Gov. Umo Eno.
By Bush Udombo
Governor Umo Eno has approved an extended allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who are indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, increasing their monthly pay from the state government to ₦20,000.
This new development was one of the highlights of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, July 7, at the Government House in Uyo.
The governor made it clear that this support will no longer be limited to only those serving within the state.
But “it will now apply to all Akwa Ibom corps members serving in any part of Nigeria. This decision is part of the administration’s broader commitment to youth welfare and is designed to ease the financial burden of young graduates during their service year”.
Governor Eno, who presided over the meeting, encouraged council members to remain dedicated to the ARISE Agenda, emphasizing that the government’s vision requires “teamwork, commitment, and sincere service to the people”.
At the same meeting, the council approved the construction of a 2.15 km dual carriage rigid pavement and the rehabilitation of a 0.8 km flexible pavement at the Itam Industrial Park in Itu Local Government Area.
The governor explained that this road infrastructure will help boost business activities in the industrial park and attract more investors to the area.
To further strengthen the state’s business interests, a committee was set up to hold discussions with the management of key state investments—especially the Rafia City Hotels (Four Points by Sheraton). The aim is to improve partnerships and explore more efficient ways to manage state-owned assets like the Ibom Hotels and Apartments. The committee is expected to submit its report within 30 days.
In addition, the state government has directed all plot owners in the Ewet Housing Estate who have not developed their lands or have abandoned buildings to begin work within 90 days or face revocation. The Ministry of Housing and APICO have been tasked with enforcing this order to help improve the look and safety of the estate.
Preparations for the upcoming Akwa Ibom Sports Festival were also discussed. The governor directed the planning team to speed up arrangements so that the festival can take place as scheduled. The event is expected to discover and nurture new sports talents among young people in the state.
The council also reviewed the progress of the Ibom International Hospital project. The Ministries of Health and Justice were directed to complete all legal and administrative requirements quickly so that actual work can begin on the site.
At the end of the meeting, Governor Eno led members of the council on a surprise inspection tour of ongoing projects in Uyo. They visited major sites such as the 5,000-seat Convention Centre, Ibom Hotels, and the new ARISE Shopping City—all of which are expected to boost tourism and business in the state.
