Gov Eno Unveils ARISE 2.0, Names Uyo City Centre Signature Project
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has unveiled the ARISE Agenda 2.0, a new development blueprint for 2027–2031, with the proposed Uyo City Centre Project identified as the administration’s signature infrastructure initiative.
Eno presented the manifesto on Friday at the Banquet Hall of ARISE Palm Resort, Uyo, during the inauguration of the Akwa Ibom State APC Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The new agenda builds on the administration’s reported achievements under ARISE 1.0 and outlines fresh commitments in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, tourism and economic advancement.
The proposed Uyo City Centre Project emerged as a major highlight of the manifesto, with the Governor describing a vision to transform the state capital into a modern commercial, tourism and transportation hub.
Located around the strategic intersection of Wellington Bassey Way, Oron Road, Aka Road and Ikot Ekpene Road, the project is designed to feature a two-level roundabout system, an elevated flyover, a CNG bus terminal and dedicated parking bays for taxis and minibuses.
The development will also incorporate Ibom Plaza, a proposed City Tower, Ibom Mall, commercial facilities, recreational areas and public spaces aimed at attracting private investment, stimulating economic activities and creating employment opportunities.
The proposed City Tower, inspired by the Akwa Ibom State Coat of Arms, will incorporate architectural elements reflecting the state’s oil and gas heritage, cultural identity and coastal resources.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Under the Agricultural Revolution and Food Security pillar, Eno pledged to expand existing interventions, including the Ibom Model Farm, Back-to-Farm Initiative, ARISE Home Farms Scheme and Equipment Leasing Facility.
The second phase will focus on mechanised agriculture, expansion of oil-palm and other tree-crop plantations, agro-processing, improved access to agricultural financing and technology, and stronger farmer cooperatives.
The administration also plans to complete and operationalise the pilot Ibom Model Farm while establishing similar facilities in the other two senatorial districts.
Reviewing the performance of ARISE 1.0, the manifesto reported that five of six major agricultural objectives had been substantially achieved.
Among the achievements listed were the distribution of 620,000 oil-palm seedlings across the 31 local government areas, establishment of the Ibom Equipment Leasing Facility and disbursement of agricultural grants to farmers.
On rural development, the Governor highlighted the delivery of approximately 500 fully furnished two-bedroom homes to vulnerable citizens through the ARISE Compassionate Homes Programme.
For ARISE 2.0, he promised to increase the number of compassionate homes to 1,000 across the state’s wards and construct 310 kilometres of rural roads, representing 10 kilometres in each of the 31 local government areas.
The administration also plans to expand access to potable water, electricity, healthcare, quality education and other essential amenities, while strengthening rural enterprises and ward-level cooperatives.
Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
Presenting the administration’s infrastructure scorecard, the manifesto reported that 1,515 kilometres of roads had been constructed across the state, including inherited projects funded by the present administration, at a reported cost of N934.33 billion, excluding RAAMP projects.
It also listed the construction of 43 bridges and the installation of 6,386 out of 6,441 approved solar-powered streetlights, representing 95 per cent completion.
According to the manifesto, the transition from diesel-powered to solar-powered streetlights has reduced monthly diesel consumption by 78.7 per cent.
Other projects highlighted include the new terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport, the introduction of the CNG Mass Transit Scheme and the commencement of the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Development Project.
For the next phase, the Governor promised an additional 310 kilometres of rural roads in the 2027 budget, alongside wider road and bridge construction, improved infrastructure maintenance, digital connectivity and urban renewal.
Security and Good Governance
Under the Security and Good Governance pillar, the administration highlighted the establishment of a standalone Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, Security Command and Control Centre, Ibom Community Watch and Security Trust Fund.
Other interventions include the provision of patrol vehicles, 14 gunboats for waterways security and the integration of 2,272 village youth presidents into the state’s security architecture.
Building on these achievements, ARISE 2.0 proposes the deployment of security cameras, scanners and other technology-driven surveillance systems across the 31 local government areas.
The administration also plans to strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and rapid-response capabilities to improve public safety.
Education, Youth Empowerment and Employment
In education, the manifesto reported the construction and establishment of 35 Model Primary Schools, exceeding the original target of 10 under ARISE 1.0.
It also highlighted the sustenance of free and compulsory education, payment of N778.9 million in examination-related costs for 48,797 candidates and the disbursement of N1.69 billion in bursaries to 25,527 students.
On youth development, the administration disclosed that more than 29,618 young people had benefited from its monthly N50,000 support programme, which commenced in October 2024.
The state also established 31 Youth Development Centres and trained over 1,800 youths through Ibom-LED, with each graduate receiving a N750,000 grant.
Additionally, 2,661 beneficiaries were trained under the DASAC programme, with each receiving a N1 million grant.
The manifesto further reported the creation of 8,854 public-sector jobs and other employment opportunities across education, healthcare, the civil service and technical and vocational sectors.
Under ARISE 2.0, the administration intends to deepen investments in technical, vocational and digital skills, strengthen education-to-employment pathways and promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
It also plans to develop Destination Akwa Ibom as a major tourism and hospitality destination.
Healthcare Development
The healthcare sector also featured prominently in the administration’s performance assessment.
According to the manifesto, the state constructed 31 Primary Healthcare Centres, completed and commissioned the General Hospital, Ukanafun, and commenced construction of the General Hospital, Ibiono Ibom.
Other achievements include the establishment of three medical oxygen production plants with a combined capacity of 240 cylinders daily and the employment of 2,854 healthcare workers.
The Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme was also expanded to cover 248,000 beneficiaries across more than 400 accredited healthcare facilities.
The administration further highlighted the establishment of the Ibom Medical Village and development of Ibom Medical City, anchored by a proposed 350-bed Ibom International Hospital.
For the next phase, Eno said his administration would pursue the ambition of repositioning Akwa Ibom as a regional healthcare hub through expanded specialist services, improved healthcare financing, technology-driven service delivery and sustained investment in medical infrastructure.
Tourism and Economic Diversification
On tourism, the manifesto highlighted the development of ARISE Palm Resort, the 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and the 220-room Ibom International Hotel.
It also listed the rehabilitation and repositioning of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, the internationalisation of Victor Attah International Airport in 2025 and the commencement of Ibom Air’s international expansion, including scheduled Uyo-Accra services in 2026.
The administration said ARISE 2.0 would move beyond the establishment of tourism facilities to building a commercially sustainable tourism ecosystem through destination branding, coordinated marketing and increased private-sector participation.
Akpabio, Assam Endorse Eno’s Leadership
Speaking at the event, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, expressed confidence in Governor Eno’s leadership and development vision, urging Akwa Ibom people to support his re-election.
Akpabio said the Governor had demonstrated commitment to securing the future of the state and its younger generation.
“Today, Pastor Umo Eno has assured us that not only is the future of Akwa Ibom State secure, but the future of our children is also guaranteed.
“If Akwa Ibom does not vote for Umo Eno, then who?” he asked.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, appealed to the people of the state to support Eno’s second-term ambition, expressing confidence in the administration’s performance and proposed development programmes.
With the unveiling of ARISE 2.0, Governor Eno is seeking to consolidate the achievements of his first term while introducing new development targets for 2027–2031, with the proposed Uyo City Centre Project positioned as a major symbol of his administration’s next phase of urban transformation and economic development.
