Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Sets To Transform, Redefine Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future, From Oil To Opportunities
Umo Eno Sets To Transform, Redefine Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future, From Oil To Opportunities
Umo Eno sets to transform, redefine Africa’s entrepreneurial future, from Oil to opportunities. Governor Umo Eno’s drive in entrepreneurship development demonstrates how proactive government intervention can transform a region’s business ecosystem.
His model and action plan shows that with the right policies—such as entrepreneurship education, access to finance, streamlined regulations, targeted support for small businesses, and strategic public-private partnerships—a government can create an enabling environment that scales enterprise action and drives economic growth, all while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
In a rapidly evolving global economy, Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria is positioning itself as a leading hub for entrepreneurship, industrialization, and innovation.
With its strategic location in West Africa’s fastest-growing economic corridor, a young and skilled workforce, and a pro-business government led by Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom is transforming into a regional center for MSME growth, digital innovation, and sustainable industrialization.
Recognizing the US$331 billion MSME financing gap in Africa and the immense opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the Governor’s hallmark is scaling high-growth and globally competitive enterprises.
Globally, entrepreneurship is recognized as a catalyst for economic transformation, particularly in emerging economies. The MSME sector contributes up to 60% of GDP in many developing countries; however, in Nigeria, only about 15% of MSMEs scale beyond subsistence levels due to structural barriers.
This highlights the urgent need for an enabling environment that supports small and medium enterprises—a challenge that Akwa Ibom is deliberately addressing.
Akwa Ibom’s economic landscape offers a thriving consumer and trade market, with Nigeria’s largest sub-national economy providing access to a consumer base of over 200 million people.
The state’s proximity to the AfCFTA trade zone, valued at US$3.4 trillion, offers seamless export opportunities. Infrastructure developments, such as the Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City when done will drive global trade and position the state as a key player in the international market.
Governor Umo Eno’s commitment is evident through massive investments in entrepreneurship education and development, improved access to finance, tax incentives, business reforms, and ease-of-doing-business initiatives that streamline licensing, company registration, and digital governance.
The state’s focus on key sectors—such as agriculture and agribusiness, tourism, infrastructure, education, healthcare, rural development, the digital economy, and tech innovation, as well as women and youth entrepreneurship—is beginning to yield tangible results.
In agriculture, Akwa Ibom is leveraging its fertile land and favorable climate to become an export-driven hub for cassava, palm oil, cocoa, and fisheries processing. Moreover, the state prioritizes women-led businesses and youth entrepreneurship through dedicated funding, training, and market access initiatives.
It is interesting to note that Akwa Ibom’s entrepreneurship strategy aligns with global sustainable development goals. It contributes to poverty reduction and the creation of decent work, fosters gender equality by supporting women-owned enterprises, strengthens industry, innovation, and infrastructure, and promotes global partnerships for sustainable growth.
The state actively collaborates with foundations, impact investors, venture capitalists, and international development agencies to finance MSMEs, education programs, social impact initiatives, and the digital transformation drive, while encouraging local businesses to scale into global supply chains.
The engagement model is built around capital investment and innovative financing strategies, including blended finance approaches that combine public-private partnerships, grants, and concessional lending.
There is also a strong focus on capacity building and enterprise development through IBOMLED, with technical partnerships with global accelerators, transformation programs, and training initiatives. Additionally, Akwa Ibom is establishing robust market linkages and trade partnerships to ensure local businesses can access international markets and scale rapidly.
It is noteworthy that the institutionalization of the EAP program at IBOMLED has empowered entrepreneurs for sustainable growth. The focus on incubation, acceleration, and support for early-stage businesses in agriculture, tech, manufacturing, and creative industries is remarkable.
The program facilitates startup financing and venture capital, offers capacity-building initiatives to train entrepreneurs in financial literacy, digital marketing, and business management, and supports women and youth entrepreneurship through a gender-inclusive model, positioning them for tech-enabled and green economy jobs. Without a doubt, this approach aligns with the SDGs and global development goals.
Umo Eno
Clearly, Akwa Ibom offers a compelling opportunity for investors and development partners. For investors, the state presents high-return opportunities in a fast-growing economy underpinned by government-backed incentives and a large consumer market. For development partners, collaborating with Akwa Ibom means contributing to the creation of a globally competitive, entrepreneur-driven economy that fosters sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Scaling Africa’s next generation of innovative businesses, creating jobs, driving prosperity, and contributing to a competitive economy on the world stage is Governor Umo Eno’s signature ideal through the ARISE AGENDA.
Akwa Ibom State is not only a beacon of economic transformation but also a model of sustainable development.
With the right investments, partnerships, and a shared commitment to progress, Akwa Ibom is redefining Africa’s story in entrepreneurship and industrial innovation.
Akwa Ibom Information Commission Pledges Partnership With NUJ
Akwa Ibom information commission pledges partnership with NUJ, as Media community commends Governor Umo Eno on Umanah’s appointment.
The Honourable Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote the ARISE Agenda of the Governor Umo Eno led administration.
Umanah made pledge today, when he received the executive members of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, led by the Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, at his office.
The Commissioner appreciated the NUJ Chairman for acknowledging Governor Umo Eno’s support and for congratulating him on his appointment.
He emphasized the importance of the NUJ to the Ministry of Information, MOI, which he described as their constituency. The Information boss assured the union of his ministry’s continued support and partnership in the task of propagating the good works of the Governor.
