By Solomon Essiet
🔷 You and Your Governor
Good governance was what the Akwa Ibom people voted for. By the grace of God, Governor Umo Eno has continued to justify that mandate through visible delivery across the pillars of the ARISE Agenda, the blueprint of his Golden Era administration.
The week under review was particularly significant. Governor Eno submitted his nomination form for re-election as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and also successfully underwent the APC gubernatorial screening. As the 2027 general election gradually gathers momentum, the governor’s message remains clear: the work of good governance must continue, and the progress already recorded must be consolidated for the benefit of the Akwa Ibom people.
Several activities carried out by the governor during the week include:
✅ Gov. Eno briefed the press at a world press conference upon his return from Ghana on the inaugural international flight, Sunday, May 3.
✅ Gov. Eno announced the creation of a standalone Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development on Sunday, May 3.
✅ Gov. Eno felicitated Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan on his birthday, Monday, May 4.
✅ Gov. Eno appointed Mr. Uwem Ekanem as Special Adviser on Aviation and Airport Development on Tuesday, May 5.
✅ Gov. Eno released ₦5.9 billion for basic education reforms on Wednesday, May 6.
✅ Gov. Eno appointed a Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development on Wednesday, May 6.
✅ Gov. Eno approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers on Wednesday, May 6.
✅ Gov. Eno submitted his APC nomination form on Wednesday, May 6.
✅ Gov. Eno commissioned a model school at Afaha Offiong on Thursday, May 7.
✅ Gov. Eno commissioned an ultra-modern bus terminus at Etinan on Thursday, May 7.
✅ Gov. Eno paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Ibom International Convention Arena, Ibom Hotel, and ARISE Shopping City on Thursday, May 7.
✅ Gov. Eno commissioned the 11km Ibesikpo–Nsit Ibom Road on Thursday, May 7.
✅ Gov. Eno felicitated Rev. Effiong Isangedighi’s wife on her birthday, Thursday, May 7.
✅ Gov. Eno attended the funeral service of the late Mrs. Eka Maple at the Eket Local Government Area on Friday, May 8.
✅ Gov. Eno commissioned the Globus Bank Zonal Office at Banking Layout, Uyo, on Friday, May 8.
✅ Gov. Eno successfully underwent APC gubernatorial screening for the 2027 election, Saturday, May 9.
♦️ MATTERS ARISING
✔️ GOVERNOR ENO SUBMITTED NOMINATION FORM AND UNDERWENT SCREENING
Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has done very well and deserves a second term in office. In fact, even if the governor were not personally interested in a second term, the good people of Akwa Ibom State would still have prevailed on him to continue, because good work deserves continuity.
The first three years of his administration have been marked by remarkable performance. The impact of his government is felt across the state, not only by the rich or the influential but also by ordinary people, the poor, the vulnerable, and the middle class. Governor Eno has shown that leadership is not about distance from the people, but closeness to their needs.
The ARISE Agenda was carefully designed to touch every part of society. Through programmes such as the ARISE Compassionate Homes, the health insurance scheme, the ARISE Food Security Initiative, and other life-lifting interventions, the administration has demonstrated that development must have a human face. This is one of the reasons Akwa Ibom people continue to identify strongly with the governor’s leadership.
Governor Eno has also brought Akwa Ibom leaders together, strengthening peace, unity, and oneness in the state. Today, there is a renewed atmosphere of cooperation and stability. That peace has created room for development to thrive, and the results are evident in aviation, education, tourism, roads, healthcare, agriculture, and social welfare.
In aviation, Akwa Ibom has taken its pride of place on the global aviation map. The successful international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport have opened a new chapter in the state’s history. With this milestone, Akwa Ibom is no longer merely speaking about aviation potential; it is now demonstrating aviation capacity.
In tourism, the state is also making steady progress. The ARISE Palm Resort, a world-class recreational centre being developed on over 70 hectares of reclaimed land, stands as a bold statement of vision. What was once a ravine and a criminal hideout is being transformed into a destination of beauty, leisure, hospitality, and economic opportunity.
