…Applauds Tinubu for Unlocking Funds Driving State Projects
By Henshaw Nyong
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has outlined his administration’s deliberate push to prepare the state for a future beyond crude oil through sustainable, revenue-generating projects.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Governor Eno praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “unlocking funds” that have enabled states to embark on key development initiatives without resorting to bank loans.
“I, personally, and our state, give credit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Eno said. “Every project you see, I’m not asking ‘how do I pay?’ We have earmarked funds to pay. My work now is to deliver these projects and prepare our state for a time when we may not have oil.”
Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Joseph, he stressed the need for purposeful investment in times of abundance to safeguard the future. According to him, all major projects under his watch are designed to be self-sustaining and boost the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).
One flagship initiative is the ARISE Recreational Resort — a 70-hectare urban park and golf course being developed on land formerly devastated by a massive gully erosion that once threatened Uyo communities, including the Government House vicinity. The resort will feature an artificial lake, sports facilities, a children’s playground, a 1,500-seat conference hall, restaurants, cafes, and guest apartments.
“Whether we built a resort or not, we would have had to reclaim that land,” Eno explained. “Leaving it idle would have invited crime. Instead, we’re creating the state’s first major recreation park — and hospitality giants are already showing interest in managing it.”
On youth empowerment, the governor cited the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) and Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneur Development Centre (IbomLED), through which thousands have been trained in entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, technical trades, and other skills. Partnerships with the Bank of Industry have also been established to provide funding for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The administration is set to roll out a new CNG-powered city transport system with 20 buses, complemented by a purpose-built terminal and refuelling station. Governor Eno noted that the ARISE Agenda is recording measurable gains in agriculture, infrastructure, rural development, security, education, and healthcare — with active projects in all 31 LGAs, including model schools, health centres, rural roads, and farm input distribution.
On his recent defection to the APC, the governor said the move followed six months of consultations and was driven by the need to align Akwa Ibom with the federal government, especially with Senate President Godswill Akpabio being a key leader from the state. He added that his administration shares the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Even if an angel descended from heaven to govern, some would still complain,” Eno said, challenging critics to show their own performance records.
Governor Eno affirmed that his ultimate goal is to make Akwa Ibom a leading tourism hub in Nigeria — leveraging agriculture, medical services, recreation, and infrastructure to create jobs and build a resilient, post-oil economy.
