Akwa Ibom Marks 39 Years: Governor Eno Preaches Unity, Vision for Tomorrow

As Akwa Ibom State commemorates its 39th anniversary, Governor Umo Eno declared that the most promising chapters in the state's journey are yet to unfold. This assertion was made by Governor Eno during a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, held to observe the state's creation date of September 23, 1987.

According to the governor, the state's three decades and nine years of existence have been characterized by unwavering faith, steadfast resilience, significant sacrifice, tangible progress, and divine grace. He quoted, “Thirty-nine years ago, our beloved Akwa Ibom State was born. Today, we stand together at 39. Thirty-nine years of faith, resilience, sacrifice, progress and God’s unfailing grace.”

Governor Eno acknowledged and honored the pioneering figures and previous administrations instrumental in establishing the state's foundations. He also recognized the contributions of traditional institutions, the workforce, agriculturalists, educators, religious leaders, various professionals, and business owners. Speaking on his three-year tenure, the governor highlighted that his administration's ARISE Agenda serves as a commitment to serve the populace by fostering development, empowering citizens, ensuring protection, and generating opportunities.

He stated, “My administration has undertaken, commissioned and continued work on more than 1,500 kilometres of roads and 43 bridges, deliberately taking infrastructure to rural communities. No community is too remote to matter. No citizen is too far away to be remembered.”

Regarding the education sector, Eno confirmed the state's continued provision of free and compulsory education for primary and secondary school students. He also mentioned the disbursement of N1.69 billion in bursaries, the employment of 3,000 new teachers, and the ongoing conversion of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, into a university focusing on education. Furthermore, he revealed full scholarship awards for two exceptional students: Uwakmfon Unwana Jacob, who received N30 million for software engineering studies at Nile University, Abuja, and Dr. Joseph Akpan, the top graduating student in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Uyo, who was granted N160 million to pursue a master’s degree in Surgical and Intervention Science at McGill University, Canada.

In the area of healthcare, the governor reported that 258,000 individuals, encompassing senior citizens, have been registered under the state's medical insurance program. He also noted that ambulance services are now operational in all local government areas.

Governor Eno detailed his administration's support for the agricultural sector, where over 1,700 farmers received grants and agricultural inputs as part of the palm tree crop revolution. Additionally, more than 4,000 young people benefited from training programs at the Ibom-LED and Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, with disbursements exceeding N2 billion.

He also announced the distribution of over 500 units of ARISE Compassionate Homes to vulnerable residents. Furthermore, out of the N111 billion in inherited gratuities and emoluments, more than N98 billion has been settled for retirees.

Regarding aviation, the governor revealed that Ibom Air, the state-owned airline, has acquired its fifth aircraft, an Airbus A220-300. He emphasized that Ibom Air continues to represent a beacon of confidence and entrepreneurial spirit for the state.

Eno reiterated his unwavering dedication to the Ibom Deep Seaport initiative, characterizing it as a vital new economic portal for commerce, industrial growth, and employment generation. He further stated the state's ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, such as the Arise Palm Resort, the International Convention Centre, and the Arise Shopping City.

To enhance power provision, Eno mentioned the establishment of the Akwa Ibom Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Electrification Agency.

The governor implored the citizens of Akwa Ibom to safeguard the state's peace and unity, cautioning against allowing political disagreements to escalate into animosity. He declared, “Our peace is priceless. Our unity is priceless. Our brotherhood is priceless. Let us protect them.”

Finally, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to all Akwa Ibom indigenes, both residing within the state and in the diaspora, for their steadfast support. He assured them of his administration's continuous efforts to develop, empower, and foster unity across the state.