Gov Eno reveals how he’s Setting Akwa Ibom on Post-Oil Path

Gov Eno reveals how he’s Setting Akwa Ibom on Post-Oil Path

…Hails Tinubu for unlocking funds driving state projects

By Henshaw NYONG

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says his administration is working hard to position the state for a future without crude oil by delivering self-sustaining projects that will generate steady revenue for the people.

Eno, who spoke on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, credited President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for unlocking funds that have allowed states to pursue critical development without running to banks for loans.

Hear him: “I, personally and our state, give credit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since he came into office, he has unlocked funding to states. Every project you see, I’m not thinking of ‘how do I pay?’ We have already earmarked funds to pay. My work now is to deliver these projects and prepare our state for a time when we may not have oil.”

He likened the moment to the biblical days of Joseph, stressing that in times of plenty, leaders must save, build, and invest in ventures that will sustain their people. According to him, all projects under his watch are designed to pay for themselves and drive up the state’s internally generated revenue.

One example, Eno said, is the ongoing ARISE Recreational Resort, a 70-hectare urban park with a nine-hole golf course being developed on a site once devastated by a massive gully erosion that threatened Uyo village including the Government House, Ewet Offot village and Eniong Offot. Other key features of the resort include; artificial lake, various sports facilities, a dedicated playground for children, a 1500-capacity conference hall, restaurants and cafes, guest apartments among others

“We had people who developed heart attack because the erosion was consuming their homes and properties. So, whether we built a resort there or not, we would have reclaimed it. But why reclaim 70 hectares and leave it for, maybe hoodlums? We saw the opportunity to create the first recreation park in the State,” the Governor explained, adding that multinational hospitality firms have already shown interest in managing the facility.

On youth engagement, the State Chief Executive highlighted the commencement of programmes at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) and the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneur Development Centre (IbomLED), where thousands have already been trained in entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, vocational trades among several others. He noted that the state has also partnered with the Bank of Industry to provide funding for SMEs and adequately empower Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs.

The Governor also outlined plans for a new city transport system featuring the first 20 CNG-powered buses, supported by a purpose-built terminal and refuelling station. He explained that the ARISE Agenda is already delivering measurable results across agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare, with ongoing projects in all 31 LGAs, including model schools, primary health centres, rural roads, and farm input distribution.

On joining the APC, Governor Eno explained that the decision came after six months of consultations with stakeholders. He noted that aligning Akwa Ibom with the Federal Government was crucial, especially with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, being a revered leader from the state, deserves entire support from home. His administration, he said, also shares the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and the state’s programmes have been structured in that direction. Eno dismissed criticisms of the president’s performance, saying even “if an angel descended from heaven to govern, some would still complain,” and urged detractors to present their own record in public office before passing judgment.

Gov Eno maintained that the ultimate goal of his administration is to make Akwa Ibom a top tourism destination, spanning agriculture, medical services, recreation and infrastructure to continue creating jobs and building an economy strong enough to stand without oil.