A’IBOM GETS WORLD BANK REWARD FOR TRANSPARENCY, GOOD GOVERNANCE

A’IBOM GETS WORLD BANK REWARD FOR TRANSPARENCY, GOOD GOVERNANCE

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed that the World Bank – assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Programme, has rewarded the State with $6.2 million for transparency, budgetary performance and good governance for the Year 2024.

Speaking at the July edition of Government House Covenant Service held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the Governor said the award was a great source of motivation, and inspiration for him to do more.

It would be recalled that, recently, Akwa Ibom State emerged among Nigeria’s top-performing states in governance, according to the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index (CGP)

The state was ranked among the country’s top ten best-governed states, with a score of 64 percent in the 2025 CGPI assessment, a recognition that highlights its performance across critical governance indicators.

The Governor said his administration was committed to transforming the State and delivering on his campaign promises as contained in the ARISE Agenda, stressing that it might not happen automatically as some people expect, but bit by bit.

He highlighted some development strides of his administration, with a specific mention of the first batch of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which he received in the State on Monday, June 29, 2026.

The Governor further said construction at the CNG bus terminal was ongoing, while drivers will be recruited and trained, hence the buses will not be immediately operational.

The State Chief Executive also said that Ibom Air has commenced flights to Ghana twice a week, from the International terminal, adding that adverts have been put out for recruitment of a top-rate cleaning company to handle the airport in line with government’s determination to ensure that the airport remains sparkling clean at all times.

He appreciated the State House of Assembly for the bills recently passed, adding that some actions could not be taken on some matters concerning the development of the state without due extant laws.

Governor Eno said the youth- friendly centres across the State were in advanced stages of completion, while the one in Oron had been completed, commissioned, with Information and Computer Technology training started for young people.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the recently-amended National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) framework which focuses on restructuring the 53-year-old scheme into a skills-driven, civilian-led institution aimed at youth empowerment.

While calling on Local Government Chairmen, groups and public spirited individuals to sponsor youths for training at the centres, he called on the youths to take advantage of the initiative for their individual growth.

The Governor also called on residents and visitors to take advantage of the state’s growing tourism assets saying, “Akwa Ibom is doing well, and we will continue to do well.”

Governor Eno cautioned media practitioners, social media influencers and the public against spreading false information, urging them to verify facts before publishing or sharing.

He described the dissemination of falsehood as harmful to society and appealed to those involved in circulating unverified information to desist from the practice or face the full wrath of the law.

He also appreciated church leaders for their continued prayers for the peace, unity and progress of the State, noting that sustained development requires both good governance and divine guidance.

In his message, on the theme “Divine Rechristening,” taken from Isaiah 62:4, Prophet Williams Mbuk, Senior Pastor of Victorious Family Int’l Worship Center, Eket, noted that names play significant roles in the lives of men, stressing that those in Christ Jesus are new creatures and rechristened according to the mind of God and should therefore prepare for His blessings.

The Service which featured praises, worship, choir ministrations, and and covenant prayers, was attended by government officials, clergy, political leaders and worshippers from different Christian denominations.