How Gov Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda Earned Him a National Excellence Award

How Gov Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda Earned Him a National Excellence Award

By Ekemini James

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria for his commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.

The Distinguished National Excellence Awards which was presented on Sunday December 7, 2025 to the Governor by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, during NEAPS ceremony at State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Governor Eno has since assumption of office shown unwavering commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and inclusive governance.

In the past two years, the impact of his ARISE Agenda particularly in rural development, agriculture, security management, public service productivity, and the upliftment of vulnerable citizens is indeed remarkable.

His achievements in all facets of governance has placed Akwa Ibom on the national map as a model of good governance and people-focused development.

In the area of agriculture, the Governor has spearheaded a transformative agricultural revolution in view of achieving food security and creating generational wealth for rural communities. So far, over 69,000 farmers have benefitted from government support through the distribution of farm implements, fertilizers, tractors, and agro-processing equipment.

The 50 hectares Ibom Model Farm in Nsit Ubium put in place by the current administration has become a hub of modern farming practices, while the planned palm tree crop revolution is set to restore the State’s historical status as a leader in palm oil production, providing sustainable income for rural households.

In rural development, the Governor has ensured that no local government is left behind. The administration has undertaken extensive infrastructure projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of over 900 kilometers of roads, development of new feeder roads, electricity and water projects, model primary schools, healthcare centers, and modern markets.

These initiatives are strategically designed to curb rural-urban migration and improve the quality of life of citizens in all 31 local government areas of the state.

On security, the Governor has strengthened the State’s safety architecture through robust collaboration with service commanders and the establishment of the Security Trust Fund. In his first year in Office, he created Ministry of Internal Security headed by Gen. Koko Essien, (rtd.)

In his quest to strengthen security in the state, Governor Eno has also established the Ibom Community Watch, a local network that works alongside institutionalized security agencies to provide crowd control and strategic services at the community level.

He has supplied 14 gunboats to the Nigerian Navy Joint Patrol Team and vehicles to the Rapid Response Squad of the State Police Command, ensuring officers are fully equipped to serve effectively.

Also, the State Command and Control Centre is under construction at Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo, and when completed, will serve as the nerve centre for surveillance, coordination, and rapid response across the state. These efforts have maintained Akwa Ibom as a peaceful and secure state, recognized nationally for its low crime rates and effective security management.

In education, Governor Eno’s administration has prioritized functional and quality education. The free education policy, payment of WAEC fees, construction and equipping of model primary schools, provision of bursaries for tertiary students, and support for students with disabilities reflect his administration’s commitment to preparing citizens for the modern knowledge economy.

Plans are also underway to construct model secondary schools across all three senatorial districts, beginning with a pilot in the Uyo Senatorial District.

Healthcare has been a major focus under the current administration, the Governor had declared a state of emergency in the sector and also approved the recruitment of over 3,000 healthcare professionals to strengthen service delivery.

General hospitals and primary healthcare centers have been upgraded and equipped, oxygen plants and molecular laboratories established, and projects for an international hospital and diagnostic center are underway, aimed at meeting global standards and providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to citizens.

In aviation, housing, and sports, Governor Eno has revitalized Ibom Air and the Aviation Village, installed night lighting at Victor Attah International Airport, and advanced key housing projects such as the Judiciary Village, Ewet Luxury Estate, and Grace Estate. In sports, state festivals and the establishment of the Sports Academy in Eket have uncovered new talents, promoting youth engagement and preparing athletes for national and international competitions.

Social investments under his leadership have targeted poverty alleviation and the welfare of vulnerable citizens. Nearly 50,000 individuals have been engaged in various empowerment programs, N9.3 billion has been disbursed in grants, and over 300 Arise Compassionate Homes have been delivered and the homes come with 500,000 naira business support grant to each of the beneficiaries to ensure they have a sustainable means of livelihood.

In addition, monthly assistance has been extended to over 600 elders monthly which further shows the administration’s commitment to inclusive welfare.

Additionally, the administration has cleared over N75 billion of the backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and commitment to civil servants.

Economic empowerment and SME development have also been prioritized. Over 3,000 youths have been trained and provided with start-up grants through programs like the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme (EAP) and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC). A N2 billion matching fund with the Bank of Industry to enable access to single-digit loans, stimulating entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The 2026 budget further earmarks N31 billion to support SME programs across all local government areas of the State.

Tourism and economic diversification have received strategic attention, with the ongoing construction of the 5,000-capacity, Renovation at Ibom Plaza, International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels, ARISE Shopping City, and the Arise Palm Resort. Renovations of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resorts aim to position the State as a premier tourist destination while creating jobs and enhancing internally generated revenue.

Infrastructure development remains central to his agenda, including the implementation of the Power Summit action plans, commencement of CNG bus services, expansion of the Ibom Deep Seaport, and progress on the Oron Marine Infrastructure project. These initiatives and many more are designed to boost trade, investment, and the State’s blue economy.

Through these comprehensive efforts, Governor Umo Eno has not only delivered tangible improvements in the lives of Akwa Ibom citizens but has also set a national benchmark for visionary, people-centered governance.

His recognition with the Distinguished National Excellence Award is a reflection of his impactful leadership and dedication to the principles of the ARISE Agenda.