By Solomon Essiet
🔷 You and Your Governor
Governor Umo Eno has once again reaffirmed the importance of unity and competence as pillars of progress for Akwa Ibom State. Emphasizing merit-based recruitment, he has launched the first-ever Computer-Based Test (CBT) system for civil service employment in the state — a transformative step toward transparency and digital governance.
The Governor’s recent activities highlight his commitment to inclusive leadership, ICT advancement, and efficient project delivery.
Highlights of the Week
✅ Attended Okon and Friends Live Concert (Oct. 5)
✅ Paid unscheduled visits to Model Secondary School and Ibom Model Farm sites in Nsit Ubium LGA (Oct. 6)
✅ Approved ₦50 billion release to state contractors (Oct. 6)
✅ Approved ₦27,000 pension increase for retirees effective September 1, 2025 (Oct. 6)
✅ Hosted LGA Chairmen led by ALGON Chairman Rt. Hon. Uwemedimo Udo — they pledged support for his 2027 re-election bid (Oct. 7)
✅ Paid unscheduled visit to Ibom International Hotel Project site (Oct. 8)
✅ Presided over October Project Delivery Advisory Team Meeting (Oct. 8)
✅ Assented to ₦695 billion supplementary budget for 2025 (Oct. 8)
✅ Received Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, SPIDEL Chairman, and entourage (Oct. 8)
✅ Banned covering of vehicle plate numbers statewide (Oct. 9)
✅ Joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Governors at National Council of State meeting (Oct. 9)
✅ Inspected CBT Center at State Secretariat ahead of Civil Service recruitment exercise (Oct. 10)
MATTERS ARISING
Governor Eno’s hands-on approach to governance continues to distinguish his administration. In the week under review, he personally inspected at least four project sites, showing strong commitment to transparency and people-centered service.
To combat the long-standing issue of abandoned projects in Akwa Ibom, the Governor has institutionalized the Project Delivery Advisory Team Committee, a mechanism for accountability that ensures contractors deliver projects to specification and timeline. This strategic move is already yielding visible results across key infrastructure sectors.
Governor Eno’s emphasis on follow-up inspections and the appointment of Delivery Advisors to monitor individual project sites demonstrate a reform-oriented leadership style rooted in discipline and performance tracking.
PROJECT DELIVERY ADVISORY TEAM MEETING & SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET
The Governor assented to a ₦695 billion supplementary budget on October 8, 2025, during the monthly Delivery Advisory Team Meeting at the Government House, Uyo.
He commended the State House of Assembly for its swift passage of the bill, noting that it will bolster project implementation across the state. “With the passage and signing of the supplementary budget today, we are further fired up to ensure full implementation of government programmes and projects,” he affirmed.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Senator Effiong Bob, and Elder Aniekan Akpan of the PDP commended the Governor’s leadership, citing the efficiency of the delivery framework and the administration’s impact on infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.
The meeting reviewed major projects including Ibom Hotel Renovation, Tree Crop Development Plan, ARISE Resort, Ibom Convention Center, Itam Industrial Park, General Hospital Ukanafun, and Ibom International Hospital, among others.
CBT CENTER AND CIVIL SERVICE RECRUITMENT
Governor Eno’s inspection of the newly built Computer-Based Test (CBT) Center underscores his administration’s push for a merit-driven civil service.
“The Civil Service is the engine room of governance. If we don’t get the Civil Service right, we can’t get governance right,” he declared. The Governor noted that the new CBT system will curb favoritism and promote a culture of fairness and competence.
Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, praised the Governor’s foresight, noting that the center can host over 2,000 applicants daily in batches. Elder Effiong Essien, Head of Service, also assured that the CBT exam would be simple and accessible to all qualified applicants.
CONCLUSION
Governor Umo Eno’s leadership continues to reflect a blend of accountability, innovation, and empathy. His administration’s strides in governance, project execution, and institutional reforms are positioning Akwa Ibom State as a model for sustainable public sector transformation in Nigeria.
♦️This is where I draw the curtain, till I come your way next week, presenting more exciting activities of Governor Eno, direct from the Governor’s office.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