It takes a leader with foresight, courage, and practical understanding of hospitality to see such potential where others may have seen only abandoned land. Governor Eno’s background in the hospitality industry has clearly shaped his approach to tourism development. With the Ibom International Convention Arena, Ibom International Hospital under construction, and the ARISE Shopping City, Akwa Ibom is positioning itself for another leadership role in tourism and investment.
All components of the ARISE Agenda are receiving attention: agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructural maintenance and advancement, security management, and educational advancement. Even down to the 18 thematic areas of the agenda, the administration has continued to show seriousness and balance. Governor Eno came prepared for governance, and the results are speaking across communities.
The people of Akwa Ibom are happy. Come 2027, they are prepared to support the governor with their votes so he can return to the Hilltop Mansion and continue his people-centered programs.
To write about the inclusive and compassionate leadership of Governor Eno is to speak of a governor who has made compassion a practical tool of governance. His administration has paid over ₦80 billion in gratuities, donated homes to civil servants at Grace Estate, trained and empowered youths through IBOM-LED and DASAC, expanded the ARISE Healthcare Insurance Scheme, strengthened ambulance services, constructed hundreds of ARISE Compassionate Homes, and invested in model schools and healthcare centres.
Governor Eno has performed beyond expectations. He has made the Akwa Ibom people proud. Indeed, Akwa Ibom State is rising.
✔️ ON THE CREATION OF THE MINISTRY OF AVIATION AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT
Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno announced the creation of a full-fledged Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development with the mandate to manage and oversee policies, strategies, and programmes for aviation development in the state.
The new ministry will also supervise operations at the Victor Attah International Airport and ensure that its newly acquired international status is fully maximized. The goal is not just to celebrate the international prefix attached to the airport, but to build a strong aviation ecosystem around it.
Speaking on arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport from Accra, Ghana, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Governor Eno directed the managing director of the Ibom Airport Development Company, Engr. Uwem Ekanem is to immediately take charge of the new ministry pending the appointment of a commissioner.
According to the governor, the ministry must ensure effective patronage of the Victor Attah International Airport, supervise the creation of a robust aviation network, and position Akwa Ibom as an aviation hub.
Speaking further on the new status of the airport, Governor Eno said the flight from Victor Attah International Airport to Kotoka International Airport in Accra and back had validated years of effort.
“Today, after all the hard work put into the realization of this moment, here we are, finally back on an international flight from Accra, landing in Uyo for the first time in the history of this airport. The prefix ‘international’ has finally been validated,” the governor said with pride.
He added: “We have spared no expense to make this terminal a true marvel of beauty to behold, and we should all be very proud of ourselves as a people.”
Also speaking were the Oku Ibom, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Senator Ekong Sampson all commended the Governor for the historic achievement.
✔️ ON SUBMISSION OF APC NOMINATION FORM
Ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno submitted his nomination form for the primaries of the All Progressives Congress with a call on party faithful to support his aspiration.
Speaking with Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from Abuja, where he submitted the form, the governor said his aspiration is anchored in the need to consolidate the development already underway across the state.
He noted that Akwa Ibom, under his administration, has recorded several developmental milestones through the ARISE Agenda, adding that some major projects cannot be fully completed within the remaining period of the current term.
According to him, as the visionary of these projects, it would be more beneficial to the state for the same vision to be driven to completion with clarity and consistency.
“We will continue to pray, trust in God, and remain committed to serving our people. But you can clearly see that there is still so much work on the ground. Many of the projects we have started will not be fully completed within this term.
“That is why we are asking for another mandate to drive home these initiatives and consolidate on the progress already made for the benefit of our people,” he said.
The governor appreciated the Akwa Ibom people for their unwavering support over the past three years. He expressed confidence that the same support would continue throughout the remainder of his first term and into the next mandate.
✔️ ON THE RELEASE OF ₦5.9 BILLION FOR EDUCATION REFORMS
Following Governor Umo Eno’s approval, a series of strategic reforms aimed at strengthening basic education is now underway in Akwa Ibom State. These include the introduction of a new curriculum, recruitment of additional teachers, and a major infrastructure intervention across public primary and junior secondary schools.
