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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno will on Thursday commission the Nto-Ideh -Ikot Amba Bridge and road project which was started by the previous administration but completed recently by him.

The Senior Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Research and documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso who announces this after a tour of the project site with Journalists said Governor Umo Eno remained committed to completing projects inherited from his predecessor in order to add value to the living standard of the people.

According to him, ” The current administration has so far completed some projects including the Nto-Ideh -Ikot Amba Bridge and road project, which is billed for commissioning on Thursday May 16.

He recalled that the traditional ruler of Obot Akara had assured that they would support Umo Eno’s election in appreciation of ex-governor Udom Emmanuel’s intervention in roads in the area, believing that his successor would continue from where he stopped.

He highlighted, “Before the immediate past governor left office in May 2023 that project had reached up to about sixty per cent execution.So tomorrow (Thursday ) governor Umo Eno would be in Obot Akara Local government to commission that Bridge and 800km road.

“Recall also that Pastor Umo Eno during his campaigns had promised that he would complete all those projects that his predecessor didn’t finish before leaving office for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people

“So it is a thing of joy for us that that bridge in Obot Akara Local government is one of the inherited projects he has completed within one year in office.
And don’t forget that Rural development is the second leg of governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

” And this is not the first road project that this governor has set out to execute in Obot Akara Local government area. We also have the Usaka road project with two bridges.

The governor’s Aide noted that the 24 kilometers Uyo- airport Expansion road was among other major road projects that governor Eno inherited which has also been completed.

He averred that the road which was designed to ensure there would be no much traffic on the road leading to the Airport would be commissioned in May 25, 2024.

Speaking at the Nto-Ideh -Ikot Amba Bridge and road project, the Managing Director of Seyang Nigeria Ltd, Mr Itoro Inyang disclosed that the Bridge portion is 60meters span reinforced concrete bridge piled to a depth of 23meters.

He disclosed that the former governor Udom Emmanuel started the project among others in Obot akara and the incumbent governor has shown commitment which is the reason the project is done and ready for commissioning Thursday.

——–  Dr. Ndueso ——–

The completion of the Nto Ide- Ikot Amba bridge /road project by Governor Umo Eno in Obot Akara Local Government Area is another fulfillment of his campaign promise to connect the dots by completing existing projects and opening up rural communities to boost economic activities.

This is because rural transformation which is a catalyst for enhanced agricultural production, are both cardinal points of the ARISE Agenda.

This was the position of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso when he led some journalists on a facility tour of the bridge project in Obot Akara.

They were conducted around the bridge measuring 60 meters, 800 meters approach road and the erosion control mechanism put in place to reinforce the durability of the road project.

The people of Obot Akara Local Government Area, at the project site, could not control their emotions as they pledged their resolve to support the Governor throughout his tenure for breathing back life into their communities.

Some students who were returning from school recounted how they used to come out from the water with soaked clothes which they had to squeeze before wearing back to attend classes the same day.

Mercy Udo, a student noted that “sometimes the water will reach us on the waist and we didn’t have money.

Another student confessed that, “we were charged N150 and N200 to use canoes to paddle us across to the other side and go to school but today we can now pass freely without having our clothes soaked with water.”

Also speaking Mr. Friday Akpan a family head in Ikot Amba said several lives have been lost in the water and the people had to make use of several make-shift bridges that couldn’t guarantee the safety of people using the route.

Since the collapse during the civil war era, residents have always lived with the trauma of the poor dilapidated bridge which could serve them no good purpose as they would resort to turning through a longer route to move from one community to another.

Speaking to journalists, the Managing Director Of Senyang Nigeria Limited Mr. Itoro Inyang thanked Governor Umo Eno for the confidence in his construction firm.

He said the company received massive support and encouragement from the Governor after the Dead of the founding MD Engr. Samuel Inyang added that the project has met all acceptable standards and will stand the test of time.“

“The Bridge portion is a 60m span reinforced concrete bridge piled to a depth of 23m.

“It has a 450 ton capacity while the Road portion is 800m long.

“To curb the Erosion challenge in the community , Measures taken include 2 Culverts to channel run off water, Trapezoidal V-Drains along the full length of the project to remove water from the road surface and protect same road surface, Stone-pitching on both sides of the road to protect the sides of the raised portion of the road.”


He added that the stone pitching on both ends of the road were made to protect the side of the raised portion of the road.

