential roads in Urueffong Oruku Local Government Area.

8, Spring Road in Ikot Ekpene: Another key project that has been finalized.

9. Paul Ekpo Crescent, Emmanuel Ekon Street, Obot-Me Street, Emmanuel Enoidem, and other streets in Shelter Afrique

10, 2.5 km streets completed in Mbiabong -Ifa Ikot Okpon GRA

11 , Ndiya Street at the Akpan Andem Market

Governor Eno convened a stakeholders’ meeting with all contractors engaged by the State Government, urging them to leverage the optimal weather conditions to accelerate project timelines and defer holiday breaks.

He allocated an additional 50 billion Naira to incentivize contractors to maintain workforce continuity and maximize productivity during the dry season.

The Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development remains unwavering, and he anticipates achieving even greater progress in the upcoming year.

Achievements on education

And in the education sector, the administration has focused on improving school infrastructure and resources. New classrooms, libraries, and technological tools have been introduced to enhance the learning environment. Additionally, scholarship programmes and vocational training initiatives have been established to ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed for the job market.

Eno demonstrated a strong commitment to educational enhancement under the Arise Agenda, resolutely aiming to expand educational facilities.

Education remains accessible and free from primary to secondary levels, promoting equitable opportunities for all students.

His administration has diligently met its responsibilities, including the substantial payment of N778,998,500 for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) fees.

Additionally, the government allocates subventions to schools, ensuring that primary head teachers and school principals can effectively maintain educational facilities.

The Governor is in the process of constructing 21 model primary schools, with two fully completed and commissioned, while the others are at various stages of development.

These model schools have emerged as exemplary institutions, and the commissioning of additional facilities is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.

Governor Umo Eno believes that providing students with optimal learning environments is essential for their cognitive and academic growth. To further support students, the Governor has supplied free uniforms, books, and shoes.

In his efforts to assist higher education students, Governor Umo Eno has significantly increased bursary amounts: from 10,000 to 20,000 Naira for undergraduates in general programs, and from 10,000 to 30,000 Naira for those in professional fields such as law, medicine, engineering, and agriculture.

Moreover, the administration offers 250,000 Naira to undergraduate students with disabilities and 300,000 Naira to postgraduate students in professional programs. His administration has also established a 100 million Naira Educational Grant specifically for students with disabilities.

Recognizing the crucial role of educators, Governor Umo Eno has approved a one-time wardrobe allowance of 1.1 billion Naira for teachers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication to shaping the future of our children.

As Governor Umo Eno concludes the year, he remains dedicated to enhancing the quality of education in our state, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Achievements on healthcare

In healthcare, significant investments have been made to improve facilities and access to medical services.
The administration has expanded healthcare coverage, introduced mobile health clinics, and focused on maternal and child health programmes

Public health campaigns addressing preventive care have contributed to better health outcomes for the community

In 2024, we proudly celebrate the remarkable achievements of Governor Umo Eno in transforming healthcare delivery for the citizens of Akwa Ibom.

This year, Governor Umo Eno has adeptly inaugurated several state-of-the-art primary healthcare centers in vital locations, including Ikot Nkwo in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Odot in Nsit Atai, and Oboyo Ikot Ita in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

These facilities are over 90% complete, with additional centers in progress in Urue Offong Oruko, Udung Uko, Ika, and Etim Ekpo, alongside the ongoing renovation of the General Hospital in Ukanafun.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Governor Umo Eno has launched the Arise Care State Insurance Healthcare Scheme, designed to deliver essential health services to nearly three thousand civil servants and vulnerable elders at no cost. This program exemplifies his unwavering commitment to ensuring that critical care is accessible to those who need it most.

The administration is also undertaking a transformative restructuring of the Ibom Specialist Hospital, making it a stand-alone entity modeled after Ibom Air. This strategic initiative aims to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our healthcare services.

Looking ahead, we plan to develop a Medical Village along the medical corridor connecting Ibom Specialist Hospital to Ikot Ekpene. This ambitious project will serve as a hub for advanced medical services and foster collaboration among healthcare providers.

Governor Umo Eno’s steadfast commitment to community health remains resolute, as he continues to conduct free medical outreach programs targeted at the most vulnerable populations.

To strengthen emergency response capabilities in health crises, he has recently acquired six ambulance trucks, with plans to expand the fleet to ten, ensuring swift assistance during medical emergencies.

The administration led by Pastor Umo Eno has allocated hundreds of millions of naira towards addressing health crises faced by the citizens of Akwa Ibom, particularly those who find themselves unable to bear the financial burden of their medical expenses.

In a commendable effort to promote public health and well-being, the government has also instituted a program that provides complimentary medical care to children who are under five years of age, as well as to elderly individuals aged 65 and above.

As Akwa Ibom State approaches the end of the year, we are optimistic about the future of healthcare in the state, with Governor Umo Eno remaining dedicated to enhancing the lives of citizens through ongoing investments and reforms in the healthcare sector.

As of 2024, Governor Umo Eno’s administration has made significant strides in key sectors such as agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare.

Overall, Governor Umo Eno’s administration in 2024 has demonstrated a commitment to fostering sustainable development across these critical sectors.

The achievements reflect a holistic approach to governance, aiming to improve the quality of life for citizens while laying a strong foundation for future growth.