How Governor Umo Eno Is Taking Development to the Grassroots

How Governor Umo Eno Is Taking Development to the Grassroots

By Ekemini James

Leadership is not just a title; it is a responsibility, and one of the highest forms of that responsibility is to make life better for the people.

Governor Umo Eno understands this, and he is showing it through actions that are touching lives across the state.

The Governor believes that, development must be inclusive, people-centred, and participatory to be meaningful. This philosophy is enshrined in the ARISE Agenda – his economic blueprint that prioritizes rural development as the very foundation of sustainable progress.

What distinguishes Governor Eno’s approach is not just the rollout of infrastructure, but the methodical and humane way it is being done.

Rather than imposing projects from above, his administration has adopted a consultative model, empowering local communities to determine their most pressing needs through the One Project Per Local Government initiative.

This deliberate decentralization of decision-making reflects a mature understanding of governance, not as command and control, but as dialogue and inclusion.

He believes that no one should be left behind, and that real progress is not complete until it reaches the most remote villages and smallest communities.

Across the state, we now see projects springing up. Roads are being constructed to connect remote towns to major routes. Schools are being built and renovated, giving children in rural areas the chance to learn in a clean, safe environment.

Also, health facilities are being upgraded so that help can be closer when people need it the most. More importantly, a health insurance scheme has been introduced to help make treatment affordable for everyone, no matter where they live.

Today, all the 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom now have at least three people-oriented projects either completed or ongoing. These projects are designed to meet real needs, not imagined ones.

The result is not only improved infrastructure, but a deepened sense of ownership, pride, and trust between government and governed.

On March 8, 2025, Governor Eno launched a series of Town Hall Meetings and Empowerment Programs across all ten federal constituencies. These visits were not just ceremonial but for listening and supporting.

Traders, artisans, and farmers were empowered with tools and funds to help them grow their businesses and become more financially stable.

Beyond this, the Governor has made deliberate effort to stay close to the people. He has appointed 368 Personal Aides, one from each ward across the state, he created a direct line of communication between the government and the grassroots. These aides help bring feedback from the people, and ensure that no community feels left out.

Adding to this visionary approach to grassroots engagement, he appointed a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation who has been working closely with the Ward PAs, touring local government areas and engaging with the people. This structure ensures that the Governor’s vision is not just heard but felt directly at the community level.

In the area of agriculture, his administration is encouraging food production by supporting local farmers with funds, tools and training. The Ibom Model Farm stands as an example of modern farming techniques and food sustainability in practice.

Another area that has seen thoughtful attention is access to clean water. In Ogu in Itu Mbonuso, the introduction of solar-powered water treatment system has solved age-long community problems. For them, clean water is no longer a distant dream, but a reality.

Perhaps one of the most touching programmes so far is the ARISE Compassionate Homes Project. So far, over 220 vulnerable citizens have received brand new, fully furnished homes with additional 500,000 naira support grant to start a small business or sustain a trade.

What we are witnessing is a style of leadership that focuses on people. A leadership that believes every life counts, no matter where they live or how little they have. It is steady, focused, and consistent.

Governor Umo Eno is not just taking development to the grassroots, he is placing the grassroots at the heart of development, and in doing so, he is setting an example of what it truly means to lead with care, and with conscience.