By Emma Akpabio
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved a 30-day programme for the commissioning of 39 projects as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The decision followed a presentation by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr Morgan Ekanem, during Monday’s State Executive Council meeting at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo.
The Executive Council also received from Barr Ekanem, a brief on the forthcoming official visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and plans for the month-long commissioning exercise.
Among the projects slated for commissioning are the New Terminal Building, Airport Hospital, Aviation Village, the 14.5KM Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, the Dualisation of extended Ring Road 3, the Command and Control Centre, AkwaGIS office complex, the State Secretariat Annex and the ARISE Palm Resort.
Following the presentation, the Governor directed all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to ensure seamless coordination and adequate preparations for the successful hosting of the President and the commissioning programme.
The Council also approved the release of N31 billion for the implementation of a statewide Economic Empowerment Programme, with N1 billion allocated to each of the 31 Local Government Areas.
The intervention is expected to benefit 165,912 residents through youth skills acquisition and starter packs, business grants for women and traders, agricultural support, SME development and transport empowerment. A committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government was constituted to work out implementation modalities.
The Executive Council also received reports on achievements in the health sector, endorsed the phased implementation of solar-powered rural water projects across the state’s 369 wards, approved plans for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, fixed December 18, 2026, for the Annual Christmas Carol Festival, and announced a two-day youth conference.
Council further noted the passage of all 12 Executive Bills by the State House of Assembly, swore in a new State Statistician-General, and received the Governor’s Best African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award.
Briefing Government House Correspondents after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the resolutions underscored Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure delivery while expanding economic opportunities for citizens across the state.
“The Executive Council took far-reaching decisions aimed at sustaining the implementation of the ARISE Agenda. From the commissioning of major projects to the approval of the N31 billion economic empowerment programme, these resolutions reflect government’s resolve to deepen inclusive development and improve the welfare of Akwa Ibom people,” Umanah stated.
