By Solomon Essiet
You and Your Governor
Leadership is most effective when it is intentional — guided by clarity of purpose, genuine service, and a deliberate focus on outcomes. Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., Governor of Akwa Ibom State, continues to demonstrate this principle consistently. His approach to governance reflects preparation, humility, and a steady commitment to real development rather than theatrics.
In the past week, the Governor engaged in several activities directly tied to enhancing governance, strengthening institutions, and improving the well-being of Akwa Ibom residents:
Highlights of the Governor’s Week
- Joined other Progressive Governors at the official defection ceremony of Governor Douye Diri to the APC — Monday, Nov. 03
- Approved the commencement of CBT Exams for ongoing Civil Service recruitment — Tuesday, Nov. 04
- Directed the release of employment letters to 125 newly recruited Safety and Law Officers — Wednesday, Nov. 05
- Signed the implementation agreement for the AKBC Broadcasting Integrated Upgrade Project — Wednesday, Nov. 05
- Presided over an enlarged State Executive Council Meeting — Wednesday, Nov. 05
- Paid condolence visits to families of Anthony Udoh and Christian Thompson, following the passing of their fathers — Wednesday & Friday
- Mourned the passing of Rev. Emmanuel Ossom — Thursday, Nov. 06
- Congratulated Mayor Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter on her re-election in the United States — Thursday, Nov. 06
- Flagged off the Renewed Hope Housing Estate, a Federal Government-backed housing scheme — Thursday, Nov. 06
- Celebrated the 60th birthday of renowned journalist Dr. Reuben Abati — Friday, Nov. 07
- Participated in the Sail Away Ceremony of the EMEM FPSO in Dubai, owned by Oriental Energy — Saturday, Nov. 08
Matters Arising
Governor Eno’s collaborative relationship with the Federal Government continues to yield practical benefits. The Renewed Hope Housing Estate and the recently commissioned Federal Hospital project in Ibiono Ibom are tangible outcomes of strategic political alignment.
The people of Akwa Ibom are also hopeful that the Ibom Deep Seaport — a transformative economic project — will receive Federal acceleration. Once operational, the project would expand trade capacity, create jobs, broaden revenue sources, and strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position in the Gulf of Guinea maritime economy.
State Executive Council Resolutions
At this week’s Council Meeting presided over by the Governor:
- 2026 Budget Size of ₦1.390 trillion approved for transmission to the House of Assembly. Focus: agriculture, rural development, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, MSME growth, women/youth empowerment, and climate resilience.
- Priority placed on the completion of ongoing signature projects and the expansion of public transportation through CNG buses and new ferry routes.
- Upward review of the Aviation Village project to include dualized access roads, paved networks, electrical systems, and perimeter structures.
- Ratification of the AKBC Broadcasting Upgrade collaboration with MediaGuru LLC, Dubai.
- Immediate deployment of re-engaged retired health workers across public health facilities, and commencement of works on:
- 8 General Hospitals
- 29 Primary Healthcare Centres
- Molecular Diagnostics/State Public Health Laboratory
- Isolation Center
Commissioning of Ukanafun General Hospital rescheduled to November 18, 2025.
- Release of ₦4.15 billion to Anchor Insurance to recover key State-owned assets in Lagos.
- Management of State-owned financial institutions to appear before EXCO for sectoral review.
- Approval of new Executive Bills, including:
- Domestication & Harmonization of Taxes Bill
- Akwa Ibom State Property Tax Law
- Formal recognition of the retirement of Elder Effiong Essien, Head of Civil Service.
- Council condoled with the family of Rev. Emmanuel Ossom.
Modernizing AKBC Broadcasting
The State Government has signed an implementation agreement with MediaGuru LLC (Dubai) to upgrade AKBC to global competitive broadcast standards. This includes studio modernization, digital transmission infrastructure, and content improvement frameworks.
The initiative fulfills Governor Eno’s campaign commitment to strengthen public communication institutions and cultural identity through credible media.
Closing Note
This weekly update reflects ongoing governance—not speeches, not promises—but work.
Next week will feature additional updates directly from the Governor’s Office.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
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