Speaking also the Governor’s aide Dr. Essien Ndueso said “the Governor will stop at nothing in bringing his rural development programs to fruition in Akwa Ibom state.

“Two months ago the Governor was in Obot Akara to flag off an 11.7km road project leading to Usaka Annang which has 2 bridges.

“Once completed next year, people in Usaka will no longer have to travel through neighboring communities in Abia State before getting to their village.”

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reassured Akwa Ibomites that he will continue to serve the interest of the people especially the downtrodden through various empowerment activities aimed at ameliorating their sufferings.

He stated this during the disbursement of funds to 1055 beneficiaries under livelihood support through cash transfer and 2 Micro projects for 12 communities as well as grants to Nano, micro and small scale businesses in the Phase II of the Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) Programme which took place at Ibom Hall, earlier today.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah reiterated his commitment towards the well-being of citizens in the State.

“I’m elected to serve the interest of the people especially those at the down end of the ladder, I’m their advocate while also serving the other side of the society. This is because I was once like them.

“We reassure them that the Government is for them to make them feel better and comfortable through its policies and programmes”, he added.

He commended the Commissioner for Economic development and Chairman of AK-CARES Steering Committee, Mr Emem Bob for painstakingly ensuring that the programme is a reality as well as interpreting the ideas and visions of the administration and actualising it.

The Governor noted that so far his government has made regular payment of gratuity, given out free food vouchers to the vulnerable, constructed Arise homes for the downtrodden, fifty thousand naira monthly to elderly through the Arise Initiative for the elderly, medical outreach programme where seven thousand (7000) people were treated, among others.

“His Excellency will be one year in office, we are celebrating him in a big way for touching lives. He has touched lives, built drainages, constructed many roads, touched lives of market women, improved the health sector, empowered the poor masses,” he said.

Earlier during his keynote address, the Commissioner for Economic Development and Chairman of AKCARES Steering Committee, Emem Bob , thanked Governor Eno for the remarkable milestone he achieved so far within his one year in office especially for approving funds for disbursement and implementing the Arise agenda aimed at improving the lives of the vulnerable in the State.

He further thanked the Federal Government and World Bank for organising the programme aimed at ameliorating the negative impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Mr. Bob explained that the second phase of the Programme commenced in January 2024, when FADAMA through the Ministry of Agriculture gave out 50 day old chicks, 6 bags of feeds, 200 juveniles, 5 bags of feeds to 900 farmers, 700 poultry farmers, 3 weaners, 1 He-Goat and 2 She-Goats each to 1200 beneficiaries. 20 tomato processing machines, palm oil processing machines for 2 groups of 10 beneficiaries, grading of 16 rural roads, construction of boreholes and toilets in 10 wet markets.

He also said that under the Ministry of Trade and Investment through the bank of Industry, 231 beneficiaries received 31 million during the first batch to support their businesses.

The Chairman AKCARES Steering Committee further urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the funds to boast their businesses for the greater good of the state and objectives of the Programme.

In her goodwill message, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, described the Governor as a compassionate man who has come to sort out the vulnerable in the State.

She noted that under her ministry, through the cash transfer, over 1950 persons have been beneficiaries of “Better Don Come” the slogan used under DLI 1.3 (Livelihood grant), this has helped them to recapitalise their businesses.

Also in his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Trade and Investment, Mr Oliver Udoukpo eulogised the Governor for everything he has done not just for the youths but also the vulnerable.
“We are gathered here today to receive some amount of money from our Governor, I commend you all for accepting to be part of this history, I urge you all to make good use of the money because it will be monitored, do not go to marry more wives,” he admit.

© Mercy Udoh

In commemoration of his one-year anniversary, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is set to fulfill his campaign promises by distributing funds to AK-CARES recipients today.

Join the celebration of this momentous milestone!

#AKCARES #CommunitySupport #GovernorEnoCARES

In anticipation of the upcoming phase of the Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) Programme, the Akwa Ibom State Government (AKSG) has revealed the meticulous process behind selecting beneficiaries for Phase 2.

Scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 15, beneficiaries for this phase were carefully chosen from the 2018 social register within the state. Those newly added to the updated social register will be considered for future phases, ensuring inclusivity and fairness in the program.

Mrs. Enobong Okpongkpong, Head of the Coordinating Units of AK-CARES, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his approval of funds, highlighting the program’s alignment with the administration’s Arise agenda, focusing on rural development and security through empowerment initiatives.

