Akwa Ibom State Government

07/05/2026

GOV ENO REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TOURISM DEVT

... pays unscheduled visit to Ibom Int'l Convention Arena

Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his commitment to the development of tourism in the State as enshrined in his development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.

Addressing the media after his unscheduled inspection of the Ibom International Convention Arena, which has the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and Ibom Arise Shopping City, Governor Eno noted that all the necessary infrastructure that enhances tourism development are in the works and will soon be put to use.

Speaking on the facilities within the arena, he said, "This whole area is the Ibom International Convention Arena that comprises the Ibom Convention Centre, the International Hotel, the Ibom Arise Shopping City and the Theme Park. They all constitute the ecosystem here."

He said the Arena is built to serve the expected growing tourism traffic from the Victor Attah International Airport.

"The Ibom International Convention Centre can accommodate all kinds of conventions and conferences with over 5,000-seater space with break-out rooms, banquet hall, amphitheatre, and lots more.

"Then, we also have the 250-room International Hotel to support the ecosystem. The Arise Shopping City project is equally on course. For me, they are all keeping to schedule," he said.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the different projects within the arena, and appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making funds available to Sub - nationals for the ex*****on of projects.

On the Governor's entourage for the inspection were the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council; and other Government functionaries.

07/05/2026

Gov Eno Commissions 11km Ibesikpo–Nsit Ibom Road, Pledges More Rural Development

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural development and infrastructure expansion with the commissioning of the 11km Owot Uta-Nung Oku- Edeobom road project.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the project was part of the administration’s determination to open up rural communities, stimulate economic growth and improve the movement of agricultural produce across the state.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Eyakenyi said the road constructed in partnership with the World Bank under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project(RAAMP), was among the first projects flagged off by the administration shortly after the Governor’s inauguration and had remained significant to the government’s ARISE Agenda.

She noted that the administration had continued to prioritise education, agriculture, healthcare and road infrastructure across the 31 local government areas of the state.

“Today, we have constructed over 1,300 kilometres of roads and 40 bridges across the three senatorial districts.

Eyakenyi commended the World Bank and the French Development Agency for partnering with the state government on the project, stressing that similar road projects were ongoing in other local government areas.

“There is no local government area without an ongoing project in healthcare, agriculture, education, roads and other sectors.”

The deputy governor disclosed that the Governor recently approved the release of N5.9bn to the State Universal Basic Education Board for the 2025/2026 intervention projects, adding that he had also approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional primary school teachers.

According to her, the state government would continue to invest heavily in education through bursary payments and other interventions aimed at equipping young people for a technology-driven world.

She added that the peaceful atmosphere in the state had continued to attract investors and development partners to Akwa Ibom.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Evans. Edidiong Inyang, in his welcome remarks described the Governor as “a man who turns the impossible into possible,” while thanking the people of Ibesikpo for supporting the administration.

He said the road linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom would boost economic activities and political inclusion in the area, assuring the governor of the people’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We will reciprocate this gesture in 2027 by returning Governor Umo Eno to the Hilltop Mansion,”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Mrs Otobong Aaron commended the governor for fulfilling his promises to the people, pledging continued support for the administration.

The State Project Coordinator, Pastor Gideon Akpan, thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment for collaboration with the World Bank and other development agencies.

He said the state had become a model in infrastructure development, noting that under the International Labour Organisation framework, indigenes of the state had been engaged in road maintenance across project in communities.

Akpan explained that the payment of counterpart funding by the state government had ensured the successful delivery of the project and other rural access roads.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, described the road project as a major step towards the realisation of the governor’s agricultural revolution agenda.

She said the road would reduce transportation costs, improve food distribution and increase efficiency in the movement of farm produce from rural communities to urban centres.

Also, the representative of the World Bank Country Director, Mrs Anna Bjerde, said the project would facilitate access to education, agriculture and employment opportunities for residents.

She commended the state government for its commitment to infrastructure development and assured that the World Bank would continue to support Akwa Ibom in critical sectors.

