August 07, (THEWILL) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has presented a two-year performance scorecard, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and data-driven, people-focused governance.
The event, themed “Measuring Progress, Deepening Impact”, held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, drew dignitaries across political, media, civil society, and corporate sectors.
Speaking, the governor said the event was in fulfilment of his inaugural promise to periodically render accounts of stewardship.
“It gives us joy to open ourselves to public scrutiny. It was Peter Drucker who said, “You can’t improve what you can’t measure, that is why we are here to measure, to improve, and to impact”, Gov Eno quoted.
He commended key collaborators in compiling the scorecard, especially the Secretary to the State Government, his Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, the Statistician-General, and Professor Chris Ekong, who led the data collation.
The Governor highlighted the establishment of the Akwa Ibom Bureau of Statistics, now backed by law, as a major institutional reform to ensure the accuracy and reliability of development data. He appreciated the State House of Assembly for fast-tracking its legislative passage.
Governor Eno revealed that over 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes have been built for vulnerable citizens across the state, with a target of 500 homes before the end of his first term. “Our interventions are guided by identified needs, not political considerations”, he stressed.
On welfare for retired workers, he disclosed that gratuity arrears had reduced from N90 billion to N78 billion, alongside renewed efforts in infrastructure development, including critical roads, hospitals, and airport expansion projects.
The Governor announced the outright acquisition of CRJ-900 Bombardier and Airbus A200-300 aircraft for Ibom Air, as well as the nearing completion of the international terminal at the Victor Attah Airport.
Health sector reforms were also spotlighted, with the launch of model primary healthcare centres, expanded ARISE insurance coverage, and the newly commissioned Mother and Child Hospital in Ibiono Ibom. Over 130,000 residents have been registered under the health scheme.
On Tourism, he noted is becoming a strategic sector, with the ARISE Resort, dubbed a mini-Disneyland, under construction on a previously eroded ravine near Government House, saying it is part of efforts to boost local economic diversification.
Governor Eno encouraged food sufficiency and self-reliance through agriculture. He mentioned food distribution, home garden competitions, and a personal example: “I grow the vegetables I eat in Government House myself.”
On fiscal prudence, he stated that all over 50 ongoing projects are being funded without a single bank loan. He thanked the Federal Government for supporting subnational finances through improved disbursement and reforms.
Addressing education, the Governor disagreed with federal data on out-of-school children, asserting that the state’s free and compulsory education, plus grants to pupils and students, had improved school enrollment rates. He urged collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics to update records.
Security, according to the Governor, remains stable, with reduced cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and vandalism. “We are among the most peaceful states in Nigeria”, he affirmed, thanking security agencies and local policing structures.
Governor Eno called for unity across political lines in pursuit of development, stressing that governance must rise above partisanship, noting that when it comes to Akwa Ibom’s growth, the state is given priority.
He invited more critical engagement from citizens and stakeholders, welcoming constructive suggestions and solutions.
