Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno’s Full Speech At Swearing-In Of New Commissioners, Special Advisers
Umo Eno’s Full Speech At Swearing-In Of New Commissioners, Special Advisers
Umo Eno’s full speech at swearing-in of new commissioners, special advisers into the state executive council, February 24th, 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
PROTOCOL
1. Let me, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, congratulate the newly sworn-in Commissioners/Special Advisers, who are now members of the State Executive Council.
Again, let me send my special thanks and appreciation to the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Udeme Otong, and the Honourable members for the speedy screening and clearance of the then nominees, who are now our brand-new Honourable Commissioners.
2. Permit me to also use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude once again to the members of the immediate past Executive Council for their service to the State. You came, you did your part, and we will remain eternally grateful for your contributions to the development of our State.
3. To the newly sworn-in Commissioners, you have been privileged to be selected out of the 7.9 million people of this blessed State to provide service to your State.
Let me again reemphasize that your selection was the sole prerogative of the Governor, and this was based primarily on your proven capacities and ability to get the job done—not on ethnic or primordial considerations. Your loyalty, therefore, is to the Governor and to the State.
4. This EXCO can be rightly referred to as: THE EXCO OF CONSOLIDATION AND EXPANSION – a Joseph’s Team. Like Joseph, you have been handed a vision as contained in our Arise Agenda. You are to work collaboratively to interpret and deliver on those key planks of our governance blueprint for the betterment of our people and State. Teamwork, unity, and passion are the ingredients we require from you.
5. In 2 Kings 4:38–41, the power of working together and looking out for the mistakes of others, so the common good and fidelity to causes higher than ours can be achieved, is again illustrated.
A near-fatal error by way of accidental poisoning of the meal prepared for collective consumption by one of the sons of the prophet was discovered. Prophet Elisha, showing strong leadership and team spirit, found a solution to what could have been a fatal meal by adding flour to the poisoned meal. That singular solution restored the meal and the lives of the prophets, and the collective good was achieved.
6. The above biblical story illustrates what the spiritual and psychological underpinnings of this EXCO are all about. This EXCO, therefore, must be shaped by love, teamwork, unity of purpose, and the spirit of oneness—carrying each other along as partners rather than adversaries and being very observant so that we do not allow one person to destroy collective attainment.
7. You are to look for solutions and not engage in blame games while also working to tighten weak links and encourage deeper team spirit for the overall success of the team.
8. We have a blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which in concrete and precise layers contains our dream for the development of our State. Your role, like Joseph, is to help further interpret the dream and vision by working collaboratively to prepare our State and people for years of continuous economic growth and prosperity.
9. This is not a War Cabinet but a Delivery Cabinet. The central and defining element of this EXCO is unity of purpose, teamwork, and positive collaborations to deliver on our campaign promises. Commit this to memory and project it in all your engagements, and you will have a smooth time as EXCO members!
10. Let me again state unambiguously that I am a man of peace and not of confrontation. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. I do not have ‘body language.’ You must work to maintain the peace we have enjoyed here by showing utmost respect to our elders and leaders.
You have not been appointed as Commissioners to ignite unnecessary fights with your leaders at the Local Government, State, or Federal levels. Our dream and desire is to continue keeping Akwa Ibom an oasis of peace and tranquility, where investors and tourists will continue to come, live, and thrive.
11. The budget has been passed, and the projects to be executed carefully outlined. We don’t have the benefit of time—we are in a hurry to deliver solid democratic dividends in line with the Arise Agenda. Excuses and tardiness will not be entertained.
12. We have created Delivery Units and will soon appoint Delivery Advisors, in line with international best practices. These Advisors will ensure that projects are executed within specific timelines.
Commissioners, Special Advisers
I will personally chair the meetings of the Project Delivery Team twice a month to review ongoing projects and ensure their timely completion. The Delivery Advisors will report to the Chief Delivery Advisor and Executive Assistant to the Governor.
13. In twenty months, we have achieved a lot:
• Revolution in the agricultural sector
• One project per local government initiative
• Improvements in primary healthcare
• World-class model primary schools
• 174 Arise Compassionate Homes completed (out of 400 planned)
• ₦47 billion paid out of ₦98 billion in inherited gratuity backlog
• Economically viable road infrastructure expansion
• New CRJ 909 Bombardier aircraft added to Ibom Air
• 30 major projects planned in the next one year (tourism, road construction, healthcare, education, SME support, etc.)
14. We will commence our Statewide Town Hall and Empowerment Series on March 8, 2025, starting with Abak Federal Constituency. This will help integrate community needs into the People’s Budget for 2026.
We will also provide empowerment schemes:
• 65 businesses per local government to receive equipment support
• ₦2 billion Farmers Grant
• ₦2 billion Traders Grant
• Small Business Grants for local entrepreneurs
15. This EXCO includes a large number of our youths, further showing our commitment to supporting and mentoring the next generation.
16. Our young people, especially in engineering and construction, have been awarded multi-billion-naira projects because they showed capacity.
We have created young millionaires, and we remain committed to creating more opportunities for those who demonstrate competence.
17. As these young people have thrived in infrastructure development, I expect our newly inaugurated Honourable Commissioners to be the voice of their generation in governance.
18. Politics is local. I expect you to celebrate your appointments in your wards—not in Uyo. Your impact must be felt at the grassroots.
