Infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, industrialisation, tourism, grassroots development and social welfare dominate the ARISE Agenda as Akwa Ibom approaches the 2027 governorship election.
By Chief Edet Isong
Member, Media, Strategies and Communication Directorate of the APC
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has pursued his administration’s development agenda under the banner of the ARISE Agenda, with emphasis on infrastructure, economic growth, human capital development, social welfare, peace and inclusive governance.
As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the administration’s record is expected to feature prominently in political discussions across Akwa Ibom State. Supporters will point to projects and policy interventions undertaken since 2023, while the opposition will have an opportunity to scrutinise government performance and present alternative programmes.
The central question is how the administration’s policies and projects have affected the lives of residents across the 31 local government areas.
INFRASTRUCTURE: ROADS, BRIDGES AND CONNECTIVITY
Road infrastructure remains one of the most visible areas of government activity.
According to figures presented by the state government during its September 2026 anniversary broadcast, more than 1,500 kilometres of roads and 43 bridges have been constructed or undertaken since the administration assumed office.
One of the notable projects is the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, a 14.5-kilometre dual carriageway linking the Uyo Airport Road junction to Okopedi in Okobo Local Government Area, passing through parts of Uruan and Nsit Atai.
Although the project originated before the present administration, it was re-awarded and completed under Governor Eno. Its commissioning on November 6, 2026, represents an important development for communities along the route, particularly in terms of transportation, commerce and access to neighbouring local government areas.
The administration has also pursued the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as part of efforts to improve public transportation and provide additional mobility options for residents. The state has announced plans for wider deployment across the 31 local government areas.
These interventions form part of the administration’s broader infrastructure programme, although the long-term impact will depend on maintenance, accessibility and the extent to which communities benefit.
HEALTHCARE: IBOM MEDICAL CITY AND ACCESS TO MEDICAL SERVICES
Healthcare development is another major component of the ARISE Agenda.
The Ibom Medical City, also referred to as the Ibom International Hospital project, is intended to expand access to specialised medical services and strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure. The proposed facility is expected to accommodate more than 24 medical departments.
The administration has also highlighted its health insurance programme, which reportedly covers approximately 258,000 residents, alongside ambulance services and emergency response arrangements across the 31 local government areas.
The objective is to reduce the financial burden of accessing healthcare and improve the availability of medical services, particularly for vulnerable residents.
The success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by the availability of qualified personnel, modern equipment, affordable treatment and the ability of ordinary citizens to access quality healthcare.
TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY: IBOM TROPICANA DEVELOPMENT
The administration has continued to promote tourism, hospitality and entertainment as potential drivers of economic growth.
Projects around the Ibom Tropicana area include the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City.
These facilities are intended to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s capacity to host conferences, business events, tourists and other visitors.
Beyond their physical structures, their economic value will depend on effective management, private-sector participation, employment opportunities and the ability to attract regular commercial activities.
If properly managed, the facilities could contribute to the hospitality industry and create opportunities for businesses within and outside the state.
ITAM INDUSTRIAL PARK AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
Industrialisation is another area receiving attention under the ARISE Agenda.
The Itam Industrial Park is part of the administration’s effort to encourage investment, expand productive activities and create employment opportunities.
Akwa Ibom has considerable potential in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism and the blue economy. However, converting that potential into sustainable economic growth requires reliable infrastructure, investor confidence, access to finance and a supportive business environment.
The development of industrial facilities must therefore be accompanied by policies that attract investors, support local entrepreneurs and create opportunities for young people.
SECURITY: PROTECTING LIVES AND PROPERTY
Security remains an important responsibility of government and a major concern for residents.
The administration has identified security as a priority and has undertaken interventions to support security agencies and improve coordination.
The Akwa Ibom Security Command and Control Centre is among the initiatives intended to strengthen surveillance, information management and security response.
Government has also highlighted operational support for security agencies and attention to maritime security, particularly in coastal communities.
Maintaining peace and protecting lives and property are essential to economic development. Investors, businesses and communities require a secure environment in which people can work, travel and conduct legitimate activities without fear.
EDUCATION: INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
Education remains central to the state’s human capital development strategy.
The administration has highlighted the establishment and development of 34 model primary schools, alongside its policy of free and compulsory primary and secondary education.
Another major development is the upgrading of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to the University of Education, Akwa Ibom State. The institution is expected to strengthen teacher education and expand opportunities for higher learning.
The administration has also introduced support for students with disabilities, including financial assistance of up to ₦250,000 for undergraduates and ₦300,000 for postgraduate students, according to the announced programme.
In addition, the governor has proposed increasing the annual bursary for tertiary students from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000, with a proposed ₦250,000 for students studying Medicine, Law and Engineering.
The proposed bursary increase should be distinguished from benefits already implemented. Its eventual impact will depend on the policy’s approval, implementation and accessibility to eligible students.
GRATUITIES AND WELFARE OF RETIRED WORKERS
The payment of outstanding gratuities is another issue that has featured prominently in the administration’s public statements.
The government has reported paying more than ₦35.5 billion to retired primary school teachers and local government workers.
The administration inherited a substantial backlog of outstanding gratuities and related obligations, which has been put at approximately ₦111 billion.
Government figures have also referred to broader payments and interventions aimed at reducing the inherited liability.
For retired workers and their families, the payment of gratuities is more than a government financial transaction. It represents an opportunity to meet personal and family responsibilities after years of service.
The continued clearance of outstanding obligations will remain an important measure of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
The ARISE Agenda places considerable emphasis on youth development, skills acquisition and employment opportunities.
