Eno Seeks Second Term, Promises Four More Years to Complete Development Projects
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has appealed to residents of the state to support his second-term ambition, declaring that he needs another four years to consolidate ongoing development projects and deliver more dividends of democracy.
Eno made the appeal on Friday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council and the unveiling of his 2027–2031 governorship manifesto, tagged ARISE Agenda 2.0, at ARISE Palm Resort, Uyo.
Addressing party leaders, supporters and other stakeholders at the event, the governor maintained that his administration had made significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and economic development but needed continuity to complete ongoing projects and implement its new development blueprint.
He identified Performance, Character, Consolidation and Continuity as the four major pillars of his campaign, urging the electorate to give him another mandate to sustain the achievements recorded during his first term.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Eno said the government had constructed over 1,500 kilometres of roads, 43 bridges and more than 1,048 housing units, while also introducing 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for public transportation.
He, however, acknowledged that several projects remained ongoing, stressing that a second term would enable his administration to complete them.
On rural infrastructure, the governor promised to construct 10 kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 31 local government areas under the 2027 budget, amounting to 310 kilometres.
He also pledged an additional 500 kilometres of rural roads across the state and 1,000 more ARISE Compassionate Homes for vulnerable citizens across the 369 wards.
As part of efforts to improve access to potable water, Eno announced plans to establish clean water facilities in every ward through the ARISE-GIFA Water of Life Project.
According to him, each facility will feature a 15,000-gallon water tank, an elevated tower and a solar-powered pumping system.
In Uyo, the governor unveiled plans for a new Government Reserved Area (GRA) comprising 1,000 housing units for middle-income earners.
He also promised to reclaim more than 1,500 hectares of land around the old Uyo Village Road dumpsite as part of the state’s urban renewal and development plans.
On education, Eno declared a State of Emergency in the sector, announcing plans to establish new model secondary schools in Eket and Ikot Ekpene.
He further disclosed that his administration would increase annual bursary payments for students of Law, Medicine and Engineering from ₦50,000 to ₦250,000, while students in other disciplines would receive ₦200,000 beginning from the 2027/2028 academic session.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had spent over ₦6.8 billion on examination fees for 1,079,396 students during its first term.
In the health sector, he promised to complete the Ibom Medical City, which will be anchored by a 350-bed hospital offering 27 medical specialties.
The facility, he said, would also include a diagnostic centre, blood bank and air ambulance services.
For youth development, Eno announced plans to establish Youth Development Centres targeting 31,000 young people annually, alongside a Creative Village equipped with film and television production studios and a Sports Academy in Eket.
On industrialisation and economic expansion, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing the proposed 14,517-hectare Ibom Industrial City and Deep Seaport.
He said the project was projected to generate over 300,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities by 2050, adding that presidential approval had been secured for its financing arrangements.
The governor also announced plans for an Oron Maritime Hub featuring a ferry terminal and cold-storage facilities, while the Itam Industrial Park would accommodate leather and garment manufacturing industries.
He further disclosed that the Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility would commence full commercial operations, with a cargo terminal expected to follow.
In his vision for Uyo, Eno unveiled plans for a modern City Centre featuring a two-level roundabout and a City Tower inspired by the Akwa Ibom State Coat of Arms, representing the state’s oil resources, cultural heritage and coastline.
He also promised to complete major projects, including the Ibom Convention Arena, Ibom International Market in Ikot Ekpene and the Court of Appeal Complex in Uyo.
On security, the governor pledged to strengthen the state’s security architecture through the new Command and Control Centre, while also promising to complete the broadcasting complex of the New Ibom Broadcasting Corporation.
Eno linked his administration’s development ambitions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, arguing that federal reforms had created additional financial opportunities for states to execute infrastructure and development projects.
The governor is seeking re-election alongside his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
He urged APC supporters and residents of the state to mobilise for the February 6, 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence in the party’s prospects.