The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, PhD, announced this during a press briefing held at the SUBEB Headquarters in Uyo.
He revealed that the governor had approved and released ₦5.9 billion for 2025 and 2026 intervention projects, stressing that the administration was moving away from partial renovations to a more comprehensive model of school development.
“Intervention will no longer be piecemeal. When we go to a school, we will handle it holistically: classrooms, water, toilets, electricity, and provide everything required to make the environment suitable for learning,” he explained.
Hon. Etuk, however, expressed concern over rising cases of vandalism and theft of school facilities, calling on host communities to take ownership of government investments.
“Government cannot continue to commit huge resources only for facilities to be vandalized. Communities must take responsibility to protect what is provided for them,” he warned.
He outlined the board’s ongoing efforts to improve teaching standards and create better learning environments for pupils in public primary and junior secondary schools.
A major highlight of the briefing was the planned rollout of a new curriculum for primary schools, which the chairman described as long overdue and necessary for improving the quality of teaching and learning in the state.
“For many years, this has not happened. With the new curriculum, we will be able to add value to teaching and learning in our schools,” he said.
Regarding the workforce, the SUBEB Chairman disclosed that the state government had approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers to address school shortages. He noted that priority would be given to ICT and computer science graduates to strengthen digital education.
“We do not have enough teachers in our schools. Therefore, we appealed to the governor, and he has graciously approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers. We are paying attention to ICT teachers because we already have computer labs that require qualified personnel,” he stated.
He also addressed disputes between some communities and school authorities over school lands, noting that such conflicts negatively affect school administration and student enrolment. He urged community leaders and school management committees to support, rather than frustrate, the smooth running of schools.
While appreciating the state government’s commitment to education, the SUBEB chairman stressed that strong foundational learning remains critical to overall development.
“If the foundation is not strong, nothing can function properly. That is why we must continue to invest in basic education,” he added.
Also speaking at the briefing, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Nsibiet John, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising education, especially through the approval for teacher recruitment.
“The employment of over 1,000 teachers is a major step forward, especially for schools in rural communities, and will go a long way in strengthening basic education delivery,” he said.
He called for stronger parent-teacher associations and urged SUBEB to extend intervention efforts to schools facing serious infrastructure challenges, including QIC Primary School in Eket Local Government Area.
The SUBEB chairman reaffirmed the board’s commitment to sustaining reforms, assuring that the ongoing initiatives would improve the standard of basic education and produce better learning outcomes for pupils across the state.
✔️ ON COMMISSIONING OF A MODEL SCHOOL AT AFAHA OFFIONG, NSIT IBOM
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots development through sustained investment in basic education, including the construction and commissioning of model primary schools across the state’s 31 local government areas.
This commitment was highlighted on Thursday during the inauguration of the Lutheran Model School in Afaha Offiong, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
Representing the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described the model school initiative as a deliberate effort to take development to the grassroots and secure the future of children across the state.
“The establishment of model primary schools in all local government areas is a strategic step to secure the future of our children and strengthen our communities,” she stated.
“Nsit Ibom is a clear example of how this vision is impacting lives.”
She noted that the initiative goes beyond infrastructure. According to her, it addresses long-standing gaps in access to quality education, particularly in rural communities, where children now have the opportunity to learn in modern and well-equipped environments.
The Deputy Governor stressed that Governor Umo Eno’s administration remains focused on people-centered policies, with education as one of the key pillars of inclusive development and the empowerment of the next generation.
She further noted that the administration had strengthened the education sector through major financial intervention, including the release of ₦5.9 billion to SUBEB to support infrastructure development, improve school facilities, and enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the state.
Providing an overview, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, explained that the model schools are designed to meet contemporary educational standards and feature facilities that support effective teaching and learning.
“These schools are equipped with spacious classrooms, functional libraries, and learning resources that create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning,” he said.
“The goal is to ensure that every child in Akwa Ibom has access to quality education, regardless of location.”
He added that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reposition the education sector, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen both academic and moral development among pupils.
