Umo Eno: Embracing leadership by putting people first, on agenda 

By Emmanuel Nicholas

Leader of Akwa Ibom State in South-South Nigeria is prioritizing the needs of the masses in his developmental agenda.

He conducts proper and adequate evaluation on any prospective project or policy his administration envisioned, before such an agenda commences.

Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has approached his responsibilities with care and humility, ensuring that those he governs are not left behind or marginalized.

He has consistently engaged the masses in all his administrative efforts, prioritizing the needs of the people before implementing any initiatives.

When the Governor sought to revitalize the healthcare system, he first assessed the sector’s shortcomings, particularly how they impacted rural residents.

He thought wise, that to make healthcare affordable and accessible, it was essential to start with improvements at the grassroots level.

As a result, Governor  Eno has initiated extensive reconstruction and construction of primary healthcare centers throughout all the wards in Akwa Ibom State.

Beyond just building these facilities, he is also equipping them with modern medical equipment and increasing the healthcare workforce to ensure high-quality service for patients.

To guarantee that personnel are consistently present, the Government of Akwa Ibom State, under Eno’s leadership, is constructing staff quarters at all health centers.

In the education sector, the Governor evaluated the factors affecting underprivileged communities’ access to quality education through public schools.

He concluded that public schools should be made conducive for learning and equipped with facilities comparable to those of private schools.

This way, children from low-income families attending public schools would receive the same curriculum and learning environment as those from wealthier backgrounds in private institutions.

As a result, the Governor envisioned the establishment of model schools throughout Akwa Ibom State’s public education system.

His initiative began with an unexpected visit to Christ the King Primary School (CKS) on Wellington Bassey Way in Uyo, located a short distance from the Government House. This visit led him to not only renovate the school but also to propose the creation of model public schools across the state.

These model schools feature modern amenities, including a welcome center and reception hall, fully furnished classrooms, an administrative block, an e-library, a library, an ICT center, laboratories, staff accommodations, a sick bay, demonstration farms, and well-paved walkways. Students are provided with quality uniforms and sandals.

Moreso, the model schools include sports facilities such as a football field, a basketball court, a tennis court, and other recreational areas to help students relax and potentially pursue careers in sports.

Governor Eno’s public schools offer better learning amenities than many large private institutions, prompting more parents to transfer their children from private schools to benefit from the higher-quality education provided by the model schools.

Apart from developing a better structure for public school, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State made education free for all, from primary to secondary school.

His administration covers examination fees for students taking their Senior Secondary exams, totaling over seven hundred and fifty million Naira each year.

He  understands that rural communities are the most affected by poor road networks. He acknowledges that a significant portion of the population resides in these areas, and in order to alleviate their hardships, he is focused on improving rural road construction.

Currently, Governor Eno is working on over 250 km of roads in rural areas and is collaborating with a World Bank agency through the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAM) to develop additional roads and markets in these communities.

This initiative includes construction services for the improvement of 130.63 km of rural roads and 39.00 linear meters of cross-drainage structures (bridges and culverts) in Akwa Ibom State. The first project launched under this initiative was the 11 km Owot-Utah-Ede Obom road, which connects Urua Ekpo Nwa, linking Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area to Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.

Since then, construction has started on over ten rural roads across Akwa Ibom State as part of this programme.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has also assessed the housing sector and found that many residents live in inadequate shanties unfit for human habitation.

Before launching the Luxury Estate and other high-end developments, Governor  Eno sought ways to alleviate housing burdens for the underprivileged.

He criticized the poor living conditions some residents faced, prompting him to introduce the ‘ARISE Compassionate Homes’ initiative.

This programme aims to provide housing for the state’s most vulnerable citizens, aligning with the rural development goals of the ARISE Agenda. So far, 36 homes have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries. These two-bedroom bungalows are fully furnished and equipped with solar-powered water facilities.

In addition to receiving quality housing, beneficiaries are given half a million Naira to start a business of their choice.

In the second phase of this initiative, the government is constructing 112 two-bedroom bungalows for 112 families across Akwa Ibom State, with the homes provided at no cost to the recipients.

A government that genuinely cares for its citizens must also emphasize inclusivity and community involvement.

Governor  Eno has recognized prizing involving citizens in the decision-making process. His administration has established various platforms for dialogue and feedback, allowing the voices of the people to be heard.

This participatory approach not only fosters trust between the government and the citizens but also ensures that policies are reflective of the actual needs and aspirations of the populace.

This is one aspect of his Governance that really endears the entire State to him, and everyone across the land wants him to continue for another four years after completing this first tenure.

Governor Eno’s leadership in Akwa Ibom State exemplifies the principle that a government can and should prioritize the well-being of its citizens. He demonstrates this commitment by focusing on the development of the masses and ensuring access to essential needs.