By Aniekan Umanah
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It is an ode to a square peg in a square hole, a leader who has put his people on the radar of holistic development and progress, and advocating for their prosperity from the beeches to the grassroots. In every inch, Akwa Ibom is winning!
In Akwa Ibom State, March 2025 unfolded as a transformative lyrics of governance, empowerment, and infrastructural renewal. Lyrics loveably memorized by the people, and hummed by anyone who sights the hoisting of compassion on the totem pole of passion. From the vibrant gathering at the Abak Township Stadium on March 8 to the resounding impact of the ARISE Equipment Support Programme on March 11 and the dual milestones in Oron on March 12, the flag-off of a major maritime infrastructure project and the commissioning of a world-class model primary school, Governor Umo Eno’s administration demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bringing governance home. Those for home democracy was created for, have come face to face with the first son of democracy – good governance. A skilled development gynaecologist is in labour ward. Safe deliveries, minute by minute!
Back to Abak on March 8: The Town Hall that Turned a Town Square Meeting
The Abak Township Stadium was electrified with anticipation as Governor Umo Eno launched the ARISE Town Hall Meeting and Empowerment Series. This initiative, a fulfillment of a key campaign promise by the renowned promise keeper, provided an avenue for constituents of Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency to engage directly with their Governor, the governor of the people.
Beyond the carnival-like atmosphere of cultural displays and community spirit, the event had a profound purpose: to present the Governor’s scorecard after nearly two years in office and incorporate grassroots feedback into the 2026 People’s Budget. Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance, declaring:
“We have come to present our scorecard to you and, at the same time, listen to your complaints and the areas where we can improve our deliverables.”
A highlight of the event was the commencement of the disbursement of over ₦6 billion in empowerment grants to support traders, farmers and local businesses. Over 620 beneficiaries received financial aid ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦5 million, with special provisions for farmers, traders, and artisans. This initiative was more than just financial assistance, it was a deliberate strategy to foster economic self-reliance and stimulate local economies.
The enthusiastic endorsement of Governor Eno for a second term by constituents underscored the broad approval of his leadership and vision. As dusk resumed duty for the night, it was clear that the seeds of sustainable progress had been sown, with the ARISE Agenda serving as both a blueprint and a rallying call for collective development.
The Abak empowerment galore was preceded by the celebration of the 2025 International Women’s Day at Uyo, with the theme: Accelerate Action, where the Inclusivity disposition of the governor found fitting expression in his speech on the occasion.
Governor Eno who has given women unprecedented presence in leadership across all the tiers and arms of government, promised to continue carrying the women along in governance, including complementing the effort of the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), the rallying point of women and children support in the State.
March 11: ARISE Equipment Support Scheme – MSMEs Rescued
With Nigeria’s harsh economic climate forcing the closure of an estimated 7.2 million MSMEs between 2023 and 2024, Governor Eno responded with decisive action. The ARISE Equipment Support scheme , AESS , launched on March 11, directly addressed this crisis by equipping over 2,000 small business owners with essential tools to enhance productivity.
Beneficiaries across diverse sectors received equipment such as brand new cars and buses , sewing machines, deep freezers, industrial ovens, hairdryers, generators, and operational vehicles. The initiative aligned with the Governor’s long-standing commitment to entrepreneurial development, exemplified by the establishment of IBOM-LED and ongoing skill training at the Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre (DASAC).
Governor Eno’s belief that “supporting small businesses today ensures sustainable job creation tomorrow” was brought to life through this intervention. By providing entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for success, the programme served as both a lifeline and a catalyst for economic transformation in Akwa Ibom State.
March 12: Maritime Infrastructure and Educational Renaissance in Oron
Oron Maritime Hub – A Gateway to Economic Revival
Here was a story of the glory is back to Oron. Truly, the glory that departed decades ago is returning in its full glory.
On March 12, Governor Umo Eno stood at the Oron beach, breaking ground for a maritime infrastructure project poised to transform the economic landscape of the Oron Federal Constituency. The construction of the Oron Marine Jetty, a fusion of a commercial aquatic hub, ferry terminal, and leisure resort were officially underway.
Set for completion by September 2025, the project will revitalize sea trade, create jobs for thousands of locals, and enhance marine transport services along the state’s coastal axis. Governor Eno declared:
“We will construct our waterways, put ferries on them, and that will be our pride and our joy.”
The project, which will feature steel shore protections, four jetties, a passenger terminal, a cool room, a warehouse, and a 5,500-square-meter car park, aligns with the Governor’s vision to harness the state’s maritime potential. With the Nigerian Navy already building ferries for the State Government and set to train engineers for maintenance, the initiative promises long-term sustainability and economic resurgence for the region.
A New Era in Education – Commissioning of Model Primary School in Oron
Earlier that day, Governor Eno commissioned the Model Primary School, Uko-Oyukim, a world-class educational facility designed to set a new standard for basic education in Akwa Ibom, in line with his high held philosophy that no society grows beyond its prioritization and investment in education. The project, undertaken by a young indigenous contractor, Mr. Ukeme Peter, exemplified the Governor’s resolve to patronize competence over connections, having made a clarion call to indigenous contractors and service providers to register on the State Procurement Portal in order to bid for over 400 available jobs in the State.
The school, featuring 19 well-equipped classrooms, an ICT lab, a fully furnished library, an auditorium, and an ultra-modern football field, symbolizes a renewed commitment to nurturing future generations. Addressing the youths of Akwa Ibom, Governor Eno stated:
“We are in a hurry to develop this state, and we will work only with those who are competent, not those with connections.”
The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, lauded the Governor’s prioritization of education, emphasizing that a solid foundation at the primary level is crucial for academic excellence. The facility was not just a building but a beacon of hope for Oron and a testament to the administration’s commitment to educational development.
From the open dialogue and empowerment of March 8 to the strategic economic intervention of March 11 and the infrastructural milestones of March 12, Governor Umo Eno’s March 2025 initiatives embodied governance with a human touch.
Each event reflected the ARISE Agenda’s core principles of accountability, resourcefulness, inclusion, sustainability, and empowerment, demonstrating that governance, when executed with sincerity and vision, can tangibly improve lives.
Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno is a good example of what the people ordered being exactly what they have been given by God. In fact, it is even more in the positive sense of the word. Or how does one explain a situation where a governor under-promises and over-delivers, yet more containers of development are safely sailing in. Akwa Ibom State is blessed!
