Image: Governor Umo Eno

1. The Akwa Ibom State Government’s Monthly Delivery Meeting concluded its two-day July session, with Governor Umo Eno presiding over an extensive review of the administration’s strategic projects across key sectors.
2. Hon. Aniekan UmanahCommissioner for Information, reported that the meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor implementation, evaluate progress, and ensure the timely delivery of projects under the ARISE Agenda.
3. In his opening remarks on Day Two, Governor Eno reiterated that the Delivery Meeting has become a vital accountability mechanism for tracking the performance of government projects and ensuring that every initiative delivers measurable value to the people of the State.
4. He stressed that the sessions provide an opportunity for honest appraisal, collective problem-solving, and improved coordination among implementing agencies as the administration continues to deliver on its commitments under the ARISE Agenda. Quoting the Greek philosopher Socrates, the Governor said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
5. Before the commencement of the Day Two session, Governor Eno paid an unscheduled visit to the ARISE Palm Resort, an audacious tourism project built on a 73-hectare gully reclamation site, to verify claims made during the previous day’s presentations and assess firsthand the level of progress on the facility, which is scheduled for commissioning later in the year.
6. The meeting received comprehensive presentations on key projects across multiple sectors of the state’s development programme, including agriculture, trade and investment, maritime and transportation, health, internal security, housing, tourism, local government administration, direct labour projects, and other flagship initiatives.
7. Under the agricultural sector, presentations were made on the Ibom Model Farm, Agric Equipment Leasing Company, Distribution of Oil Palm Seedlings Programme, Dakkada Global Oil Palm Project, and the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP), with emphasis on mechanised farming, food security, and job creation.
8. The Ministry of Trade and Investment presented updates on the International Market, Ikot Ekpene, highlighting its role in boosting commerce, attracting investment, and strengthening regional trade.
9. The meeting noted the significant progress recorded on the project and urged the contractors to sustain the pace of work.
10. In the maritime and transport sector, updates were presented on the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project, which is aimed at improving maritime transportation, boosting commerce, and stimulating economic growth as part of the administration’s broader Blue Economy development initiatives.
11. The health sector presentation covered the Ibom International Hospital, General Hospitals in Ukanafun, Ibiono Ibom, Ikot Ekpene, Iquita-Oron, Ikot Ekpene Udo, and other State of Emergency Health Projects, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
12. The Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways presented progress on the Counter Terrorism Unit Base, aimed at strengthening security infrastructure and enhancing public safety across the state.
13. The Ministry of Housing provided updates on the Doctors’ Residence and the Executive and Legislative Quarters, projects aimed at providing decent accommodation while supporting urban renewal and improving living standards.
14. In the tourism sector, progress on the Ibom International Hotel at the Convention Arena was reviewed, with emphasis on repositioning the facility to boost tourism, hospitality, and investment opportunities.
15. Updates from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs covered the Chairmen’s Lodges, with an assurance that all 31 lodges will be completed by December 2026 to strengthen administrative efficiency at the grassroots level.
16. The Direct Labour Committee reported progress on the Youth Development Centres, the One Project Per Local Government Area (Phase II), the Judiciary Village, and the House of Assembly Complex, all aimed at strengthening governance infrastructure and promoting youth development.
17. Other strategic projects reviewed included the ARISE Shopping City, ARISE Park Beach Villas, AKBC Project, Model Secondary School, Senior Citizens Centre, and the Nigeria Formr Women Project, reflecting the administration’s broad development agenda across multiple sectors.
18. Stakeholders at the meeting delivered goodwill messages, commending Governor Umo Eno for institutionalising the Delivery Meeting as a platform for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
19. Senator Effiong Bob commended the Governor for consistently engaging stakeholders in the governance process, noting that the ARISE Agenda is making measurable progress while praising the administration’s openness and transparency. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Assam Assam, described the meeting as the most impactful yet, citing visible progress across sectors, particularly in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
20. The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, lauded the Governor’s leadership and assured him of the continued support and collaboration of the State House of Assembly.
21. The Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr. Solomon Etuk, JP, expressed pride in the administration’s developmental strides and commended Governor Eno’s inclusive approach to governance.
22. In his closing remarks, Governor Umo Eno appreciated all participants, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Delivery Advisors, stakeholders, and contractors for their contributions to the two-day review exercise, noting that the sessions were rigorous but necessary in strengthening governance and ensuring accountability.
23. The Governor stated that the administration is entering its “harvest season” as it gradually winds down its first term, adding that observations from the meeting would be used to further improve service delivery and implementation efficiency.
24. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects within set timelines and urged implementing agencies to sustain the momentum and maintain high standards in project execution for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
25. At the conclusion of the Delivery Meeting, Governor Eno led stakeholders on an inspection visit to the Ibom Convention Arena to assess ongoing work on the 200-bed Ibom International Hotel project, which is billed for commissioning later in the year.