Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Reassures Full Actualization Of Arise Agenda With Time Limits
Umo Eno Reassures Full Actualization Of Arise Agenda With Time Limits
Umo Eno reassures full actualization of Arise Agenda with time limits. “I envision a vibrant, inclusive, and highly industrialized economy for this State, using highly developed human and material resources. In the past one month, we have engaged and played host to some investors across sectors who are desirous of investing in our State” – Governor Umo Eno during launch of Arise Agenda, July 22, 2023.
The title of this article was inspired by the recent courtesy visit of two corporate investors to Governor Umo Eno, events which were both held at the Government House, Uyo. First was the visit by the Board and Management of Seplat Group, following its successful acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (“MPNU”).
The second was that of Lekoil Ltd on January 21, 2025, also at the Government House. Lump their aggregate interests together, optimists and those with foresight would agree that they point to the sectoral and progressive transformation of Akwa Ibom State in line with the Arise Agenda of His Excellency’s compass for the transformation of Akwa Ibom State.
I recall with relish that at the official launch of the Arise Agenda and unveiling of its logo at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, on July 22, 2023, His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, had pointed to what is happening today with the visit to the State by the aforementioned corporate bodies, besides others.
The superscription to this piece was crafted from the governor’s speech at the launch of Arise Agenda, wherein he saw the Arise Agenda as a visionary blueprint targeted at propelling multifaceted socioeconomic growth and development of the State. Dr. Uduak Inam, Economic Adviser to the Governor, whom the governor described as the architect of the Arise apparatus, had said the Arise Agenda is a flagship document and compass that “will drive development efforts of the present administration”.
So the said visits by the two companies were heralds of the fulfilment of the Arise dreams.
SEPLAT Energy Plc, Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil and gas producer, was led on the visit by its Board Chairman , Senator Udo Udoma. He had represented Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the Senate from 1999 to 2007. On behalf of SEPLAT, Sen. Udoma expressed its continued commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government for sustainable development.
The Seplat delegation used the occasion to formally brief the Governor on the recent completion of the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited by Seplat Energy Offshore Limited, explaining that the entity will henceforth be known and addressed as Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), retaining all assets and liabilities of the previous company.
As it mattered to Akwa Ibom State and the Arise Agenda specifically, the Chairman further outlined the company’s objective of significantly contributing to meeting Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas aspirations while leveraging the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Udoma, key areas to actualizing this shall include its commitment to sustainable operations and unbroken collaboration with the state government and communities to ensure long-term mutual benefits to all parties.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to engage with the Akwa Ibom State Government and present our vision for a collaborative future. Our commitment is not only to the growth of our operations but also to the well-being and prosperity of the communities where we operate.
We are confident that through strong partnerships and shared goals, we can bring significant economic and social benefits to the country, state and our communities”, Udoma stated.
Governor Umo Eno welcomed the SEPNU team which also included the Group Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown and the Managing Director of Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mr. Oladotun Isiaka.
He assured the team of the state government’s unwavering support and continued commitment to creating an enabling environment for the company’s operations.
He emphasized that the government under his leadership is people-centric, pragmatic, inclusive and foreward-looking and was ever ready to support initiatives that will benefit the people of the State.
Other members of the SEPNU delegation were Director, External affairs; Mrs Chioma Afe, GM, Corporate services, Mrs Emo Udobong-Ntia, GM, Public and Government Affairs, Mr. Oge Udeagha, and Government Relations Lead QIT, Mr. Esumo Effiong.
Whereas the host had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, and the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN and others.
It was indeed a week of consolidation of vision and preview of the developmental blueprints of the State government and its partners. Following SEPNU visit was that of Lekoil.
It was led by the Chief Executive Officer of Lekoil, Lekan Akinyanmi. With him were the GM Operations, Matthias Akhideno; GM Legal, Gloria Iroegbunam; GM Government Relationship and Communications, Hamilton Esi; Head of C & P, Unwana Etuk, and Godwin Okeke, GM SHES & SCD.
