Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved a N31 billion statewide economic empowerment programme and a 30-day commissioning of 39 major infrastructure projects ahead of the state’s 39th anniversary and the planned visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The approvals were granted during the State Executive Council meeting at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, where the Council also reviewed preparations for the President’s visit and the month-long commissioning exercise.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the decisions reflect the administration’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure development while expanding economic opportunities across the state.
“The Executive Council took far-reaching decisions aimed at sustaining the implementation of the ARISE Agenda. From the commissioning of major projects to the approval of the N31 billion economic empowerment programme, these resolutions reflect government’s resolve to deepen inclusive development and improve the welfare of Akwa Ibom people,” Umanah said.
According to him, the N31 billion intervention will provide N1 billion each to the state’s 31 local government areas to drive grassroots economic development.
The programme is expected to benefit 165,912 residents through youth skills acquisition and starter packs, business grants for women and traders, agricultural support, small and medium-scale enterprise development, and transport empowerment initiatives.
To ensure effective implementation, the Executive Council constituted a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government to develop the programme’s implementation framework.
The Council also approved a month-long commissioning of 39 strategic projects, following a presentation by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Morgan Ekanem.
Projects scheduled for inauguration include the New Terminal Building, Airport Hospital, Aviation Village, the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, the dualisation of the extended Ring Road 3, the Command and Control Centre, AkwaGIS Office Complex, the State Secretariat Annex, and the ARISE Palm Resort.
Governor Eno directed all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to ensure seamless coordination and adequate preparations for both the commissioning programme and the planned presidential visit.
The Executive Council also endorsed the phased implementation of solar-powered rural water projects across the state’s 369 wards, received reports on achievements in the health sector, approved plans for the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, fixed December 18, 2026, for the Annual Christmas Carol Festival, and approved a two-day youth conference.
Council further noted the passage of all 12 Executive Bills by the State House of Assembly, witnessed the swearing-in of a new State Statistician-General, and received the Governor’s Best African Leader in People-Centric Governance Award.
