Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled his ARISE 2.0 development manifesto, outlining an ambitious economic transformation agenda for the 2027–2031 period, with priorities including investment, tourism, agriculture, industrialisation, youth empowerment and job creation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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Key Highlights
- Governor Umo Eno unveils ARISE 2.0 as his development blueprint for 2027–2031.
- Manifesto prioritises tourism, agriculture, industrialisation and job creation.
- Governor promises to remodel Uyo city centre with an iconic tower and flyover.
- Ibom Deep Seaport identified as a major driver of economic growth.
- Eno challenges APC campaign council to mobilise two million votes for Tinubu.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio endorses continuity in governance and development.
Eno unveiled the manifesto during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council at the Banquet Hall of the ARISE Park Resort in Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the governor described the occasion as a defining moment in Akwa Ibom’s development journey, expressing confidence that the state had the human and material resources needed to achieve greater economic and social progress.
He said the campaign would be anchored on the theme, “We Are Well Able,” drawn from Numbers 13:30, stressing that Akwa Ibom had the capacity to accomplish its development aspirations.
Reviewing his administration’s performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Eno said the ARISE Agenda had established a strong foundation for development across road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development, tourism and institutional reforms.
He, however, noted that the achievements recorded under ARISE 1.0 represented only the beginning of a broader development vision designed to reposition the state in response to changing economic realities.
According to him, ARISE 2.0 would focus on transforming Akwa Ibom from an infrastructure-driven economy into a productive economic hub through investment promotion, private-sector participation and expanded business opportunities.
ARISE 2.0: Eno Targets Tourism, Investment and Industrialisation
On tourism, the governor said his administration would maximise the state’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality industry, culinary traditions and geographical advantages to establish Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for conferences, entertainment, holidays, sporting activities and cultural festivals.
He explained that the state must move beyond its traditional dependence on civil service and develop a competitive tourism industry capable of generating revenue, attracting investors and creating employment opportunities.
Eno also announced plans to remodel Uyo city centre through the construction of an iconic tower, a flyover and other modern facilities aimed at transforming the city’s outlook.
In agriculture, he promised to strengthen commercial farming and agro-industrialisation through modern farming techniques, farm settlements, increased agricultural production, support for farmers and expanded agro-processing activities.
The governor further pledged sustained investment in roads, electricity, transportation and other public infrastructure, alongside improvements in education, healthcare, technical training and vocational skills acquisition.
Youth Empowerment and Social Welfare
Eno described young people as central to Akwa Ibom’s economic transformation, insisting that they must become active participants and beneficiaries of the opportunities created by the state’s development programmes.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to social protection, identifying elderly citizens, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable households as priority groups whose welfare and dignity would remain central to government policies.
Ibom Deep Seaport: Eno Highlights Economic Benefits
On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, the governor described the project as a critical component of Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic development strategy.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support, particularly following recent progress in the relevant certification and approval processes.
Eno expressed confidence that the seaport would position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime, logistics, industrial and commercial destination, creating opportunities for investment and employment.
Eno Charges APC Campaign Council on Peaceful Mobilisation
Addressing members of the newly inaugurated APC Campaign Council, the governor urged them to consider their appointments a call to service rather than a privilege.
He charged the council members to communicate the administration’s policies and achievements through peaceful, disciplined and issue-based campaigns.
Eno cautioned against personal attacks and political disagreements capable of threatening the peace of the state, describing stability as an essential foundation for sustainable development.
He also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, professional associations, women, youths, private-sector operators and other stakeholders to support Akwa Ibom’s development aspirations.
The governor urged APC members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across wards and polling units instead of depending solely on large political rallies.
He further challenged the campaign council to mobilise at least two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections while securing support for other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Describing the 2027–2031 period as a season of reward, Eno urged party members to match political declarations with hard work, measurable achievements and sustained engagement with voters.
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Akpabio Praises Eno, Calls for Continuity
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, commended the governor’s leadership, describing him as an “uncommon transformer 2.0.”
Akpabio urged Eno to remain focused on his people-oriented programmes and disregard critics whom he accused of having little to offer the state.
He also appealed to Akwa Ibom residents to support continuity in governance, peace and development, stressing that political unity was necessary to sustain the state’s progress.
Assam Assam Promises Disciplined APC Campaign
Earlier, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, accepted the appointment on behalf of members and pledged to ensure a coordinated, disciplined and issue-based campaign.
Assam said the administration had significant achievements to present to voters, citing more than 1,500 kilometres of ongoing and completed road projects, free and compulsory education, the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers, healthcare interventions, agricultural grants and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
He also highlighted improvements in medical and tourism infrastructure, describing them as important pillars of the state’s economic transformation agenda.
The campaign council director-general urged members to draw on their personal experiences and the impact of government programmes in their communities to convince voters.
He equally appealed for support for the Tinubu administration, citing its economic and institutional reforms, student loan scheme, healthcare interventions, agricultural support programmes and investments in national infrastructure.
The ceremony featured presentations on the performance of ARISE 1.0 by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Morgan Ekanem, and an assessment of its socioeconomic impact by the State Statistician-General, Uduak Isaac. More on the state’s programmes is available on the Akwa Ibom State Government website.
The event attracted APC chieftains, members of the National Assembly, religious leaders, traditional rulers and other political stakeholders.
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