March 11, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Government says its development strategy under the ARISE Agenda is driving projects across agriculture, infrastructure, rural development, security and education as the administration of Governor Umo Eno approaches its third year in office.
The policy framework, which serves as the central blueprint for governance in the state, also covers youth empowerment, healthcare, tourism, sports and social welfare.
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, who spoke in an exclusive interaction with our reporter, said the government has focused on translating the agenda into projects and programmes to improve living standards across the state.
“Agriculture remains a major component of the development drive. The government recently launched the Ibom Model Farms Initiative, an integrated agricultural project covering more than 50 hectares of land.
“The project combines crop production, fisheries, poultry and livestock farming with hospitality facilities including a conference centre and guest accommodation”, the commissioner said, adding that the initiative is designed to promote commercial agriculture while also encouraging agro-tourism.
He hinted that the state government has also supported farmers with grants, some reaching ₦500,000, to expand agricultural activities. “In addition, an agricultural equipment leasing programme is being developed to enable farmers to access tractors and mechanised farming tools.
“Rural development projects have also been prioritised; the approach is community-focused across several local government areas, and farm-to-market roads are under construction to ease the movement of agricultural produce.
“New primary healthcare centres and educational facilities are also being built or rehabilitated in rural communities”, Umanah stated, adding that infrastructure development is among the most visible aspects of the administration’s programme.
He explained that more than 1,200 kilometres of roads have either been completed or are currently under construction, even as several bridges and erosion control projects are also ongoing across different parts of the state.
He pointed out that one of the projects under development is the ARISE Park Resort, which is being built on more than 70 hectares of reclaimed land previously affected by erosion, saying that the project is planned to include a golf course, artificial lakes, recreational facilities, restaurants and residential chalets.
“Other ongoing developments include a 5,000-capacity convention centre at the Tropicana complex in Uyo, a 200-bed Ibom Hotel and the ARISE Shopping City, which government officials say are expected to support tourism and commercial activity.
“In the area of security, the state government has created a Ministry of Internal Security and established the Ibom Community Watch to support conventional security agencies.
“Security agencies have also received vehicles and operational support as part of measures to strengthen safety across the state”, he maintained.
Dr Umanah said Education projects under the ARISE Agenda include the construction of model secondary schools in the state’s 31 local government areas, many designed with modern learning facilities.
He said existing primary and secondary schools are also undergoing rehabilitation under the Universal Basic Education programme.
“Youth development programmes are being implemented through institutions such as the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, where young people receive vocational and technical training.
“Training areas include information technology, carpentry, furniture making, fashion design and other trades aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment.
“It is estimated that more than ₦15 billion has been invested in youth and economic empowerment initiatives.
“The administration has also introduced welfare measures for workers and retirees. Akwa Ibom currently implements a minimum wage of ₦80,000 for its workers and pays a 13th-month salary to civil servants, while efforts are ongoing to clear outstanding gratuities.
“Healthcare infrastructure is also being expanded as a 350-bed international hospital is under construction, alongside 31 model primary healthcare centres across the state.
“The government is also recruiting additional medical personnel and expanding the state health insurance scheme, which provides coverage for thousands of residents, including free healthcare services for pregnant women and elderly citizens.”
According to him, the projects under the ARISE Agenda are intended to stimulate economic growth while improving infrastructure and public services across Akwa Ibom.
