Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled his ARISE 2.0 development blueprint and inaugurated the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to consolidate his administration’s achievements and transform the state into a productive economic hub.
At the event, Governor Eno said the new development agenda would move Akwa Ibom beyond an infrastructure-driven economy to one anchored on investment, tourism, agriculture, industrialisation, youth empowerment and job creation.
He described the unveiling of the manifesto as a defining moment in the state’s development journey, marked by renewed hope, sustained commitment and a collective determination to improve the welfare of the people.
The governor said the campaign would be anchored on the theme, “We Are Well Able”, drawn from Numbers 13:30 in the Bible, expressing confidence in the state’s capacity to achieve greater development milestones.
Reflecting on his administration’s performance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Eno said the ARISE Agenda had laid a solid foundation for progress in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development, tourism, youth empowerment and institutional reforms.
He explained that ARISE 1.0 was not an end in itself but a foundation for a more ambitious development programme designed to address emerging economic realities and the aspirations of Akwa Ibom residents.
Under ARISE 2.0, the governor said his administration would prioritise economic expansion and investment promotion by improving the business environment, attracting local and foreign investors, supporting entrepreneurs and increasing private-sector participation.
On tourism, Eno said the state would leverage its natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality, culinary traditions and geographical advantages to position itself as a leading destination for tourism, entertainment, sports and cultural festivals.
He stressed the need to move Akwa Ibom beyond its traditional identity as a predominantly civil-service economy to a vibrant tourism destination capable of generating revenue, creating employment and providing opportunities for young people.
In agriculture, the governor promised a transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and agro-industrialisation through increased production, modern farming techniques, support for farmers and expanded agro-processing activities.
He also pledged sustained investment in roads, electricity, transportation and public infrastructure, alongside improvements in education, healthcare, technical training and skills acquisition.
The governor emphasised that young people must become active participants and beneficiaries of the state’s emerging economy rather than spectators, adding that social protection and compassionate governance would remain central to his administration’s development philosophy.
He specifically identified elderly citizens, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable families as groups whose welfare and dignity must be reflected in government policies and programmes.
On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, Eno described the project as a strategic pillar of Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic ambitions.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support, particularly following recent progress in the relevant certification and approval processes.
According to him, the seaport, alongside tourism, agriculture and industrial development initiatives, would position Akwa Ibom as a maritime, logistics, industrial and commercial destination, with economic opportunities extending beyond the state’s borders.
Addressing members of the newly inaugurated campaign council, Eno urged them to regard their appointments as responsibilities to serve rather than privileges.
He charged them to focus their engagements on government policies, governance records and the welfare of the people, while insisting that the campaigns must remain peaceful and issue-based.
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 assets and a foundation for sustainable development.
He also called for greater collaboration among the private sector, traditional institutions, religious leaders, professional associations, women, youths and other stakeholders in building the state’s future.
On political mobilisation, Eno urged APC members to intensify grassroots engagements by taking the party’s message to wards and polling units instead of relying exclusively on large rallies.
He challenged the campaign council to mobilise at least two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, while also securing support for the re-election of other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Describing the 2027–2031 period as a season of reward, the governor urged party faithful to back their political declarations with hard work, measurable results and sustained engagement with the electorate.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio commended Eno’s leadership and development initiatives, describing him as an “uncommon transformer 2.0”.
Akpabio urged the governor to remain focused on his people-centred governance agenda rather than being distracted by critics whom he said had nothing tangible to offer the people and the state.
He called on Akwa Ibom residents to unite behind the continuity of what he described as impactful leadership, peace and good governance, insisting that these were necessary for further development and growth.
Earlier, the Director-General of the 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 and issue-based campaign.
Assam said the administration had substantial achievements to present to voters, citing ongoing and completed road projects covering more than 1,500 kilometres, free and compulsory education, the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers, healthcare interventions, agricultural grants, youth entrepreneurship programmes and welfare initiatives.
He also highlighted improvements in medical and tourism infrastructure, describing them as important components of the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
The campaign director-general urged council members to draw on their personal experiences and the benefits their communities had received to communicate the administration’s achievements to voters.
He equally appealed for support for the Tinubu administration, citing its ongoing economic and institutional reforms, student financing initiatives, healthcare interventions, agricultural support programmes and investments in national infrastructure.
The event also featured a review of the ARISE 1.0 programme by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Bare Morgan Ekanem, while the State Statistician-General, Uduak Isaac, presented an assessment of its socioeconomic impact.