As public debate continues over the performance of the Akwa Ibom State Government, Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s Special Assistant on New Media, Venerable Richard Peters, has defended the administration, saying the governor has fulfilled the core promises contained in his ARISE Agenda development blueprint.
Speaking during a Round Table Discussion with Journalists in Abuja, Peters argued that the administration’s record across agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, aviation and social welfare reflects a deliberate effort to translate campaign commitments into measurable development.
He also attributed the pace of project execution to what he described as Governor Eno’s strong working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and improved funding available to the state.
“Governor Umo Eno has remained committed to the promises he made to the people. The achievements recorded under the ARISE Agenda are visible across every sector of the state,” Peters said.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Peters identified agriculture as one of the administration’s flagship priorities, saying the government launched the Oil Palm Tree Crop Revolution to restore Akwa Ibom’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading oil palm-producing states.
He said the government also established an Agricultural Equipment Leasing Company, providing subsidised mechanised farming services to farmers across the state.
According to him, the administration has distributed farm implements, improved seedlings and more than ₦2 billion in grants to farmers while establishing the Ibom Model Farm and supporting farm projects across the 31 local government areas to improve food production and reduce rising food costs.
He further disclosed that the government approved ₦7.38 billion for women cooperatives across the state’s 369 wards, allocating ₦20 million to each ward.
Peters added that solar-powered Braithwaite tank boreholes are also being installed in all 369 wards through a partnership with GIFA to improve access to clean water.
Infrastructure Expansion
The governor’s media aide said infrastructure development remains one of the administration’s biggest achievements.
According to Peters, approximately 1,300 kilometres of roads have either been completed or are under construction alongside about 40 bridges connecting communities and improving transportation.
He also cited the construction of rural roads, modern wet markets, model healthcare centres and model primary schools across all 31 local government areas.
Education Reforms
Peters said Governor Eno has continued to implement free and compulsory primary and secondary education while ensuring bursary payments for tertiary students and grants to state-owned higher institutions.
He added that the Akwa Ibom College of Education, Afaha Nsit, has been upgraded to a University of Education.
The administration, he said, has also recruited 1,000 teachers, constructed solar-powered model primary schools equipped with computer laboratories and teachers’ quarters, and is building three modern secondary schools—one in each senatorial district.
Healthcare Investment
On healthcare, Peters said new primary healthcare centres have either been commissioned or are under construction across all 31 local government areas.
He noted that more than 2,854 medical personnel have been recruited while over 200,000 residents have enrolled in the State Medical Insurance Scheme.
Construction has also commenced on the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, which will house 24 specialised departments, he added.
Tourism and Aviation
Peters described tourism and aviation as key drivers of the state’s economic diversification strategy.
He said the ARISE Palm Resort, International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels and ARISE Shopping City Centre are expected to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s position as a tourism and conference destination.
In aviation, he highlighted the commencement of Ibom Air’s international flight operations from the new terminal to Accra, Ghana, the acquisition of a CRJ900 Bombardier aircraft, and plans to add an Airbus A220-300 to the airline’s fleet before the end of 2026.
He also listed the completion of the Aviation Village, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, airport hospital, taxiway and perimeter fencing among the administration’s accomplishments.
Youth Empowerment and Workers’ Welfare
Peters said the administration has paid more than ₦83 billion out of the inherited ₦111 billion gratuity backlog, while pledging to clear the remaining balance before the end of Governor Eno’s first term.
He added that over ₦6 billion has been disbursed as business grants to youths and farmers.
According to him, thousands of young people have received entrepreneurship training through Ibom-LED and DASAC, each supported with ₦750,000 start-up grants.
He also noted that the recently inaugurated Youth Development Centre in Oron will be replicated across all 31 local government areas, focusing on digital entrepreneurship, creative industries and fashion.
Energy, Housing and Transport
Peters further said the government has expanded electricity access through off-grid rural electrification projects while the Ibom Deep Seaport has secured Federal Government approval for key certifications and compliance processes.
He added that more than 1,048 housing units under initiatives including Compassionate Homes, Medical Village, Aviation Village, Judiciary Village and Legislative Village have either been completed or remain under construction.
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The media aide also welcomed the arrival of new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, expressing optimism that the completion of the state’s transport terminal would significantly improve public transportation.
Despite continued public scrutiny, Peters maintained that Governor Umo Eno’s administration remains committed to delivering sustainable development through the ARISE Agenda and improving the quality of life of residents across Akwa Ibom State.
