July 2 (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State has received a $6.2 million performance-based reward from the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Programme for its outstanding performance in transparency, budget management and good governance under the 2024 assessment.
Governor Umo Eno disclosed this during the July edition of the Monthly Covenant Service held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, describing the award as a validation of his administration’s commitment to accountability, prudent management of public resources and institutional reforms under the ARISE Agenda.
According to the governor, Akwa Ibom earned $6,206,745.42 after emerging as one of the country’s best-performing states in the 2024 SABER assessment, a World Bank-supported initiative designed to improve the business environment through reforms that promote transparency, fiscal responsibility and efficient public service delivery.
Eno said the latest recognition comes shortly after Akwa Ibom was ranked among Nigeria’s top-performing states in governance in the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index, noting that the twin honours reaffirm that the state is on the right path of sustainable development.
“The recognition underscores our commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance. It also shows that deliberate planning, consistency and prudent management of public resources produce measurable results”, the governor said.
He also highlighted recent milestones recorded by his administration, including the resumption of Ibom Air’s scheduled international flights from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, with services currently operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
The governor further disclosed that the state had acquired 50 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve public transportation, adding that the first batch of 20 buses had arrived while the remaining 30 would be delivered later. He said the buses would be deployed after the training of drivers.
On youth empowerment, Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing Youth Development Centres in all 31 local government areas to bring skills acquisition and empowerment programmes closer to young people across the state.
He also urged residents and visitors to explore the state’s growing tourism destinations, including ARISE Park and the ARISE Resort, describing the current period as Akwa Ibom’s “harvest season”.
The governor cautioned media practitioners, social media users and the public against the spread of false information, stressing the need to verify facts before publication or sharing.
“Those who spread falsehood should desist from the practice because it is harmful to society. Verify information before publishing or sharing it”, he stated.
Eno also thanked church leaders for their continued prayers for peace, unity and development in Akwa Ibom, noting that sustainable progress requires both effective governance and divine guidance.
Earlier, the Senior Pastor of Victorious Family International, Prophet Williams, preached on the theme, “Divine Rechristening”, drawn from Isaiah 62:1–4, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in faith while trusting God for restoration, favour and a new identity.
The monthly Covenant Service attracted government officials, political leaders, clergy and worshippers from different Christian denominations who gathered to pray for the continued peace and development of Akwa Ibom State.
