ARISE 2.0: Akpabio Hails Umo Eno as ‘Uncommon Transformer 2.0’
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has unveiled his ARISE 2.0 manifesto and development blueprint for 2027–2031, outlining plans to transform the state into a productive economic hub driven by investment, tourism, agriculture, industrialisation, youth empowerment and job creation.
The Governor unveiled the development agenda during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council in Akwa Ibom State, describing the occasion as a defining moment in the state’s development journey.
The event was attended by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who described Governor Eno as an “Uncommon Transformer 2.0” in recognition of his administration’s development efforts.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said the campaign would be anchored on the theme, “We Are Well Able,” drawn from Numbers 13:30, expressing confidence in the capacity of Akwa Ibom people to achieve greater development milestones.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the Governor said the ARISE Agenda had laid a solid foundation for development across road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development, tourism, youth empowerment and institutional reforms.
He explained that ARISE 2.0 would build on the achievements of the first phase while introducing more ambitious programmes capable of addressing emerging economic realities and improving the living conditions of residents.
According to him, the new development blueprint will prioritise economic expansion and investment promotion through an improved business environment, attraction of local and foreign investors, support for entrepreneurs and increased private-sector participation.
On tourism, Governor Eno said his administration would maximise the state’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality, culinary traditions and geographical advantages to position Akwa Ibom as a major destination for conferences, entertainment, holidays, sports and cultural festivals.
He stressed the need to move the state beyond its traditional dependence on the civil service by developing a functional tourism economy capable of generating revenue, creating employment and opening new opportunities for young people.
The Governor also disclosed plans to remodel Uyo city centre with an iconic tower, flyover and other modern facilities, expressing confidence that the state capital would experience a significant transformation in its skyline.
In agriculture, Eno promised to move the state from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and agro-industrialisation through modern farming techniques, establishment of farm settlements, increased production, support for farmers and expansion of agro-processing activities.
He added that his administration would sustain investments in roads, electricity, transportation and other public infrastructure while strengthening education, healthcare, technical training and skills acquisition.
On youth development, the Governor emphasised that young people must become active participants and beneficiaries of the emerging economy rather than spectators.
He equally reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to compassionate governance and social protection, particularly for elderly citizens, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable families.
Speaking on the Ibom Deep Seaport project, Governor Eno described it as a strategic pillar of Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic ambitions.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and commitment to the project, particularly following recent progress in the relevant certification and approval processes.
According to the Governor, the seaport, alongside tourism, agriculture and industrial development initiatives, would position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime, logistics, industrial and commercial destination.
Addressing members of the newly inaugurated APC Campaign Council, Eno reminded them that their appointments represented responsibilities to serve rather than privileges to enjoy.
He urged them to focus their campaigns on policies, governance achievements and the welfare of the people, while maintaining peaceful and issue-based political engagements.
The Governor warned against personal disagreements and political differences capable of undermining the collective interest of the state, describing the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom as one of its greatest development assets.
He called on the private sector, traditional rulers, religious leaders, professional associations, women, youths and other stakeholders to join hands in building the state’s future.
Eno further challenged APC members to intensify grassroots mobilisation by taking the party’s message to wards and polling units rather than relying exclusively on large political rallies.
He also charged the campaign structures to work towards delivering at least two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections while mobilising support for other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended Governor Eno’s leadership and development initiatives, describing him as an “Uncommon Transformer 2.0.”
The Senate President urged the Governor to remain focused on his people-centred governance agenda instead of allowing detractors to distract him from delivering dividends of democracy.
He also called on the people of Akwa Ibom to unite behind continuity, peace and good governance to ensure greater development and sustained growth.
Earlier, the Director-General of the APC State Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, accepted the responsibility on behalf of the campaign organisation and assured the Governor of the council’s commitment to a disciplined, peaceful and issue-based campaign.
He said the administration had substantial achievements to present to the electorate, highlighting over 1,500 kilometres of ongoing and completed road projects, sustained free and compulsory education, recruitment of more than 3,000 teachers, healthcare interventions, agricultural grants, youth entrepreneurship programmes and compassionate welfare initiatives.
He also highlighted improvements in medical and tourism infrastructure, describing them as important components of the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
With the unveiling of ARISE 2.0, Governor Eno has outlined a renewed development direction for Akwa Ibom, with emphasis on economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, investment attraction, human capital development and improved opportunities for the people.
The new blueprint is expected to form the central message of the APC’s campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arise, that same God.
