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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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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Ooni, Obi of Onitsha Commend Governor Umo Eno for Exemplary Leadership

Akwa Ibom Governor honoured as Most Outstanding Governor in Nigeria – South-South at Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has received another major recognition for his administration’s performance, after being honoured as the “Most Outstanding Governor in Nigeria – South-South” at the Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards in Abuja.
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The prestigious award was presented on Thursday at the ThisDay Dome, Abuja, during a ceremony attended by prominent Nigerians, including traditional rulers, political leaders, government officials, business leaders and other distinguished personalities.

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, CFR, commended Governor Eno for what they described as his visionary leadership, commitment to the welfare of the people and impactful development initiatives across Akwa Ibom State.

Governor Eno was represented at the event by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.

Presenting the award, the Obi of Onitsha spoke highly of the governor’s performance, recalling his visits to Akwa Ibom State and expressing satisfaction with the level of development witnessed under Governor Eno.

“I have been to Akwa Ibom State on several occasions, and I am very impressed with the work he is doing, particularly his commitment to the welfare of the people. We encourage him to keep the flag flying,” Igwe Achebe said.

The Ooni of Ife also praised the governor’s achievements and described him as a “good man” and a “performer.”

“He is a good man. He is doing well. Please extend my greetings to him,” Oba Ogunwusi said.

The recognition adds to the growing list of accolades received by Governor Eno since assuming office, particularly in recognition of his administration’s focus on infrastructure, human capital development, economic empowerment and people-oriented governance.

The ceremony featured a keynote address by former President of the African Development Bank, Prof. Akinwumi Adesina, who commended the Daily Times for surviving for a century and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s development.

The occasion was chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Also in attendance were Governors Umaru Bago of Niger State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; APC National Chairman, Prof.

Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as well as former ministers, royal fathers, captains of industry and other prominent Nigerians.

Ooni

Several other individuals and institutions were also honoured for their outstanding contributions to national development.

The Daily Times Centenary Heroes Awards was organised to commemorate 100 years of the Daily Times newspaper and recognise individuals and institutions whose contributions have had significant impact on public service, business, community development and the growth of Nigeria.
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