As Akwa Ibom State celebrates its 39th anniversary, Governor Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, is using the occasion to showcase the achievements of his administration through the daily commissioning of completed projects across the state.
The ongoing commissioning exercise, which has taken the Governor, the Deputy Governor, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials to different local government areas, has provided another opportunity for Akwa Ibom people to witness the impact of the ARISE Agenda at the grassroots.
From roads and schools to healthcare facilities, youth development infrastructure and erosion control projects, the interventions cut across critical sectors of the state’s development.
Among the projects commissioned so far is the New Youth Development Centre in Ikono Local Government Area, providing an avenue for youth development, skills acquisition and empowerment.
In Uyo, the state capital, Governor Eno commissioned the 5.5-kilometre Udo Inwang Road and erosion control project, improving connectivity while addressing erosion challenges in the affected area.
The Governor also commissioned a Model Primary School in Obot Akara Local Government Area, while a Model Primary Health Centre was commissioned in Abak Local Government Area, strengthening basic education and healthcare infrastructure respectively.
In Nsit Atai Local Government Area, the administration commissioned another Model Primary School, while 6.47 kilometres of roads at Amayam in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area were also commissioned.
Also commissioned were 2.1 kilometres of internal roads at Obong University in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, providing improved access within the institution and enhancing the environment for teaching, learning and other academic activities.
The 1.35-kilometre Main Access and Internal Roads to Dakkada Global Oil Palm Limited at Etebi in Esit Eket is another significant project commissioned as part of the development drive. The project is expected to improve access to the plantation, reconnect surrounding communities and stimulate agricultural and economic activities in the area.
The daily commissioning of projects is significant because it demonstrates that the 39th anniversary celebration is not only about commemorating the creation of Akwa Ibom State, but also about showcasing the progress being recorded across communities.
For the people, each commissioned project represents a direct benefit—better roads, improved schools, stronger healthcare facilities, opportunities for young people and improved access to communities.
The achievements of the administration have also been made possible through the collective efforts of the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, members of the State Executive Council, local government chairmen and other stakeholders who have continued to support the Governor in implementing the administration’s development agenda.
With the support and cooperation of these key actors, the Eno administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to translating its policies into tangible projects and programmes across the state.
The spread of projects across different local government areas reflects the administration’s emphasis on inclusive governance and equitable development.
As the commissioning activities continue, more completed projects are expected to be unveiled in different parts of the state, giving citizens further opportunities to witness and appreciate the development interventions of the present administration.
The 39th anniversary therefore offers Akwa Ibom people a moment to reflect on the journey of the state while celebrating the progress being recorded under Governor Eno.
In my assessment, this administration has done well in making development visible across Akwa Ibom. The combination of infrastructure projects, investments in education and healthcare, youth development initiatives and interventions in communities demonstrates an administration that is working to leave a meaningful footprint across the state.
The ongoing commissioning exercise is therefore more than a series of ceremonies. It is a celebration of completed projects and a reminder that good governance is ultimately measured by its impact on the lives of the people.
As Akwa Ibom marks 39 years of statehood, the people have every reason to celebrate the journey so far and to appreciate the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, alongside his Deputy Governor, the State Executive Council and other stakeholders, for their contributions to the development of the state.
Chief Edet Isong
Okete Okete Oro
Ward 2, Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area.