19. Only the Honourable Commissioner for Information and my Chief Press Secretary are authorized to issue official press statements.
20. Your job starts now—go and get it done!
Congratulations once again, and Godspeed!
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.
Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
BREAKING: International Flight Operation – A New Dawn For Akwa Ibom
BREAKING: International flight operation – a new dawn for Akwa Ibom. On a bright Friday morning, a chartered plane descends smoothly onto the runway of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo. For the first time in years, the airport, upgraded to international standards, welcomes travellers from abroad directly, without the need for cumbersome stop overs. As the passengers step out, they are greeted by warm sunshine, gentle coastal breezes and the promise of adventure in a land long admired but rarely visited.
Among them is Anna, a tourist from Europe curious about Nigeria’s lesser known treasures. She has booked a flight because she read about Akwa Ibom’s serene beaches, rich culture, and vibrant hospitality scene. With her suitcase in hand and camera ready, she hails a cab to the coast, to a place called Ibeno Beach, reputed to be the longest stretch of natural sandy beach in the country.
Elsewhere, a business traveller couple from Asia arrives at night, thanks to the recently restored night flight capability of the airport. The lights of Uyo’s cityscape welcome them. Their plan is not merely tourism. They come to explore opportunities in real estate, hospitality investments and marine port projects, drawn by Akwa Ibom’s emerging infrastructure and connectivity.
Discovering Hidden Treasures, Tourism Blossoms
With the ease of direct access, people like Anna are no longer daunted by complicated travel itineraries. They can touch down in Uyo and in a few hours find themselves sunbathing on Ibeno Beach, exploring mangrove lined creeks, savouring local cuisine, and attending cultural events.
Local hotels and resorts, some recently built, others simply refurbished, begin to fill up. Tour operators, boat ride operators, souvenir craftsmen, local guides and transport drivers see a sudden surge in demand. Families book weekend getaways. Young couples go for romantic beach walks. International guests craving unique tropical culture find themselves drawn to the forested hills, water side villages, and warm hospitality of the people.
Small businesses flourish. The souvenir making artisans produce hand woven crafts, traditional garments and artworks. Restaurants serve local dishes to foreigners curious about Nigerian coastal cuisine. Tour guides offer boat rides, ecotourism treks, historical site tours and even visits to old missionary sites and cultural villages.
From Tourism to Revenue, Jobs and Infrastructure
The inflow of travellers brings tangible income. Payment for airport services, landing fees, tourism taxes, hotel fees, tour operator commissions, local transport fares, dining and souvenirs. The government begins to record increased revenue from airport operations and tourism related levies.
At the same time, businesses spring up to meet the rising demand. New hotels, resorts, restaurants and tour agencies. This creates jobs for hotel staff, cooks, guides, drivers, artisans, maintenance staff, security personnel and many others. Local youth find employment in hospitality and related services.
Investors, seeing the rising interest and improved connectivity, start funding larger infrastructure projects. Roads to beach areas are improved. Leisure facilities, resorts, waterfront promenades and small marinas are built. With increased financial inflows, the state government reinvests into public infrastructure. Roads, electricity, waste management and beautification receive attention.
Having a modern internationally connected airport also strengthens Akwa Ibom’s appeal for trade and logistics. With proposed harbour or deep sea port developments on the horizon, the state is gradually transforming into an integrated logistics and tourism hub.
A Story of Renewal and Possibility
By opening its skies, Akwa Ibom changes from a hard to reach but beautiful coast to a must visit destination with easy access. People like Anna now tell their friends about their unforgettable beach holiday. Business minded visitors arrive to explore investment opportunities. Local entrepreneurs seize new markets.
The result is more jobs, improved livelihoods, rising incomes and increasing state revenue. The revenue helps fund roads, public utilities, coastal development and improvements to public facilities. Over time, the state becomes more prosperous and more vibrant, tourism and commerce leading to real, visible transformation.
International Flight
Why This Matters. Beyond the Story
Analysis shows that airport infrastructure, such as direct international flights, is strongly correlated with socio economic growth, increased tourism, employment and income generation.
With the recent approval for international operations at Victor Attah International Airport, the capacity to bring in foreign visitors without major transit delays is now achievable.
The resetting of night flight operations adds flexibility to travel schedules, boosting the attractiveness for both leisure and business travellers.
The state’s broader plan under the ARISE Agenda envisions tourism and hospitality as major pillars for economic diversification, lessening reliance on oil revenues.
Governor Umo Eno Secures Federal Approval For International Airport Operations
Governor Umo Eno secures federal approval for international airport operations. The Federal Government has approved the commencement of full international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The approval was granted on Thursday during a meeting in Abuja between Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The development places the airport among the few in Nigeria authorised to process international passenger traffic. It is expected to boost regional connectivity, strengthen tourism, stimulate business activity and attract greater foreign investment into the state.
With the new status, the airport will be able to receive international carriers, operate cross-border flights and function as a direct gateway between Akwa Ibom and destinations across Africa and beyond. Full international operations are projected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
Governor Umo Eno Secures Federal Approval For International Airport Operations
Governor Eno, who has been pursuing the upgrade through sustained engagement with federal authorities, described the approval as a major step forward for the state.
His administration has positioned Akwa Ibom as an emerging aviation hub, driven partly by the expansion of airport infrastructure and the growth of the state-owned airline.
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