Akwa Ibom at 39: Governor Eno Sets to Commission New Youth Development Centre

All is now set for the inauguration of the Ikono Youth Development Center, at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo.
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The center is one of 30 others that Governor Eno is building for youth development across the state to expand skills training and reduce rural-urban migration. Ikono is the second local government to have its center completed for inauguration.

While inaugurating the center in Oron in May this year, Governor Eno had announced that a total of 31,000 youths are to be trained annually in different skills, including ICT, fashion and design, catering, and others, across the State.

He noted that the centres “are designed to give young people at the 31 local government areas, access to practical training for personal development and the overall progress of the state.”

The commissioning of the center on Day 4 of the anniversary month of the State, means that youths of Ikono do not need to travel to Ibom Leadership Entrepreneurial Development Centre or the Dakkada Skills Development Center, DASAC, Ibiono Ibom local government area for trainings.

Youths Development Center

The Chairman of Ikono local government area, Engr. Otobong Essien, in an interview with journalists, said her people were in high spirit to welcome the Governor and to reaffirm their support for the Governor’s re-election, as a response to the numerous roads and other projects in their locality.
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Ibom International Hospital: Eno Promises World-Class Healthcare Facility for Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed confidence that the ongoing Ibom International Hospital project in Uyo will be completed as a world-class medical facility capable of providing advanced healthcare services to residents of the state, Nigeria and beyond.
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Governor Eno stated this during an unscheduled inspection of the project site, less than two months after the foundation stone was laid. He inspected the ongoing construction works and assessed the pace and quality of work at the facility.

The Governor commended the Commissioner for Health, project coordinator, contractors, doctors, consultants and other professionals involved in the project, describing their commitment as evidence of his administration’s determination to provide a high-quality healthcare facility for the people.

He expressed optimism that the hospital, when completed, would rank among the best medical facilities in Nigeria and Africa.
“I believe we will deliver for Akwa Ibom people, a world-class medical facility, not just for Akwa Ibom, but within the region,” Eno said.

The Governor described the project as part of his administration’s continued investment in the health sector, stressing that the wellbeing of citizens remained a major priority of his development agenda.
According to him, investments in roads, infrastructure and other public facilities would have little meaning if residents were not healthy enough to enjoy them.

Governor Eno also highlighted the cancer treatment component of the hospital, noting that the lack of access to early diagnostic services often leads to late detection of cancer, making treatment more difficult and increasing the risk of fatalities.

He said the new facility would enable residents to undergo regular medical examinations and benefit from early diagnosis, thereby increasing the chances of successful treatment and extending lives.

The Governor further urged residents to embrace health insurance, warning that specialised treatments and surgical procedures could impose significant financial burdens on families paying medical bills entirely out of pocket.
“Having insurance policy is the only way a lot of us would benefit from it because there are treatments you may want to access here but may not be able to pay the bills,” he said.

Eno encouraged residents to voluntarily enrol in available health insurance schemes rather than wait until participation becomes compulsory, noting that affordable options were already available.

He maintained that the administration’s investments in healthcare were aimed at addressing current medical needs while building a stronger and more sustainable health system for future generations.
Speaking on the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, said the medical community was actively involved in the conception, planning and development of the facility.

He disclosed that the state government consulted 25 health-sector unions and their leadership, while medical specialists from local and international institutions contributed to the design and planning process.

According to him, about 40 consultants across various medical specialties assessed the healthcare needs of Akwa Ibom State and helped determine the facilities and services required at the hospital.

He added that experts from Germany and the United States, alongside consultants from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, National Hospital, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, participated in the process.

The project team said construction was progressing simultaneously across the three major wings of the hospital, with different teams working day and night to accelerate completion.

The Consultant and Coordinator of the project, Dr Teinye Isokariari, disclosed that Governor Eno had set June 2027 as the target for completion, but said the team was working to deliver the project ahead of schedule.

The Structural Engineer, Mohammed Bita, explained that the three wings were being constructed as independent projects to speed up the work and ensure timely delivery.

Ibom International Hospital

When completed, the Ibom International Hospital is expected to expand access to specialised healthcare services in Akwa Ibom, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state for certain medical procedures.

Earlier in the day, Governor Eno also inspected the Command and Control Centre, the AKWA-GIS building and the new Governor’s Office Annex along Dominic Utuk Avenue in Uyo.
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Akwa Ibom at 39th: Governor Eno Opens 6.475km Road in Ikot Ekpene Communities

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commissioned the newly completed 6.475-kilometre Amanyam–Mbiaso road in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly improve the lives of residents.
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The road was commissioned on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Amanyam as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary.

The project was the third among 39 projects scheduled for commissioning across the state as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Eno said his administration remained focused on development and improving the welfare of the people rather than engaging in political activities that could distract from governance.

“Whatever developmental efforts that we are putting in place are tailored towards the overall benefit and improved living conditions of our people. We don’t play politics with the welfare of our citizenry,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno commended the people of Ikot Ekpene for their continued support for his administration and promised that more development projects would be delivered in the area.

He also disclosed that his administration would review and complete viable projects inherited from previous administrations, stressing that such projects would be completed for the benefit of the people.

Among the projects highlighted for Ikot Ekpene were the Ikot Ekpene International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and additional road projects.

The Governor also commended the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, for implementing projects aimed at improving the welfare of the people, describing similar initiatives by local government chairmen across the state as encouraging and reflective of the benefits of local government autonomy.

Road Opens Up Communities

Giving an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the Amanyam–Mbiaso road was constructed as a 6.475-kilometre single-carriageway with an eight-metre width.

He explained that the project also included 12.95 kilometres of side drains and traversed Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities.

According to the Commissioner, the road had transformed the area into a more accessible economic and social hub, describing it as a “complete developmental ecosystem” that had opened up Amanyam and neighbouring communities.

Prof. Ibanga said the project was carefully supervised to guarantee quality, durability and compliance with required standards.

He thanked Governor Eno for approving the variation in the project cost, which he said contributed to the timely completion of the road.

Ikot Ekpene Chairman: “You Promised and You Have Delivered”

Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, praised Governor Eno for his development initiatives in the area.

Nkom specifically mentioned the ongoing Ikot Ekpene International Market, hospital project and various access roads, including the newly commissioned Amanyam–Mbiaso road.

“You have done so much in, and for Ikot Ekpene. Currently, you have four projects to commission in Ikot Ekpene. I want to tell you that we are very happy with you,” he said.

The council chairman further declared the support of Amanyam and the wider Ikot Ekpene community for Governor Eno.

“Today, Amanyam and the entire Ikot Ekpene people have declared total support for you. You promised and you have delivered. We assure you of our full support now and in the 2027 general elections,” Nkom added.

Leaders Commend Governor Eno

In separate goodwill messages, the political leader of Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of the area, HRM Okon Udo Ukut, commended Governor Eno for his commitment to infrastructure and human development.

They recalled the hardship residents had endured over the years due to the poor condition of the road, noting that the situation had negatively affected movement, trade and other economic activities within the area.

Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno

The leaders applauded the Governor for completing the road and other economically significant projects, saying the developments had restored confidence and hope among residents.

They also expressed support for the Governor’s administration and his bid for a second term in office.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; and other government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and residents.
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