It was no coincidence that Lekoil’s vision was in line with that of the Arise Agenda. Arise Agenda is all-embracing.
Akinyanmi noted that the visit was to formally introduce the company to the Governor, and to make him aware of its investment interest in the State.
Lekoil, according to him, is an African focused oil and gas exploration and production company, a portfolio company of Cambridge Growth Partners which also has OakGold, Cambridge LNG, Cambridge Energy, Cambridge Harvest, CGP-1 Fund, and Blink Studios. He hinted that the company has a good development master plan that also captures its Corporate Social Responsibility, namely, the development of the host community along side its investment.
On his part, Governor Eno appreciated Lekoil for its choice of investment in Akwa Ibom State, assuring them of his government’s open arms to investors.
He assured them that the State is prepared to support the Company in all conceivable ways, with the hope that its investment will help in the development of the State through generation of employment opportunities.
Most importantly, the governor said the State will be interested in one of the subsidiaries of Cambridge Growth partners, the Cambridge Harvest, whose interest is in sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Agriculture is a critical part of the ARISE Agenda. The attention of both Companies was drawn to the State’s employment portal which contains details of unemployed youths, where they can source the needed manpower whenever the need arises.
Arise Agenda
With the Governor were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, Permanent Secretary Government House, Mr. Godwin Udoh and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh.
SEPNU and Lekoil are two among many who either had indicated interest to invest in the State or had already found their haven in the State, considering the State’s natural and human endowments.
These, put together, point to the harvest of opportunities for growth and development that awaits the State, a vindication of the Arise Agenda. Indeed, it’s a matter of time Akwa Ibom shall actualize its potential with the ARISE Agenda!
Hilary Sunday Owowo writes from Uboro-Isong-Inyang, in Udunguko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Gov Eno Flags Off Ikot Ekpene International Market, Targets Trade, Jobs, Economic Growth
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially unveiled the design and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Ikot Ekpene International Market, describing the project as a strategic investment in trade, employment and economic development.
Eereporter.com
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 30, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, took place in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible infrastructure across the state.
He recalled earlier questions from the opposition regarding the number and location of the 39 projects promised as part of the anniversary activities.
“When we first started, the opposition asked, ‘Where are the 39 projects?’
“Today, we can gladly tell them to come and see,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno explained that the project was not merely about constructing a market but about investing in the economic future of Akwa Ibom State.
“Today, we are not just laying a foundation or turning the sod for this market; we are laying a foundation for prosperity, building infrastructure for opportunities, and creating a platform upon which our traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, and young people can build their dreams,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), said the project reflected the administration’s efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a hub for trade, tourism and industrialisation.
According to him, the first phase of the market comprises 30 blocks of double-deck structures containing 108 shops, alongside two warehouses, restaurants, cold rooms, a police station, asphalt and concrete roads.
Ekong said the strategic location of the market would attract traders and customers from neighbouring states and beyond, particularly Cross River, Abia and Rivers states, as well as Cameroon.
“Upon completion, this market is going to generate income and revenue, create employment, and connect us with the trade hubs of the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
The Director-General of Campaigns, Ambassador Chief Assam Assam (SAN), commended Governor Eno for initiating the project, noting that its strategic location would make it accessible to communities across the state.
He recalled the Governor’s earlier promise to establish an international market in Ikot Ekpene, describing the project as the fulfilment of that commitment.
“I remember that the Governor was in Ikot Ekpene Stadium when he said he was going to build an international market in Ikot Ekpene. This market is this Governor’s dream child,” Assam said.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in the area, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien said the project was conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene in 2010 but remained unrealised through successive administrations.
He commended Governor Eno for actualising the project.
“This project started in 2010 when it was conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene. And through three administrations, this project did not see the light of day, but when you came with the finisher’s anointing, this project is now actualised,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for commencing the long-awaited project.
Nkom recalled previous discussions on the economic importance of the market, noting that its location was expected to redirect commercial traffic and attract traders who ordinarily travel to other commercial centres.
