Edith CHUKU
To address the epileptic power situation in Akwa Ibom State, the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has started engaging with relevant power stakeholders in the state.
Eno explained that the failure to supply adequate power was as a result of low power generation, assuring residents that government was making effort to ensure improvement in the state’s electricity situation, even as he outlined ongoing reforms and clear roadmaps for the state to take ownership of its power market.
The governor revealed this on Tuesday, when he presided March projects delivery meeting, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to timely project delivery and sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by top government functionaries, including the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the secretary to the state government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the executive assistant/chief delivery advisor, Aniefiok Johnson; commissioners; delivery advisors; as well as other key stakeholders.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including representatives of women and youth groups, as well as key leaders such as a former deputy governor, Obong Nsima Ekere and the state APC chairman.
In his opening remarks, Eno commended stakeholders for what he described as their continued support and highlighted 86 priority projects of the administration outside of roads, hospitals, and schools.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among ministries, departments, and agencies to drive greater output and ensure efficient service delivery, and directed the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to drive the completion and commissioning of youth friendly centres.
Meanwhile, following a presentation by the agriculture and food security committee, Eno approved ₦2.5 billion for the procurement of over 620,000 palm seedlings for distribution to registered farmers across the 31 local government areas of the state.
Eno noted that the initiative was part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth, adding that a formal launch of the programme will be held at a later date.
Also, a total of 55 projects were reviewed during the meeting, with clear timelines and commissioning dates established. The projects reviewed included; the governor’s office annex, AKWA-GIS House, Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, Itam Industrial Park, International Market, Ikot Ekpene; rehabilitation of AKADEP Head Office, Youth Friendly Centres, Arise Palm Resort, One Project Per LGA (Phase 2), Judiciary Village, Chairman’s Lodge, 350 Bed International Hospital, Tree Crop Revolution, Security and Command Center, AKBC House, Court of Appeal Complex, key airport infrastructure projects, Ibom farms, Arise Shopping City, Agric Equipment Leasing Company, and Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.
Other projects included; Oron Maritime Infrastructure, Ibom City Bus Service, Multiple General Hospitals, AKICORP House, Agricultural initiatives, security infrastructure, and major housing developments across the state.
In response to a presentation by the commissioner for works, another batch of 10 roads spanning 58.5 kilometres out of the over 1300 Kilometres of road projects across the State have been completed and are ready for commissioning in May 2026.
In his closing remarks, the governor appreciated all stakeholders for their attendance and valuable contributions, and reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to do its best in delivering on the ARISE Agenda for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.
Meanwhile, former deputy governor, Obong Nsima Ekere, commended the government over what he described as its high level of financial discipline and prudent management of resources.
Nsima Ekere urges Eno to sustain the momentum. Also, the state party chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, who was present, praised the governor, describing his strides as unprecedented and reflective of purposeful leadership.