In her remarks, the chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mrs. Otobong Sunny Aaron, expressed appreciation to the state government for extending the project to the area.
“We are sincerely grateful to the Akwa Ibom State Government for this impactful intervention,” she said.
“This model school has significantly improved the learning environment for our children and strengthened confidence in public primary education.”
She also commended teachers and parents for their roles in ensuring the facility is used effectively for the benefit of pupils.
The event featured cultural displays, classroom exhibitions, and presentations by pupils, showcasing academic excellence, creativity, and confidence among the learners.
Stakeholders described the model school initiative as a transformative step toward repositioning education in the state, noting that sustained investment in children remains key to long-term development.
✔️ ON COMMISSIONING OF 11KM IBESIKPO–NSIT IBOM ROAD
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural development and infrastructure expansion with the commissioning of the 11km Owot Uta–Nung Oku–Edeobom Road project.
The governor, who was represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the project was part of the administration’s determination to open up rural communities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the movement of agricultural produce across the state.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Senator Eyakenyi said the road was among the first projects flagged off by the administration shortly after the governor’s inauguration and remained significant to the delivery of the ARISE Agenda.
She noted that the administration had continued to prioritise education, agriculture, healthcare, and road infrastructure across the state’s 31 local government areas.
“Today, we have constructed over 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the three senatorial districts,” she said.
Senator Eyakenyi commended the World Bank and the French Development Agency for partnering with the state government on the project, stressing that similar road projects were ongoing in other local government areas.
“There is no local government area without an ongoing project in healthcare, agriculture, education, roads, and other sectors,” she added.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that the Governor recently approved the release of ₦5.9 billion to the State Universal Basic Education Board for the 2025/2026 intervention projects and approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional primary school teachers.
According to her, the state government will continue to invest heavily in education through bursary payments and other interventions to equip young people for a technology-driven world.
She added that the state’s peaceful atmosphere had continued to attract investors and development partners to Akwa Ibom.
Earlier, the chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Evans Edidiong Inyang, described the governor as “a man who turns the impossible into possible” and thanked the people of Ibesikpo for supporting the administration.
He said the road linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom would boost economic activities and strengthen inclusion in the area, assuring the governor of the people’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We will reciprocate this gesture in 2027 by returning Governor Umo Eno to the Hilltop Mansion,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mrs. Otobong Aaron, commended the governor for fulfilling his promises to the people and pledged continued support for the administration.
The State Project Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan, thanked the Governor for creating an enabling environment for collaboration with the World Bank and other development agencies.
He said the state had become a model in infrastructure development, noting that under the International Labour Organisation framework, indigenes of the state had been engaged in road maintenance across project communities.
Akpan explained that the state government’s payment of counterpart funding ensured the successful delivery of the project and other rural access roads.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, described the road project as a major step toward the realisation of the Governor’s agricultural revolution agenda.
She said the road would reduce transportation costs, improve food distribution, and increase efficiency in moving farm produce from rural communities to urban centers.
Also, the representative of the World Bank country director, Mrs. Anna Bjerde, said the project would facilitate access to education, agriculture, and employment opportunities for residents.
She commended the state government for its commitment to infrastructure development and assured that the World Bank would continue to support Akwa Ibom in critical sectors.
Similarly, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, said Akwa Ibom had distinguished itself among participating states and emerged as one of the first states to qualify for the project because of its readiness and commitment.
The paramount ruler of Nsit Ibom, represented by Ette Idong Udeme Nna, appreciated the governor for fostering peace and development in the area.
Also, Edidem Clement Francis, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises and assured him of the continued support of the traditional institution and the people of the area.
“The people of Ibesikpo Asutan will stand by you because when you give, you also receive,” he said.
Residents of the benefiting communities commended Governor Umo Eno for linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas through the newly commissioned 11km road project. They described the project as fulfilling the governor’s campaign promises and a major boost to economic and social activities.
♦️ This is where I draw the curtain for this week. I will come your way again next week with more exciting activities from the office of the governor of Akwa Ibom State.
ARISE, the same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