As part of Governor Eno’s one-year anniversary celebrations in office, funds are set to be disbursed to beneficiaries by noon on Wednesday, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to community support and empowerment.

Under Phase 2 of the AK-CARES Programme, funds will be allocated to 12 communities across the ten federal constituencies, facilitating the implementation of two Micro Projects each under Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI) 1.4.

Additionally, funds will be disbursed for Livelihood Grants (DLI 1.3) and support for Nano, Micro, and Small-scale Enterprises (DLI 3.2), aiming to enhance food security services and provide essential grants to disadvantaged households and businesses statewide.

The list of beneficiaries comprises 1,055 recipients of livelihood grants under DLI 1.3, 12 communities executing basic projects under DLI 1.4, and approximately 2,000 Nano, Micro, and Small-scale Enterprises benefiting from operational support under DLI 3.2.

Supervised by the Ministry of Economic Development, AK-CARES has made significant impacts, touching lives, households, and communities through various grants, agricultural empowerment initiatives, live support grants, and projects across the state.

Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria – May 14, 2024 – Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a directive for all Transition Chairmen of the 31 Local Government Areas in the State to submit detailed reports highlighting their achievements over the past six months. This initiative underscores the Governor’s commitment to accountability and effective governance.

Transition Chairmen are instructed to submit their verifiable achievements to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Local and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, no later than May 20th, 2024. These reports will be crucial for informing future governance strategies and ensuring continued progress in service delivery to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

“We believe that transparent reporting of accomplishments is essential for effective planning and governance,” stated Governor Umo Eno. “By providing detailed scorecards, we can better understand the needs of our communities and work towards meeting them.”

All submissions will be reviewed by the Governor’s office to assess the performance of each Local Government Area and identify areas for improvement. This process will facilitate informed decision-making and promote greater transparency in local administration.



Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

Exciting news alert! His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is gearing up to kick off the Phase 2 disbursement of funds for the Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (AK-CARES) Programme.

Get all the details straight from the source! Tune in to Inspiration 105.9 FM at 11 am today to catch Commissioner for Economic Development and Chairman of the AK-CARES steering committee, Mr. Emem Bob, as he shares insights into this empowering program.

Plus, don’t miss out on valuable information from Mrs. Enobong Okpongkpong, Head of the AK-CARES Coordinating Units, on Comfort 95.1 FM at the same time, 11 am.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and empowered!

Powered by CPS to the Governor

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State took a moment on Mother’s Day 2024 to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women, both in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria. Through a message conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno praised women for their unwavering dedication in maintaining family unity, particularly during challenging times.

In his address, Governor Eno highlighted the pivotal role women play as the cornerstone of the family structure, emphasizing their resilience and nurturing spirit. He expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the state government and its people, recognizing the indispensable presence of women in shaping households, communities, and the nation at large.

Furthermore, Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive administration, prioritizing issues relevant to women such as social safety nets and the prevention of gender-based violence. He assured continued dedication to addressing these critical concerns, ensuring they remain at the forefront of governmental initiatives.

In accordance, Governor Umo Eno extended warm wishes to all mothers, expressing sincere appreciation for their immeasurable contributions to society.

The Akwa Ibom State Government, through the Ministry of Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry has flagged- off the enumeration exercise for potential beneficiaries of the second phase of AK-CARES, Result Area 3.2 operational grants across the three Senatorial Districts of of the State.

The exercise took place simultaneously in Uyo, Eket and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts last week.

The aim of the exercise, was to ascertain the authenticity of businesses that applied for the AK-CARES operational grants meant to rejuvenate businesses that were affected during COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant is jointly made possible by Akwa Ibom through Covid-19 Intervention Funds by the State Government, Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank.

At Uyo Centre, the turn-out was impressive with many participating businesses representatives were on hand to be enumerated.

The beneficiaries who spoke with the media team, expressed happiness for the initiative and pledged to make good use of the grants if received.

Mr Ubong Okon Jacob, a business Stakeholder in Uyo, described the exercise as a welcome development, say ‘I lost a lot during the COVID-19 crisis and I believe that the operational grants will help business owners in the State to revive their businesses”.

Jacob, who deals on beverages, promised to use money to expand his business and called on the business community to support the gesture of the present administration, for more empowerment.

Also in support of the exercise, Mr David Okpo, an Aluminium fabricator, while narrating his ordeal during the pandemic, said “expressed optimism that the money will help me recover all the losses.”

