Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled his manifesto and development blueprint for a proposed second term, tagged ARISE 2.0, promising more ambitious projects and a stronger focus on economic growth, investment, tourism, agriculture and job creation.
He unveiled the blueprint during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the occasion as a defining moment in the state’s development journey.
Anchoring the campaign on the theme, “We Are Well Able,” drawn from Numbers 13:30, Eno said Akwa Ibom had the capacity to achieve greater development milestones and improve the living conditions of its people.
Reflecting on his administration’s performance since May 29, 2023, Governor Eno said the ARISE Agenda had provided a foundation for progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development, tourism and youth empowerment.
He explained that ARISE 2.0 would build on the achievements of the first phase, with a shift from an infrastructure-driven economy towards a more productive economy anchored on investment, enterprise and private-sector participation.
On economic expansion, Eno promised to strengthen the business environment, attract local and foreign investors, support entrepreneurs and create more opportunities for private-sector growth.
He also identified tourism as a major driver of the state’s economic transformation, saying Akwa Ibom would leverage its natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality, culinary traditions and geographical advantages to become a destination for conferences, entertainment, holidays, sports and cultural festivals.
As part of plans to transform Uyo’s urban landscape, Governor Eno announced the proposed remodelling of the city centre, featuring an iconic tower, flyover and other facilities, saying the capital city would have a significantly changed skyline.
In agriculture, he pledged a transition from subsistence farming to commercial production and agro-industrialisation through modern farming techniques, farm settlements, increased support for farmers and expanded agro-processing activities.
He also promised continued investment in roads, electricity, transportation and public infrastructure, alongside improvements in education, healthcare, technical training and skills acquisition.
On youth development, Governor Eno said young people must become active participants and beneficiaries of the emerging economy through empowerment, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.
He added that social protection would remain central to his administration, particularly for senior citizens, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable families.
Addressing the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, Eno described the project as a strategic component of the state’s long-term economic ambition. He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his support, following recent progress in the project’s certification and approval processes.
According to him, the seaport, alongside investments in tourism, agriculture and industrial development, would position Akwa Ibom as a maritime, logistics, industrial and commercial destination.
Governor Eno also announced that his proposed second term, covering 2027 to 2031, would be a period of greater development, urging members of the newly inaugurated campaign council to see their appointments as a responsibility to serve.
He charged the council to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns, focusing on governance records, policies and the welfare of the people rather than personal disagreements.
Eno further urged APC members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across wards and units, stressing that political engagement should extend beyond large rallies.
He challenged the campaign structures to mobilise at least two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, while also seeking support for other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking at the event, Senate President Akpabio commended Governor Eno’s leadership, describing him as an “Uncommon Transformer 2.0.”
Akpabio urged Eno to remain focused on his people-oriented governance agenda, while calling on the people of Akwa Ibom to support continuity, peace, and good governance in the state.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, accepted the responsibility on behalf of the council and pledged its commitment to a disciplined and issue-based campaign.
He said the Eno administration had a substantial record of 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, youth entrepreneurship programmes and welfare initiatives.
He also highlighted improvements in medical and tourism infrastructure, urging campaign council members to draw on their personal experiences and the impact of government programmes in their communities to communicate the administration’s achievements to voters.
Assam called for support for the Tinubu administration, referencing ongoing economic and institutional reforms, the student loan scheme, healthcare interventions, agricultural support and investments in national infrastructure.
The event also 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.