Comrade Amos Etuk, in his remarks appreciated Governor Umo Eno for appointing Hon. Aniekan Umanah as Commissioner for Information and equally congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment.
He expressed the union’s solidarity with the Commissioner and pledged their support for the ARISE Agenda. He highlighted the union’s growth under his leadership and his strides in the area of capacity building for members, as well as Welfare.
Comrade Etuk stated that the membership strength of the NUJ in the State has continued to wax stronger from 400 to 798 saying the Union will continue to uphold professionalism in its conducts. Etuk commended Governor Umo Eno for his support and promised that the union would continue to work with the state government to achieve its goals.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Akparawa James Edet thanked the current leadership of NUJ led by Comrade Amos Etuk for the robust synergy that has existed between the Union and the Ministry of Information.
Akwa Ibom Information Commission
Present during the courtesy visit were, the Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet, the Director of Information, Comrade Aniekan Ukpong, Director of Public Relations, Mr. Nsikan Essien, Director of Archives, Dr. Mrs. Eunice Egharevba, Director, PRS, Mr. Peter Antai, Director Strategy, Edem Okon, Director Technical, Mr. Uwem Ben, General Editor, Mr. Marvelous Friday Udo and Information Officers.
On the NUJ team were, the Vice -Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Moore, State Assistant Secretary, Mfon Hanson, Treasurer, Imaikop Robert, Financial Secretary, Ini Akpan, Auditor, Anietie Esu, State Chairman of NAWOJ, Nsikak Okon, and SWAN Chairman, Emmanuel Akpan.
Umo Eno Vows To Unmask Greatness Of Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno vows to unmask greatness of Akwa Ibom. Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said, “You have a very good governor and, he has the fear of God and love for his people. I watch the Arise programme of the State, and have been following developments”.
Above remarks by Nigeria’s President was an open affirmation buttressing that Akwa Ibom State, under His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, is fast developing and rooted on people- oriented policies, mostly the underserved.
The President’s repeated commendation of the Governor, points to core leadership strength subnational leaders must have to ensure rapid development with particular impact on its citizens.
In furtherance of the ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno has practically shown commitment in addressing healthcare needs to enhance quality of lives of Akwa Ibom people with the commissioning of Akwa Ibom State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP), Ituk Mbang, Model Primary Health Centre (Base), and the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (AKISEMSAS) to help strengthen the state’s healthcare system, improve emergency response, expand access to quality healthcare and enhance medical insurance to position Akwa Ibom as a medical tourist hub.
For instance, the PHC facility in Uyo Local Government, was designed to accommodate about 300-400 deliveries per month with standard maternal services, labour ward, Post-natal care ward, anti-natal care ward, immunization room, emergency ward for a minimum of two patients, administrative building for all Directors of PHCs, Directors of Immunization and family planning to enable effective service delivery.
Umo Eno
Governor Eno, in his mission to lead Akwa Ibom people to atttain their desired future in medicare, sees comfort and effective service delivery as indispensable hence, directive that such facilities should include an ICT room for electronic medical recording which will be provided in all PHCs in the state, f
Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital
Akwa Ibom Lawmaker covers medical bills for patients at palmer memorial Hospital. For patients at Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, financial hardship often stood between them and life-saving treatment. That changed when Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Basy Okon, the Member Representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, stepped in to settle outstanding medical bills, offering patients a renewed chance at life.
The compassionate gesture came during Day 2 of the ongoing free medical and surgical outreach sponsored by the lawmaker across Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas. While inspecting the outreach on Day 1, Okon learned of emergency cases where patients remained stranded due to unpaid hospital bills.
Moved by their plight, he personally cleared their debts a decision he emphasized was outside the outreach’s budget, but a private intervention to support his constituents in urgent need.
Among the beneficiaries was Abasima Offiong, who had suffered a spinal cord injury and required emergency surgery. With no means to cover the cost, his condition was critical, until Hon.Okon’s intervention ensured his procedure was fully funded.
Another case was Idongesit Ndifreke, who had undergone a Caesarean section but remained in the hospital for over two weeks due to unpaid bills. The lawmaker’s generosity not only secured her discharge but also allowed her to return home with her newborn.
Akwa Ibom
One of the most harrowing stories involved a woman whose unborn child had died in the womb. Lacking funds for an emergency procedure, her life hung in the balance. Overcome with emotion, Okon immediately took over the cost of surgery, ensuring swift medical intervention to save her life.
Speaking during the event, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian efforts. “When God blesses us, we should also be a blessing to others,” he said, underscoring the importance of compassion and community support. Grateful beneficiaries and their families hailed Okon’s intervention as both timely and life-saving.
As the free medical and surgical outreach continues, it remains a beacon of hope for residents of Itu and Ibiono Ibom, reinforcing Okon’s dedication to accessible healthcare and the well-being of his constituents.
-
Akwa Ibom2 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom2 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News2 months agoList Of 42 Executive Orders Of Trump
-
Politics2 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares
-
News1 month agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Health care4 days agoNiMet Warns FCT, Other 18 States Of Impending Heat Stress, Advises Safety Measures
-
Economy1 month agoTinubu Allocated N940 Billion To TETfund In 2025 Budget
-
Economy2 months agoEnugu-Onitsha Expressway: Many Feared Dead, 8 Vehicles Burnt In Tanker Explosion