September 23, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State, carved out of the old Cross River State, on September 23, 1987, marks its 38th anniversary today. From its early years of modest beginnings, the state has passed through different phases of political leadership, each leaving distinct footprints on its economic, infrastructural and social landscape.
After long years of military rule, the administration of Obong Victor Attah, elected in 1999 as the first civilian governor in the Fourth Republic, is remembered for introducing a long-term vision for the state. Attah’s tenure (1999–2007) was defined by the push for resource control and his pioneering masterplan for Uyo, the capital city.
Under Attah, Uyo began to take on the shape of a modern city, with the dualisation of major roads, the establishment of the Ibom Airport project, and the early idea of Ibom Power Plant. Though many of his projects were at foundational stages, his emphasis on planning gave the state a sense of direction.
Attah also placed a premium on education, expanding access to secondary and tertiary institutions. His advocacy for greater fiscal federalism projected Akwa Ibom into national discourse, particularly on the derivation principle. Analysts often credit him with laying the intellectual groundwork for subsequent administrations.
By 2007, the baton of leadership passed to Chief Godswill Akpabio. His two-term administration (2007–2015) was characterised by aggressive infrastructural development. The phrase “uncommon transformation”, often linked to his government, reflected a focus on physical projects.
Akpabio’s government constructed flyovers, dual carriageways and public buildings, including the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The completion of the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre and a new Governor’s Office also marked his years.
Education and healthcare were given attention with the introduction of free and compulsory education, as well as new hospital facilities. However, Akpabio’s style attracted debates on cost, sustainability and debt burden. While admirers hailed him as a builder, critics pointed to what they saw as excessive spending and a “monumental” approach that left behind unfinished projects.
In 2015, Udom Emmanuel succeeded Akpabio, promising industrialisation and job creation. His administration attracted attention for efforts to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil, setting up small-scale industries such as a syringe factory, flour mill, and the reactivation of Peacock Paints.
Emmanuel also pushed for agricultural expansion through oil palm estates, rice production and mechanised farming schemes. His government worked on aviation, completing the second runway at Victor Attah International Airport and advancing plans for Ibom Air, which launched commercial operations in 2019.
Healthcare under Emmanuel witnessed the upgrade of secondary hospitals across senatorial districts, while education reforms centred on teacher training and school renovations. Still, critics argued that the scale of industrialisation fell short of campaign promises. “Many of the so-called industries are not visible today”, noted an analyst and a development consultant. “The state missed the chance to build a strong industrial base.”
In 2023, Pastor Umo Eno assumed office, inheriting both expectations and challenges from his predecessor. His administration has so far projected a people-centred governance style with emphasis on rural development and grassroots empowerment.
The ARISE Agenda, his policy blueprint, places focus on agriculture, rural infrastructure, small businesses and tourism. Eno has consistently highlighted the need to strengthen local economies, positioning agriculture as both a livelihood and revenue stream.
In his first year, rural roads and healthcare centres have received attention, alongside youth and women empowerment schemes. His government has also emphasised maintaining peace and political inclusiveness in the state.
Eno’s style departs from his predecessors’ heavy infrastructural drive, tilting instead toward community-based development. This shift has generated debate. “It is good to reach the villages, but the state cannot ignore large-scale projects that attract investors”, argued policy analyst, Iniobong Asuquo. “Grassroots focus alone may not transform the economy.”
At 38, Akwa Ibom presents a complex story of growth. The state has moved from its once-limited infrastructure to becoming an emerging hub in aviation, tourism, and sports, yet unemployment and dependence on federal allocations persist.
The four successive administrations —Attah, Akpabio, Emmanuel, and now Eno— illustrate the changing focus of governance: from planning and resource advocacy, to heavy infrastructure, to industrialisation attempts, and now grassroots development.
Observers note that while each administration has made notable contributions, gaps remain in job creation and long-term industrial sustainability. “Every governor comes with a new agenda, but the challenge is continuity. Without sustained policies, progress is often reset every eight years”, Dr Attang Udoh, a university lecturer, remarked.
As Akwa Ibom marks 38 years, residents reflect on the journey with cautious optimism. The achievements are evident, but so are the gaps, making the next phase of governance critical in determining whether the state fully realises its potential.
