Umo Eno; making Akwa Ibom State a model of cleanliness in Nigeria

Emmanuel Nicholas

Akwa Ibom State has earned a distinguished reputation as the cleanest state in Nigeria, a title it has proudly held for six consecutive years.

This remarkable achievement is not merely a matter of chance; it is the result of diligent efforts by successive governments, particularly under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno.

His administration has prioritized environmental cleanliness as a core component of governance, setting a standard for others to emulate.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has made significant investments in always acquiring waste disposal vehicles and large waste bins for residents to freely dispose of their waste.

Meanwhile, in many other states in Nigeria, residents are required to pay for such services.

This is because Governor Umo Eno’s government has made cleanliness a key agenda, emphasizing the importance of a clean environment for the health and well-being of the citizens.

The recent acquisition of brand waste collection vehicles and large waste collection buckets demonstrates the administration’s commitment to maintaining high standards of sanitation.

This investment is more than just an operational upgrade; it signifies a renewed determination to uphold Akwa Ibom’s status as Nigeria’s cleanest state.

At the equipment unveiling ceremony, Governor Umo ENO urged the Ministry of Environment and its agencies to intensify their efforts to maintain Akwa Ibom as the cleanest state.

He reaffirmed his commitment to providing the necessary tools to support the agency’s success.

He said when he once inquired about the delays in cleaning the state, Prince Ikim, Chairman of the Board of the Akwa Ibom Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, cited a lack of equipment.

This is what motivated the Governor’s presence at the event to deliver the equipment, not only to uphold the state’s clean status but to strive for recognition as the cleanest state in Africa.

By the end of the year, the Governor plans to award the cleanest local government area in Akwa Ibom, and he encouraged all local government chairmen to ensure their communities remain clean and not only the State capital.

Prince Ikim, speaking before the Governor, expressed his gratitude for being chosen to oversee the Agency’s affairs.

He commended the Governor for his proactive approach to the challenges affecting the Agency’s operations.

He also thanked Governor Umo ENO for raising the salaries of the Agency’s staff and for providing additional equipment to enhance their service to the state.

Most importantly, he acknowledged the Governor’s consistent intervention in critical issues, such as flooding.

In the diligent pursuit of maintaining cleanliness across the state, Governor Umo Eno’s administration employs a proactive strategy that encompasses a variety of daily activities aimed at ensuring that our public spaces are not only tidy but also devoid of any unsightly debris.

A key component of this daily regimen is the systematic sweeping of streets, a task that is carried out with unwavering regularity to uphold the aesthetic and hygienic standards of our communal areas.

Furthermore, in a concerted effort to safeguard the state’s infrastructure and avert the potential hazards of flooding, routine maintenance and clearing of drainage systems are performed.

This meticulous attention to both cleanliness and infrastructure integrity reflects a comprehensive commitment to enhancing a well-maintained environment for all citizens.

The state also implements quarterly evacuations of both surface and underground drainage systems, demonstrating a comprehensive strategy to manage waste and promote public health.

The maintenance of green spaces is another focal point of the government’s environmental policy.

Routine grass-cutting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the state but also supports biodiversity and mitigates potential fire hazards.

The success of Akwa Ibom State’s cleanliness initiatives is further bolstered by residents’ engagement and awareness campaigns.

The government encourages citizens to take pride in their environment, fostering a culture of cleanliness that extends beyond governmental efforts.

This collective responsibility ensures that the state’s commitment to cleanliness is a shared endeavor, promoting sustainable practices among residents.

But, one of the critical issues facing Akwa Ibom State is the improper disposal of waste and the neglect of drainage systems by residents.

With this act, the State Government is working so hard to convince all residents to abide by the rules of cleanliness.

Residents need to recognize the importance of proper waste disposal and clearing of drainage to prevent flooding.

The State also has designated the last Saturday of each month as a sanitation day to allow residents to tidy up their surroundings.

Away from cleanliness, the government of Akwa Ibom State, under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, is planning to embark on an ambitious initiative aimed at transforming waste management into a sustainable resource for economic growth and energy production.

This “Waste to Wealth” strategy is not only a response to the growing challenge of waste disposal but also an innovative approach to harnessing waste materials for productive use.

By converting waste into valuable resources, the state is poised to address environmental concerns while simultaneously generating economic opportunities and enhancing energy security.

The first component of this initiative will focus on the recycling and repurposing of solid waste. Akwa Ibom State is leveraging its abundant waste materials, ranging from plastics to organic waste to create new products and materials.

This recycling process not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also provides raw materials for local industries.

By encouraging businesses to invest in recycling technologies, the state aims to create jobs and stimulate local economies.

This approach not only fosters entrepreneurship but also promotes environmental sustainability by minimizing the ecological footprint associated with waste disposal.

In addition to recycling, the Akwa Ibom government is exploring the potential of waste-to-energy technologies.

By converting organic waste into biogas and utilizing other forms of waste for energy generation, the state can address its electricity needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Waste-to-energy plants can produce clean energy, which is crucial for a State like Akwa Ibom, where access to reliable electricity remains a challenge.

Furthermore, this initiative can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to combat climate warming.

Akwa Ibom State’s Waste to Wealth initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to waste management by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

The Government emphasized sustainability, economic growth, and energy production.

By transforming waste into valuable resources, the state will not only address pressing environmental issues but also pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Lastly, Akwa Ibom State stands as a pillar of cleanliness in Nigeria, thanks to the concerted efforts of the government led by Governor Umo ENO and the active participation of its citizens.

Under the stewardship of Governor Umo Eno, the state has not only maintained its title but has also set a benchmark for environmental management across the nation.

As Akwa Ibom continues to invest in waste management and environmental sustainability, it remains a shining example of how dedicated governance can lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant community.