By Kufre Ekpoh
The date was May 29, 2023, and thousands gathered at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to witness the dawn of what had already been tagged the Golden Era. The circumstances that led to his emergence as the 5th democratically elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State were enough indices to show that, aside from being the most preferred, divinity had a hand in his ascension to power. He had earlier scored a total of 356,348 votes to defeat other contenders in the 2023 gubernatorial polls, bringing to an end months of heated politicking, propaganda, barefaced fibs, and intense legal tussles.
At exactly 1:31 p.m., at the Nest of Champions, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, had sworn an oath to leave Akwa Ibom better than he met it. It signaled a fresh beginning of people-centric leadership—one that is of the people, for the people, and by the people.
Twenty-four months and almost 730 days down the line, the very question on the lips of many would be: how has the Governor performed? Has Umo Eno lived up to expectations, and has Akwa Ibom made any meaningful progress under the leadership of this Nsit Ubium-born cleric turned politician?
Getting the right leadership to propel good governance has been a recurring challenge across Nigeria. Over the years, the majority of our leaders seem to have failed to provide quality leadership capable of addressing the numerous challenges confronting the country. Governments have been unable to set in place transparent and accountable systems capable of securing economic progress, social cohesion, and infrastructural development. Aware of this lacuna, Governor Umo Eno assumed office with a firm determination to run an administration that works on the principles of good governance and, most importantly, is accountable to the Akwa Ibom people. He knew—and still knows—that good governance is essential to the stability, growth, and development of any clime.
Predicated on the ARISE AGENDA, Pastor Eno’s administration has brought a compelling counter-narrative, making governance a serious business—especially in a nation where public trust in leadership has eroded under the weight of unmet promises. In two years, the gentleman Governor has shown clearly how adversity, when met with vision and resolve, can be converted into opportunity and sustainable progress. Governor Eno has consistently demonstrated that what others call problems, he sees as platforms. His leadership is marked not by empty rhetoric but by measurable actions that build, unite, and empower.
The Umo Eno administration has made laudable strides across several key sectors. In health, for instance, his government has prioritised the construction of Model Primary Health Centres, fully furnished with state-of-the-art medical equipment, Outpatient Department, Labour Ward, Consulting and Procedure Rooms, Immunization Unit, as well as a Food and Nutrition Demonstration Space. To enable 24-hour operations, these model primary hospitals are designed with tastefully furnished, solar-powered residential quarters for medical workers, while the recently launched state-wide ambulance service will continue to cater for emergency cases across the state.
The Governor recognises that health is wealth, and so, he has established a new Haemodialysis Centre in Ikot Ekpene, in addition to the Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP), Ituk Mbang, and the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS), all of which were inaugurated in March by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. These feats have not only improved the healthcare infrastructure but also strengthened the state’s capacity to manage public health crises, especially in rural areas.
In education, this administration has worked tirelessly to address the gaps in the state’s education system through the building and upgrading of hitherto decayed school structures into model, international-standard primary schools. The plan is to ensure that each local government area has an ARISE Model Primary School. As of today, each model school in the state is equipped with fully furnished classrooms, a modern sick bay, a spacious auditorium and assembly hall, a well-stocked library and ICT laboratory, as well as dedicated staff quarters, among other features. Pupils of these schools are also presented with educational kits such as free exercise books, sandals, and school uniforms.
The Governor has not just consistently paid students of tertiary institutions but has also increased the amount from N10,000 to N20,000 for those studying regular courses, and N30,000 for those studying professional courses. Similarly, students with disabilities have accessed N250,000 for undergraduates and N300,000 for postgraduate students through the Education Trust Fund of the state government.
How about the 39 students selected from rural schools in the state for a Learning Exchange Programme in the United Kingdom and many more? The Governor has indeed shown that he is securing the future through robust investment in education.
On infrastructure, Akwa Ibom State has witnessed unprecedented growth. New roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects are transforming the landscape of the state, improving connectivity and boosting economic activities. These developments are not only benefiting local communities but also positioning Akwa Ibom as an attractive destination for both investors and tourists alike.
As a Governor who acknowledges that governance is a continuum and that uncompleted projects must not be allowed to rot, Pastor Eno is bent on finishing them. The Nsit Atai–Okobo–Oron Road is a prime example of this finisher’s anointing. Originally awarded in 2006 and rendered nearly impassable due to excavation by successive contractors, this road is now nearing completion in less than two years of Governor Umo Eno’s administration. When completed, it will further boost commerce between the coastal part of Akwa Ibom and some sister states in the country.
Among other completed roads inherited from previous administrations are the 23.25 km Ikot Ekaide–Ikot Ibritam Road, which features two bridges measuring 20 metres and 80 metres respectively; the 4.95 km Ekparakwa–Ntak Ibesit Road—both in Oruk Anam LGA, inherited at 50% completion; the extended 21.5 km stretch of Oron Road, from the Ring Road III roundabout to the Victor Attah International Airport Gate, now renamed Udom Emmanuel Boulevard; and the 2.9 km Secretariat–Okuko II–Eweme Road with spur in Urue Offong/Oruko, among others.
Last year, Governor Eno announced the injection of approximately N180 billion for the completion of all inherited road projects. These include 44 Direct Labour and Intervention Projects as well as 40 FGPC road projects. These roads, spread across the state’s 31 local government areas, are expected to significantly enhance the administration’s agricultural and rural development initiatives.
Infrastructure expansion is a critical pillar of the ARISE Agenda. So far, 223 road and bridge projects—including those inherited from the previous administration—have been executed. Some have been commissioned, some are ongoing, while others are marked for flag-off. Additionally, 47 new priority projects spanning critical sectors have been earmarked for flag-off within the first half of this year. One can only imagine how beautiful the state would look upon the completion of these road projects.
It is a known fact that development and entrepreneurship can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security. With that in mind, Gov. Eno has also displayed great commitment to security by establishing a cordial relationship with and strengthening law enforcement agencies to deliver. More than once, the Governor has provided modern security vehicles and gadgets to the police and other security agencies. He has also established a stand-alone Ministry of Internal Security to help keep the state safe and secure. The Ibom Security Watch, apart from boosting employment with over 500 trained security officers, has also played a critical role in intelligence gathering. This focus on security is tied to the Governor’s all-inclusive approach to governance, which has not just fostered peace and political stability within the state but also created an environment conducive to investment, allowing businesses to flourish without fear of disruption. Just recently, Governor Eno was honoured by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Akwa Ibom State Command, for his ceaseless support to the command and other security agencies in the state.
In two years, the Governor has made audacious efforts to transform Akwa Ibom State, turning challenges into opportunities and setting a new standard for governance in Nigeria.
