Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno during the unveiling of his second term agenda
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, has inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council for next year’s general elections comprising politicians, business leaders, women, youth and party elders with Godswill Akpabio as the grand patron, highlighting an all inclusive strategy.
The inauguration of the campaign council was followed by the unveiling of the governor’s manifesto for his re-election bid anchored on huge investment on infrastructure, tourism development , agriculture and youth empowerment across all sectors.
The event which held at the Palm Resort complex, underscored in Uyo, the state capital underscored the vision of the governor who has built a modern city from an environmentally challenged community ravaged by gully erosion and landslide.
Code named Arise 2.0, he pledged with a renewed commitment to deliver more projects and transform the state to a productive economic hub anchored on investment, tourism, agriculture, youth empowerment and job creation.
He said the campaign will be anchored on the theme, “We Are Well Able,” drawn from Numbers 13 : 30, adding that Akwa Ibom has the capacity to achieve greater development milestones, and better the lot of its people.
Reflecting on the administration’s performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Eno said the ARISE Agenda had provided the foundation for progress in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development, tourism, youth empowerment and institutional reforms.
He explained that the achievements recorded under ARISE 1.0 were not an end in themselves but a foundation for a more ambitious development programme designed to respond to emerging economic realities and the aspirations of the people.
The Governor said ARISE 2.0 would prioritise economic expansion and investment promotion through a stronger business environment, attraction of local and foreign investors, support for entrepreneurs and increased private-sector participation in economic growth.
On tourism, he envisioned an economy that would leverage the state’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality, culinary traditions and geographical advantages to establish Akwa Ibom as a major destination for meetings, conferences, entertainment, holidays, sports and cultural festivals.
He stressed the need to move the State beyond its traditional perception as a predominantly civil-service economy to a functional tourism destination capable of generating revenue, creating employment and opening new opportunities for young people.
The Governor disclosed plans for the remodeling of the city center with iconic tower, flyover and other facilities, assuring that Uyo shall become a city with a changed skyline.
In agriculture, Governor Eno pledged a transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and agro-industrialisation through increased production, modern farming techniques, establishment of farm settlements, support for farmers and expansion of agro-processing activities.
He also promised sustained investment in roads, electricity, transportation and public infrastructure, while strengthening education, healthcare, technical training and skills acquisition as part of efforts to develop the State’s human capital.
The Governor emphasised that young people must become active participants and beneficiaries of the emerging economy rather than spectators, adding that social protection and compassionate governance would remain central to the administration’s development philosophy.
He specifically mentioned elderly persons, people living with disabilities and vulnerable families as groups whose welfare and dignity must be reflected in government policies and programmes.
On the Ibom Deep Seaport project, Governor Eno described it as a strategic pillar of the state’s long-term economic ambition, expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment following recent progress in the relevant certification and approval processes.
He said the seaport, alongside tourism, agriculture and industrial development initiatives, would position Akwa Ibom as a maritime, logistics, industrial and commercial destination with economic opportunities extending beyond the State’s borders.
Addressing members of the newly- inaugurated Campaign Council, the Governor charged them to regard their appointments as a responsibility to serve rather than a privilege, urging them to focus their engagements on policies, governance records and the welfare of the people.
He called for issue-based and peaceful political campaigns, warning against personal disagreements and political differences that could undermine the collective interest of the State.
Governor Eno further stressed the importance of preserving the prevailing peace in the State, describing it as one of the greatest assets and the foundation upon which sustainable development must thrive.
He called for the collaboration of the private sector, traditional institutions, religious leaders, professional associations, women, youths and all citizens in building the future of the State.
The Governor also urged members of the APC to intensify grassroots mobilisation by taking the party’s message to wards, and units, rather than depending solely on large political rallies.
He challenged the campaign structures to work towards delivering at least two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, while mobilising support for the re-election of other APC candidates, including the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Governor Eno, who described the 2027–2031 period as a season of reward, urged party faithful to match political declarations with hard work, measurable results and sustained engagement with electorate.
On his part, Senate President Akpabio commended the Governor’s transformative and impactful leadership, describing him as an uncommon transformer 2.0.
Senator Akpabio urged the Governor to continue to be focused in pursuit of his people-centric governance and not on detractors who have nothing tangible to offer the people and the State.
The Senate President enjoined the people to unite and vote for continuity of impactful leadership, peace and good governance for greater development strides and growth of the State.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, accepted the responsibility on behalf of the campaign organisation, assuring the Governor of the council’s commitment to a disciplined and issue-based campaign.
He said the administration had substantial governance record to present to the electorate, citing ongoing and completed road projects covering over 1,500 kilometres, sustained free and compulsory education, recruitment of more than 3,000 teachers, healthcare interventions, agricultural grants, youth entrepreneurship programmes and compassionate welfare initiatives.
Ambassador Assam also highlighted improvements in medical and tourism infrastructure, describing them as important components of the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
He urged campaign council members to use their personal experiences and the benefits enjoyed by their communities to communicate the administration’s achievements to voters.
The DG also called for support for President Tinubu’s administration, pointing to ongoing economic and institutional reforms, student loan, healthcare interventions, agricultural support and investments in national infrastructure.
The event also featured a review of the ARISE 1.0 by the SSA to the Governor on Special Duties, Morgan Ekanem, and the socio- economic impact of the ARISE 1.0 by the State Statistician- General, Mr. Uduak Isaac.
(Ends)