Similarly, Engr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, the National Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) said Akwa Ibom distinguished itself among participating states and emerged among the first batch to qualify for the project due to its readiness and commitment.

The Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom, represented by Ette Idong Udeme Nna, appreciated the governor for fostering peace and development in the area.

Also, Edidem Clement Francis, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan, expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises, assuring him of the continued support of the traditional institution and people of the area.

“The people of Ibesikpo Asutan will stand by you because when you give, you also receive.”

Residents of the benefiting communities have commended the administration of Governor Eno for linking Ibesikpo Asutan and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas through the newly commissioned 11km road project, describing it as a fulfilment of the Governor’s campaign promises and a major boost to economic and social activities.

Media Unit
Govt House,Uyo

07/05/2026

Remarks by the Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi at the Commissioning of Lutheran Model School, Afaha Offiong.

07/05/2026

Remarks by the Deputy Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, representing His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno at the Commissioning of 11KM Owot Uta – Nung Oku Ekwere – AfahaUdo Eyop – Edeobom I Road in Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Ibom LGAs.

07/05/2026

"The Completion of this road is a Land mark victory for us today".
- Dr. Offiong Offor, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture, AKS at the Commissioning of 11KM Owot Uta – Nung Oku Ekwere – AfahaUdo Eyop – Edeobom I Road in Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Ibom LGAs.

07/05/2026

We have 19 states implementing these projects and so far Akwa Ibom State has distinguished themselves among others. Engr. Aminu, National Coordinator of RAAMP, Commissioning of 11KM Owot Uta – Nung Oku Ekwere – AfahaUdo Eyop – Edeobom I Road in Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Ibom LGAs.

07/05/2026

"Today's road commissioning is more than commissioning of a road, it is a concrete step towards transforming rural life". - Mrs Hannah, representative of World Bank at the Commissioning of 11KM Owot Uta – Nung Oku Ekwere – AfahaUdo Eyop – Edeobom I Road in Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Ibom LGAs.

07/05/2026

: Commissioning of 11KM Owot Uta – Nung Oku Ekwere – AfahaUdo Eyop – Edeobom I Road in Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Ibom LGAs. by Gov. Umo Eno

07/05/2026

AKWA IBOM GOVT INSPECTS 64 - SEATS PASSENGER AND CARGO VESSEL, ASSURED OF READINESS, JUNE

Governor Umo Eno’s promise to develop and expand marine transportation for the benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State, has recorded a remarkable progress with the near completion of the 64-seat passenger and cargo ferry being constructed by the Nigerian Navy at the Naval Shipyard in Port Harcourt.

The State Delivery Adviser on the project, Hon Orman Esin accompanied by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (Rtd), the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, in an unscheduled visit to the shipyard in Port Harcourt, said he was happy with the assurances from the Nigerian Navy that the project awarded by Governor Eno, which was at 80 percent completion will be ready in June.

Other members of the delegation included the Special Assistant to the Governor on Multi Media and Web Management, Engr. Solomon Eyo, and the Director of Marine Services in the State Ministry of Transport, Mr Ekerete Edo.

The visit was part of a coordinated technical and administrative oversight aimed at ensuring timely delivery and operational readiness of the vessel in line with Governor Eno’s promise to reinstate marine transportation and boost the blue economy of the State.

Conducting the team round during the inspection, the Superintendent of the Naval Shipyard, Rear Admiral Ikenna Ubani confirmed that necessary funding support has been secured to fast-track completion, expressing confidence that the ferry will be ready for test run in June.

He said all the major installations on the vessel have been fixed and only minor finishing touches are currently being carried out.

He noted that before the end of June, the vessel will undergo final checks before sailing down to Akwa Ibom state.

Technical briefings at the shipyard indicated significant progress on key components of the ferry.

These include the installation of zinc anodes, reinforcement of the car deck to accommodate vehicular load, as well as correction of structural weldings.

Ongoing works such as the construction of the loading ramp, the bridge control console, electrical wiring, navigation and communication systems, installing of solar facilities as well as plumbing and ventilation installations are all progressing in line with projected timelines.

