Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reflected on the state's 39-year journey, highlighting the sacrifices of its founding fathers that have contributed to its growth. In a broadcast on Wednesday, Mr Eno acknowledged the state's progress, citing faith, resilience, and unfailing grace as key factors. He expressed gratitude to past and present leaders, workers, and community leaders for their roles in shaping the state. The governor emphasized the importance of building for future generations.
Mr Eno's administration has made significant strides in infrastructure development, completing over 1,500 kilometers of roads and 43 bridges since he assumed office three years ago. The government has also inaugurated new projects, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, as part of the 39th anniversary celebrations. These developments aim to improve the quality of life for residents and enhance the state's growth.
The governor's administration has prioritized education, sustaining the free and compulsory education policy at primary and secondary levels. To support this, N1.69 billion has been disbursed as bursaries to students. Additionally, model primary schools have been built, equipped with modern facilities, and 3,000 teachers have been recruited to enhance the education sector. The Akwa Ibom College of Education is also being transformed into a University of Education.
In the healthcare sector, 258,000 people, including the elderly, have been enrolled in the state-managed health insurance scheme. Each local government area has an ambulance service for emergency situations, improving healthcare accessibility. The government has also acquired agricultural inputs, including palm oil seedlings, and provided grants to 1,700 farmers to boost production.
The administration has invested in youth development initiatives, training over 4,000 youths at Bumedi and Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centres. Entrepreneurship grants exceeding N2 billion have been disbursed to support young entrepreneurs. Furthermore, youth development centers are being built to channel creativity into technology and creative industries, providing opportunities for young people.
The government has also implemented social welfare programs, building 500 units of ARISE Compassionate Homes for poor and vulnerable citizens. In terms of financial obligations, the administration has paid over N98 billion out of the N111 billion inherited as gratuities and other emoluments. These efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to improving the lives of residents.
As Akwa Ibom State marks its 39th anniversary, Governor Eno's administration continues to focus on development and service delivery. The state's progress is attributed to the collective efforts of its people, and the governor has reiterated the importance of building for future generations. With ongoing projects and initiatives, the state is poised for continued growth and development.
Key points
- Governor Eno's administration has completed over 1,500 kilometers of roads and 43 bridges.
- The government has disbursed N1.69 billion as bursaries to students and built model primary schools.
- Over 258,000 people have been enrolled in the state-managed health insurance scheme.
