Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says his administration is determined to reposition the state’s economy beyond its dependence on crude oil, with the ongoing Executive Council retreat serving as a launchpad for that transition.
Speaking at the opening of the four-day retreat, the governor said the event is meant to deepen the culture of accountability, accelerate project delivery, and reinforce the implementation of the Arise Agenda — his administration’s blueprint for economic growth, infrastructure, and social transformation.
“Our Exco Retreat is to chart a course for Akwa Ibom beyond oil. This retreat is not just a gathering of officials; it is a call to action. Time is of the essence, and we are running against it to deliver key legacy projects within the next two years.”
Attendees at the retreat include members of the State Executive Council, Delivery Advisors, Heads of Departments, and critical stakeholders. Governor Eno said the forum offers a chance to review ongoing projects, align expectations, and re-energize the team to deliver results.
“We have assembled a great team of speakers drawn from diverse backgrounds.Though this is essentially an EXCO Retreat, we have brought in our Delivery Team and other stakeholders to reinforce our commitment to timely delivery of projects.”
Governor Eno stressed teamwork, loyalty, and shared vision as key drivers of success, proposing “Teaming for Greater Success” as an unofficial theme for the retreat.
Highlighting the strategic role of the State Delivery Advisors, he explained that they were appointed to supervise and ensure completion of projects already initiated by the previous administration.
“They have the institutional memory and knowledge of these projects. We’ve simply asked them to complete what they started and deliver them to specifications and on time. Commissioners are expected to take charge of new initiatives under the Arise Agenda.”
The governor also thanked facilitators from the Tony Blair Institute and other experts, including Tuulia Pitkanem, a former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Finland, for their participation.
Pitkanem spoke on turning the governor’s vision into actionable policies, stressing project prioritization and measurable impact.
Other sessions included a presentation on fiscal outlook by Mr. Emem Bob and a session on government communication and reputation management by Mr. Aniekan Umanah.
Governor Eno reminded participants that the people of Akwa Ibom are expecting results, not excuses. “The mandate given to us is sacred. This retreat is our moment to retool, reconnect, and refocus for the task ahead,” he said.
