I visited Akwa Ibom State for the first time in 2013, the government of the day had the “No pot holes slogan”, it was a smooth ride from the airport into town without the usual pot holes that is the experience in some of Nigeria’s big cities. A decade later and the same is true of today’s administration, the ride still smooth from the airport into town. Bravo!!
Since 2000 Nigeria has celebrated democracy day on 29th May, a public holiday to mark the return of the country from military rule to a democratic Government, until the change by the Buhari Administration, democracy day is now 12 June. May 29th stands as anniversary of new administration in Nigeria thus this public holiday is observed and celebrated throughout the Federation, an opportunity for the new administration to share on their work so far and new expectation for their tenure.
Sitting in the audience at the Stadium on the 29th May, listening to Governor Umo Eno’s run through the works carried out by his administration in the state to date was very impressive and I dare say inspiring.
Governor Umo Eno came into office as the successor of the former Governor, His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel who he refers to as his political God father. Governor Eno is a renowned business man, founder of the highly successful conglomerate Royalty hotel in 1997 and remained CEO before taking up the office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. He is also an author and a Pastor. He had served in various roles in his predecessor’s administration. It is fair to say that he comes with a wealth of experience. The office of a Governor in Nigeria has been known to test some very experienced individuals when it comes to delivering on their campaign promise, I wondered if truly Governor Eno could deliver.
Akwa Ibom State is experiencing what I can only describe as “the gentlemen’s agreement”. Successive governments have ensured some semblance of continuity when it comes to delivering on promises. It was not a total surprise to hear Governor Eno tell us at the stadium that he is supervising completion of projects from his predecessor, especially the road networks.
In his address, His Excellency has focused on delivering on his campaign promise “The ARISE” agenda which stands on five cardinal points of Agriculture, Rural development, infrastructural maintenance, Security management and educational advancement.
The Agricultural sector has been boasted with policies for food security. Farmers have received improved seedlings and farming equipment to support their business. Large scale farming is being encouraged and supported. The Akwa Ibom Agribusiness Development Initiative (AADI) is a great initiative that provides training in modern farming techniques and value addition. Agribusiness hubs are being created across the State.
Rural Development; “One project per local government area”, a frequently used slogan in election campaigns, frequently used on the African continent. Realities abound on the ground in Akwa Ibom, 15 model primary health care facilities either being renovated or constructed in different local government areas for easy access to health care. Schools and compassionate homes for the poor and vulnerable are also being constructed.
Infrastructural maintenance; work has continued to complete the 39 road networks started by his predecessor across the State. While 7.9KM construction of dual carriage roads linking three LGAs for better connectivity across the State has also been undertaken by his administration, Flood control tunnels, bridges are all under construction across different local Government area in the State.
Security Management; Insecurity is matter of concern for most Nigerians today. Governor Eno is taking a bold stand to address insecurity in the state. Security personnel are being strengthened with the right security architecture both on land and on Ibom water ways to enable effective security provision in the State. Ibom community Watch (ICW) is recruiting and training local community members to support and work with police to enhance peaceful community living. Governor promised that criminal will be dealt with appropriately.
Educational advancement; “Education for all” initiative is well on the way providing payment for students taking WAEC, NECO etc across the State. A more secure model primary school are being built again across different local Government in the State. Schools are being renovated with modern day equipment for students. Free education up to secondary level with free book provision is the standard.
In the tertiary institutions, infrastructures are being upgraded, students are being prepared and skilled ready for employment.
He also shared on the significant strides in the State’s social welfare scheme, to date 600 of the elderly population of the state are receiving a monthly allowance of fifty thousand naira for instance. It is fair to say this is not a common fate in the Nigerian society. In March the Free food initiative was launched which provides free stable food items to the vulnerable captured on the State social register.
The Entrepreneurship Accelerator programme (EPA) has disbursed grants to 800 beneficiaries across the State to commence the small medium size enterprise to support economic growth.
While in Akwa Ibom, I had the privilege of visiting some historic tourist sites. It was an experience being in the Slave hold at the bridge of no return. I found the Nigeria women war memorial inspiring, the coastline at Ibeno beach is breath taking, Nigeria’s longest coastline where resorts and more are waiting to be built.
Lord Lugard’s office and home is still standing and very relevant to Nigeria’s history. Tourist sites abound in the State including the Ampthill theatre where the annual Christmas Carol is held. Not forgetting the beautiful Ibom Resort with the magnificent 18-hole golf course in the middle of the rain forest a stunning site to behold.
As a diasporan Alex Otti is the first name that comes to mind when considering an effective Governor in Nigeria. However, Governor Umo Eno is quietly covering grounds for the wellbeing of Ibomites with sensitive, people focused inclusive policies.
I heard words like the “people’s governor”, “Humane”, “inclusive”, “brings people together” being used to describe the Governor by various senior state actors at the celebration, I was thinking the usual eye service praises, however the changes and impact on the lives of ordinary ibomites cannot be denied.
His leadership style is borne out of his many years of experience as a business man and pastor and in his words, he says “I am one of you” meaning he understands the plight of his people thus working to make life easier for them.
The State is prime ready for business and also foreign direct investment especially in the tourism sector. With the State-owned Ibom Air operating with the reputation of “reliable”, creating direct access into the state, can Pastor Eno’s administration take full advantage and leverage on the opportunities?
By the time I left Akwa Ibom State I was excited about Nigeria again. The city of Uyo is a lovely City with fresh clean air, my favourite part was being able to get through the city without the usual traffic lock jams of some cities in Nigeria.
There is no doubt that Akwa Ibom and Governor Eno are not perfect, however, he has truly started with a bang, may this trajectory be sustained. His time in office promises a new Akwa Ibom of huge growth, development and a bright future.
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