The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has commended Governor Umo Eno’s administration for setting a new benchmark in human development through the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, which he described as a transformative framework improving lives and communities across the state.
Umanah made the remarks during the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) Quarterly Strategy Meeting of Commissioners for Information from APC-governed states, held from October 15 to 16, 2025, at the Borno State Government House, Maiduguri.
He said Governor Eno’s people-focused initiatives were “unpacking the good” for Akwa Ibom people in all sectors, noting that the administration’s deliberate investments in human capacity building, enterprise development, and social inclusion have produced measurable results.
According to the Commissioner, thousands of Akwa Ibom citizens have benefitted from empowerment schemes, enterprise support programmes, and interventions for persons with disabilities through the Disability and Special Assistance Commission.
He listed other ongoing social welfare initiatives to include the ARISE Compassionate Homes, which provide modern, fully furnished houses for indigent families across the 31 local government areas; the Free Food Distribution Programme under the Bulk Purchase Agency; and the Elderly Support Scheme, which ensures regular stipends and care for senior citizens.
Umanah also highlighted the success of the State’s Health Insurance Scheme, which guarantees affordable healthcare for thousands of residents, as well as the Bursary Scheme for students, which has provided financial relief to Akwa Ibom undergraduates.
“These programmes are changing lives, building futures, and restoring hope,” Umanah said. “Governor Umo Eno’s leadership approach is anchored on compassion, empowerment, and shared prosperity. The ARISE Agenda is not just policy—it is a living framework for social renewal and economic transformation.”
He added that the human development programmes are complemented by major infrastructural projects across the state, including over 964 kilometres of roads, model schools, health centres, and community facilities aimed at strengthening the state’s socio-economic fabric.
The Information Commissioner commended the Progressive Governors Forum for fostering peer learning and synergy among Information Commissioners, describing the platform as “a vital bridge between policy communication and governance delivery.”
The two-day strategy meeting, themed “FGN–PGF Synergy 2025: One Message, One Future,” focused on harmonising communication strategies and strengthening coordination between the Federal Government and APC-governed states.
At the end of the meeting, the Commissioners reaffirmed support for the Progressive Governors’ leadership, endorsed the National Value Reorientation Campaign, and adopted a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to promote evidence-based communication.
They also expressed appreciation to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for hosting the meeting and to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, for his valuable contributions.