The team also reviewed integration plans between the ferry and the Oron jetty infrastructure under development in the state, to ensure seamless operational deployment upon delivery.

Beyond infrastructure, the visit highlighted the project’s human capacity components, with trained personnel already being prepared to manage operations.

One of the twenty beneficiaries of the state’s marine training initiative, Aniebiet Brendan, an indigene of Ekpene Ukpa in Etinan LGA, emphasized the transparent selection process that saw him and 19 others employed by the Government to be trained in Port Harcourt.

Mr Brendan said he was invited for interview along with 200 others who had applied for the opportunity through the state’s Arise Portal, and thanked Governor Umo Eno for the opportunity to live his dream as a marine engineer.

The ferry, expected to operate from the Oron Marine Terminal, represents a strategic investment in maritime transport, boosting economic and tourism activities, and strengthening the coastal transport ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State.

The ferry beyond carrying a maximum of 64 passengers, can also ferry 7 cars.

A second ferry, constructed at the instance of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, by Hydro marine boat services Limited in Lagos is also expected to be completed soon for use in the Oron Marine Terminal.

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

SUBEB: GOV ENO RELEASES 5.9BN FOR BASIC EDUCATION REFORMS

Following Governor Umo Eno’s approval, a series of strategic reforms aimed at strengthening basic education, including the introduction of a new curriculum, recruitment of additional teachers, and a multi-billion naira infrastructure intervention is underway in Akwa Ibom State.

The Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Rt. Hon. Anietie Etuk, Ph.D., announced this during a press briefing held at the State SUBEB Headquarters in Uyo.

He revealed that the Governor has approved and released ₦5.9 billion for 2025 and 2026 intervention projects, emphasizing a shift from partial renovations to a more comprehensive approach.

“Intervention will no longer be piecemeal, when we go to a school, we will handle it holistically, classrooms, water, toilets, electricity, and provide everything required to make the environment suitable for learning,” he explained.

Hon. Etuk, however, expressed concern over rising cases of vandalism and theft of school facilities, calling on host communities to take ownership of government investments.

“Government cannot continue to commit huge resources only for facilities to be vandalised. Communities must take responsibility to protect what is provided for them,” he warned.

He outlined ongoing efforts by the board to improve teaching standards and create a more conducive learning environment for pupils across public primary and junior secondary schools.

A key highlight of the briefing was the planned rollout of a new curriculum for primary schools, which the Chairman described as a long-overdue development that will significantly enhance the quality of education in the state.

“For many years, this has not happened, with the new curriculum, we will be able to add value to teaching and learning in our schools,” he said.

Addressing the issue of manpower, the SUBEB Chairman disclosed that the state government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 additional teachers to tackle the shortage currently affecting schools, noting that priority will be given to ICT and computer science graduates in order to strengthen digital education.

“We do not have enough teachers in our schools, therefore, we appealed to the Governor, and he has graciously approved the recruitment of 1,000 teachers. We are paying attention to ICT teachers because we already have computer labs that require qualified personnel,” he stated.

He also highlighted disputes between communities and school authorities over school lands, noting that such conflicts are negatively affecting school administration and student enrollment. He urged community leaders and School Management Committees to support, rather than hinder, the smooth operation of schools.

While appreciating the state government’s commitment to education, the education administrator stressed that strong foundational learning remains critical to overall development.

“If the foundation is not strong, nothing can function properly. That is why we must continue to invest in basic education,” he added.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Nsibiet John, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing education, particularly the approval for teacher recruitment.

“The employment of over 1,000 teachers is a major step forward, especially for schools in rural communities, and will go a long way in strengthening basic education delivery,” he said.

He further called for strengthened Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and urged SUBEB to extend intervention efforts to schools facing infrastructure challenges, including QIC Primary School in Eket Local Government Area.

The SUBEB Chairman reaffirmed the board’s commitment to sustaining reforms, assuring that ongoing initiatives will significantly improve the standard of basic education and provide better learning outcomes for pupils across the state.