He described the Governor as “a man of his word,” saying the people of Ikot Ekpene were excited by the commencement of the project.
Ikot Ekpene International Market
The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, also expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the project as a significant development for the area.
Upon completion, the Ikot Ekpene International Market is expected to strengthen commercial activities, create employment opportunities and expand Akwa Ibom State’s trade links with neighbouring states and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
Eereporter.com
2026 NECO: Akwa Ibom Government Rejects ‘False’ Ranking, Says 83 Centres’ Results Pending
The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a report circulating on social media which purportedly ranked the state among the lowest-performing states in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) results.
Eereporter.com
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the report was based on a performance chart that did not represent the official data released by NECO.
Umanah explained that although NECO released the 2026 examination results on September 24, 2026, the performance chart published by Premium Times was not an official NECO document, contrary to the impression created by the publication.
According to the Commissioner, while the published chart placed Abia, Ebonyi and Ekiti States first, second and third respectively, the official NECO data identifies Kano, Lagos and Oyo States as the first, second and third-ranked states.
He further disclosed that NECO was yet to release the results of 83 out of the 214 examination centres operated by public schools in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the examination body was still completing the sorting and verification of the statutory accreditation status of the affected centres.
Umanah therefore described any attempt to rank or assess the overall performance of Akwa Ibom at this stage as premature, noting that the outstanding results could affect the state’s final performance assessment.
The Commissioner urged media organisations to exercise greater diligence when reporting examination statistics, particularly where official results are still being processed.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Umo Eno to the development of education, noting that the sector remains a major priority under the ARISE Agenda.
Umanah said the 2026 Approved Budget provides more than ₦35 billion for education, while ₦5.9 billion has been released to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for basic education intervention projects for 2025 and 2026.
He added that the state government had continued to construct model primary schools across the state to provide pupils with conducive learning environments.
According to him, the government has also paid bursaries to students and covered examination fees for candidates sitting for Placement Examinations, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Beyond infrastructure and institutional support, Umanah said Governor Umo Eno had continued to provide direct assistance to young people pursuing higher education.
He cited the Governor’s recent approval of full overseas tuition support for a young graduate to pursue a master’s degree abroad, as well as an earlier scholarship awarded to a young law graduate from the Government Children’s Home to enable her pursue a master’s degree overseas.
The Commissioner said the interventions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for young Akwa Ibom people to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
Umo Eno
Umanah consequently urged members of the public to disregard the Premium Times publication and similar claims based on the purported performance chart, stressing that they do not reflect the official NECO data currently available.
He advised the public to rely on verified and authoritative sources, particularly information released by NECO, for accurate updates on the 2026 examination results.
Eereporter.com
Akwa Ibom Launches Specialised Skills Training for Youths, Opens Portal
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the commencement of specialised youth skills development and empowerment programmes at seven newly commissioned Youth-Friendly Centres across the state.
Eereporter.com
The initiative, approved by Governor Umo Eno, is part of the administration’s human capital development and youth empowerment efforts under the ARISE Agenda.
According to the statement signed by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the programme is designed to equip young men and women with practical and marketable skills that can promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Training will take place at designated centres in Oron, Ikono, Uruan, Etinan, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ubium and Etim Ekpo, with different skills assigned to each centre.
The programme is being implemented by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Youth Development and builds on the Cohort 1 Youth Digital Skills Training Programme in Oron. The graduation ceremony for the first cohort is scheduled for October 9, 2026.
Akwa Ibom
To qualify, applicants must be 45 years old or below, hail from and reside in the Local Government Area where the relevant training centre is located, and apply only for a skill of genuine interest assigned to that centre.
Applicants must also be available and committed to participating fully in the intensive three-month training programme.
The state government has urged eligible youths to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire relevant skills and improve their economic prospects.
Interested applicants are to apply through employment.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.
The application portal opened on September 28, 2026, and will close on October 5, 2026.
Eereporter.com
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