In my opinion, the unanimous support Governor Umo Eno enjoys from all 31 Local Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State is rooted in one consistent policy: his commitment to releasing local government funds directly to the councils.
For years, local governments in many parts of Nigeria have struggled with financial bottlenecks that limited their ability to deliver. Governor Eno’s approach has been different. By ensuring timely and transparent release of funds, he has given chairmen the financial capacity to embark on projects that directly touch lives at the grassroots.
The results are visible across senatorial districts.
In Urue Offong/Oruko LGA, Chairman Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno commissioned a 2.9 km Secretariat Road—the first state-built road there since 1991. He also delivered modern teachers’ quarters at two primary schools, provided solar street lighting, improved sanitation services, and extended empowerment grants to widows and vulnerable groups within his first 100 days. These achievements became possible because the council had the financial backing to act decisively.
In Eket LGA, Chairman Akaniyene Tommey was able to inaugurate a 5,000-seat City/Conference Hall and lay the foundation for a modern legislative complex. Through the Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative, he disbursed ₦50 million to 500 petty traders, a direct boost to grassroots businesses.
In the Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and Obot Akara axis, over 655 entrepreneurs, including farmers and small business operators, received ₦260 million in grants. The caretaker chairman of Ikot Ekpene also praised the governor’s commitment to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and food security—assuring continued alignment with his development agenda.
Oron LGA has likewise seen fresh energy, with internal road projects such as Effiongand Road (2.1 km) and Effiong Esung Street (2.11 km) flagged off to enhance urban connectivity. Meanwhile, Ukpong and Effiong Essang Streets are undergoing rehabilitation, further opening up the town’s internal road network.
In Onna LGA, the RAAMP rural access project has commenced with the construction of the Ikot Obio Eket–Ikot Mbong Road. Backed by the World Bank and the state government, this project will improve mobility for farmers and rural dwellers, directly strengthening the local economy.
When local councils can execute such projects, they naturally earn the trust of their people and align more closely with the governor’s vision. This is why the support Governor Eno enjoys is not symbolic—it is rooted in performance.
By empowering councils with funds and trust, Governor Umo Eno has shown that development is most effective when resources flow to the institutions closest to the people. His partnership with the local governments demonstrates a simple but powerful truth: grassroots development thrives when state and local leaders work hand in hand.
By Chief Edet Isong, Okete Okete Oro