Programmes and institutions such as Ibom-LED and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre have been highlighted as platforms for training, entrepreneurship development and economic empowerment.
The administration has also promoted youth development and youth-friendly centres intended to provide opportunities for young people across the state.
The long-term success of these programmes will depend on the quality of training, access to start-up support, mentorship and the ability of beneficiaries to establish sustainable businesses or secure meaningful employment.
Youth empowerment must go beyond distributing equipment or financial grants. It should create a pathway towards independence, innovation and productive participation in the state’s economy.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Agriculture remains an important sector in the state’s economic development strategy.
Through initiatives such as the Palm Tree Crop Revolution, the government has sought to support registered farmers with seedlings and encourage agricultural production across the 31 local government areas.
The ARISE Free Food Voucher programme is another intervention aimed at addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable households.
The government has also announced the distribution of rice and beans under the programme, with allocations intended to reach communities across the state.
Agriculture has the potential to provide employment, improve household income, strengthen food security and support local industries. However, sustained investment in farming, processing, storage, transportation and market access will be necessary to achieve lasting results.
ORO NATION: ORON BEACH AND THE MARITIME HUB
For the Oro Nation, comprising Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Udung Uko and Urue Offong/Oruko, the development of the coastal economy remains an issue of considerable interest.
The proposed Oron Beach transformation and Oron Maritime Hub are among the projects expected to open new opportunities in tourism, water transportation, trade and the blue economy.
The planned facilities include a ferry terminal, passenger and cargo jetties, warehouse facilities, a mega cold room and recreational infrastructure.
The state government has announced December 2026 as its target for commissioning the project.
If completed and effectively managed, the maritime development could improve transportation, support fishing and agricultural businesses, strengthen commercial activities and create employment opportunities for people in coastal communities.
For a region with considerable maritime and cultural heritage, the project also presents an opportunity to promote tourism and showcase Oro’s historical identity.
However, the announced commissioning target should not be confused with completed delivery. Residents will expect the project to be completed, equipped and made operational.
GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE 31 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
The administration has also emphasised grassroots development through projects and interventions spread across the state’s 31 local government areas.
These include road construction, school infrastructure, healthcare facilities, youth centres and public buildings.
The importance of grassroots development lies in ensuring that government interventions are not concentrated only in major urban centres but also reach rural communities.
For residents, the practical value of these projects will be measured by improved access to schools, hospitals, markets, transportation and other essential services.
A development agenda becomes meaningful when its benefits are visible in the daily lives of people in villages, towns and local government headquarters.
TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Traditional institutions remain important partners in community development, cultural preservation and conflict resolution.
The Eno administration has maintained engagement with traditional rulers, paramount rulers, clan heads and village heads, recognising their roles as custodians of culture and important links between government and the grassroots.
Traditional rulers often serve as channels for community mobilisation, peacebuilding and the communication of government policies.
Their involvement in development programmes can help strengthen cooperation between public institutions and local communities.
SOCIAL WELFARE: ARISE COMPASSIONATE HOMES AND ELDERLY CARE
The administration’s social welfare interventions include the ARISE Compassionate Homes programme, through which the government has reported providing more than 500 homes to beneficiaries.
The ARISE Elderly Care Initiative is another programme designed to support older citizens.
Under the initiative, more than 400 elderly persons across the 31 local government areas reportedly receive ₦50,000 monthly.
For vulnerable households and elderly residents without dependable sources of income, such interventions can provide meaningful assistance.
The sustainability of these programmes, transparency in beneficiary selection and regular delivery of support will be important considerations in assessing their effectiveness.
THE OPPOSITION AND THE 2027 POLITICAL DEBATE
As the 2027 election approaches, the opposition has a constitutional responsibility to scrutinise government policies, question public expenditure and present credible alternatives.
In a democracy, no administration should be exempt from accountability. Citizens are entitled to ask questions about project completion, quality, cost, employment creation, public services and the distribution of development opportunities.
At the same time, political debate should be based on verifiable facts, measurable performance and practical proposals.
The opposition will have an opportunity to explain what it would do differently in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, agriculture, industrialisation and social welfare.
Similarly, the ruling party will be expected to explain its record, defend its policies and demonstrate how ongoing projects and programmes will be sustained.
Ultimately, the electorate deserves a debate that goes beyond personalities and political slogans to address the real needs of the people.
CONCLUSION: THE RECORD AND THE ROAD TO 2027
Governor Pastor Umo Bassey’s administration has undertaken several projects and policy interventions across infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, industrialisation, tourism, agriculture, youth development and social welfare.
From the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road to the Ibom Medical City, International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, ARISE Shopping City, Itam Industrial Park and the proposed Oron Maritime Hub, the administration has placed a number of development initiatives on the public agenda.
Its programmes for retired workers, students, farmers, young people, vulnerable households and elderly citizens also form part of the record that residents will assess.
Governor Eno has consistently presented peace, accommodation and cooperation as guiding principles of his administration. His engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders has also featured in his approach to grassroots governance.
In assessing the administration, it is important to consider not only the number of projects announced or commissioned but also their quality, completion, accessibility, sustainability and impact on the people.
The 2027 governorship election will provide Akwa Ibom citizens with an opportunity to examine the records, policies and proposals of all political parties and candidates before making their choices.
The future of Akwa Ibom must remain the priority. The state deserves peace, unity, accountability, sustained development and leadership that places the welfare of its people first.
ARISE, AKWA IBOM! One good turn deserves another.