Okpo, who was excited after being captured, noted that the gesture will strengthen the capacities of their businesses as well as encourage expansion.

Fashion designers, Emem Ime and Blessing Pius Okon, expressed gratitude to the Federal and State Governments for the grant and added that, the support will help many businesses to come alive thereby reducing unemployment in the society.

In each of the centres, the State Programme Manager of AK-CARES Result Area 3.2, Mr Michael Essien-Ibanga congratulated the potential beneficiaries for attaining the enumeration stage and wished them well in the programme.

Essien-Ibanga appealed to them to conduct themselves orderly during the exercise and provide correct information to ensure successful capturing.

The exercise was closely supervised and monitored by the Bank of Industry personnel, AK-CARES Implementation team, Ministry of Trade and Investment, members of the AK-CARES Co-ordinating Unit, led by Head of the Unit, Mrs Enobong Okponkpong, among others.

The enumeration exercise is pre-stage for shortlisting the beneficiaries, after which funds will be released to businesses that make the final list.

Media Unit,
AK-CARES {Result Area 3.2}
Ministry of Trade and Investment, Uyo

In a move to impact humanity and share love with the less privileged in our society which the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is known for, the Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom State today visited the Qua Iboe Church Leprosy Hospital, Ekpene Obom, Etinan Local Government Area.

Leading the delegation, the Chairman of the Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom State and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Non-Indigene Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole flanked by the Special Assistant, Arewa Community, Alhaji Ibrahim Ilya stated that the visit was a fulfilment of the Governor’s instruction that all celebrations for his birthday should be channeled to touching the lives of the indigent in the society.

The SSA who poured encomiums on Pastor Umo Eno stressed that the Governor has come to the State to change the face of governance by making it more people-centric and participatory. He enthused that the disposition and exemplary leadership style of Pastor Umo Eno has compelled them to follow suit which has resulted in their visitation to the inmates of the Leprosy Hospital.

In his words, ” It could be recalled that the Governor gave specific instructions concerning his birthday. It was his wish that all celebrations marking his sixtieth birthday should be focused on reaching out to those who are less fortunate in our midst.

“It is in the light of this that we are visiting your facility today. Since his coming on board, the Governor has worked tirelessly to ensure that the principles outlined in his A.R.I.S.E agenda blueprint is brought to the fore. From Agriculture to Rural Infrastructure to Security and Education, His Excellency has worked the talk. In Agriculture he has made overreaching intervention to ensure food sufficiency. He has established a Bulk Purchase Agency to subsidize food supplies thereby ameliorating the hardship occasioned by the current food crisis in the country. Also he has declared the first and third Friday of the month for workers to go to farm.

“He has not lagged behind in improvement of our rural infrastructure. He has shown remarkable love for those in the rural areas as exemplified in the Arise Compassionate Homes and he has also initiated several road projects, some of which has been commissioned. With regards to security, His Excellency has created a a Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways. In education he has been largely proactive through several interventionist strides which will bring succour to the educational sector. Indeed, Pastor Umo Eno is a man of his words and if he has accomplished this much during his short stay in office we can only imagine what the State will look like at the completion of his tenure.

” We are also grateful to Pastor Umo Eno for being a father who is blind to ethnic and tribal sentiments. His style of leadership is devoid of prebendalism. This is our way of thanking him for the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Non-Indigene Affairs and a Special Assistant, Arewa Community.

” Today we commemorate his birthday and celebrate him as a compassionate Governor. We want you all to know that Pastor Umo Eno is aware of your plight and he will do everything possible to ensure that governance will reach you and at the end of the day you will thank God that he came.”

Also speaking, the Sarki Hausawa of Akwa Ibom, Sarki Hassan Sadauki thanked the Governor for the peace and ease of operating business they are enjoying in the State. He emphasized that Pastor Umo Eno has provided a convivial environment to accommodate all non-indigenes regardless of tribe, ethnicity and dialect. He further stressed that the disposition of the Governor in all his interaction with non-indigenes resident in the State has shown that he is a man who looks beyond the issues that divide but is rather focused on promoting unity, love and peaceful co-existence.

In their remarks, the male representative of the patients, Mr. Sunday Friday Etukudoh and the female representative, Mrs. Grace Okon Ekong thanked the Arewa Community for visiting them and prayed that God should bless Pastor Umo Eno and the community for their show of love.

The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a live cow to the facility as well as foodstuffs and cash token.