The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved 39 projects, including 27 road constructions spanning over 167 kilometres, as part of efforts to accelerate infrastructure development across the state.
The meeting, held on Thursday at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, was presided over by Governor Umo Eno.
In his opening remarks, the Governor commended members of the council for their contributions towards advancing the administration’s ARISE Agenda and urged them to intensify efforts in delivering impactful governance. He also advised any council member intending to contest in the forthcoming general elections to resign in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, said the council ratified key projects presented through the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC).
Among the approved projects are the dualisation and construction of a six-lane, 36-kilometre Nung Udoe–Afaha Offiong–Ikot Imo–Itreto road; the 7.6-kilometre Ikwe–Odio road in Onna and Eket Local Government Areas; the dualisation of the 7.64-kilometre Ndon Eyo–Ikot Akpatek road in Onna; and the 4.0-kilometre Ekom Iman Junction–Afia Nsit–Nduo Eduo–Mbiokporo road in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, alongside several others.
The council also approved the adoption and implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Policy on Aging, aimed at improving the welfare of elderly citizens. As part of this move, EXCO directed that the Senior Citizens Establishment Bill, 2026 be forwarded to the State House of Assembly to provide a legal framework for elderly care, including the management of the Oluremi Senior Citizens Centre.
In the agricultural sector, EXCO reviewed reports on the N2B Agricultural Grant and commended its positive impact, noting increased farm sizes, improved output, enhanced agro-processing activities, and better income levels among beneficiaries. Similarly, the council acknowledged the gains of the N2B Traders Grant in boosting small businesses and improving livelihoods.
To enhance rural water supply, the council also reviewed the implementation of the ARISE-GIFA solar-powered Braithwaite storage tank project across the state’s 369 wards and directed that host communities be actively involved in maintaining the facilities upon completion.
Furthermore, EXCO inaugurated a Steering Committee on Ward-Level Cooperative Societies to drive grassroots economic development. The committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, is tasked with providing strategic oversight to ensure cooperatives contribute effectively to poverty reduction, food security, and rural transformation.
The meeting ended at 7:30 p.m., with the government reaffirming its commitment to delivering people-oriented projects across the state.
By Ndifreke Bassey