You Are Leading Well, UN Envoy, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Tells Gov Umo Eno

FRIDAY April 11, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng



“You are leading well, especially in putting the resources of the State into investments that generate income. I came to Lagos on Ibom Air. They are doing well, and their services are good.”

Those were the remarks of the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, as she met with Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on the sidelines of the ongoing Executive Council retreat in Lagos.

The high-level meeting focused on strategic partnerships to support the State’s economic diversification efforts through tourism development, technology adoption, and inclusive growth.

Eziakonwa, visibly impressed by developments in the State, noted that Akwa Ibom remains one of the most promising sub-nationals in Nigeria, particularly for its vision-driven leadership and investment direction.

She emphasized the volatility of the global oil market, adding that sub-national governments must begin to look beyond petroleum by exploring innovation, agriculture, and digital solutions for sustainable development.

“There is a technology that uses drones for irrigation and other innovations to support farmers,” she said. “The private sector cannot do it alone. That’s why governments must invest in technology infrastructure.”

Governor Eno, in his remarks, congratulated her on being the first Nigerian to attain the position of UN Assistant Secretary-General in the UNDP, and expressed appreciation for the strengthening collaboration between the State and the UN body.

He described the meeting as a clear indication that the earlier engagement with the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, was already bearing fruit.

The State Chief Executive further stated that his administration’s economic direction, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that the State was already investing in key non-oil sectors.

“For Akwa Ibom State, the SDGs can only be achieved in a sustainable manner through the diversification of the local economy. We welcome the food security technology to help us feed our people better,” he said.

He noted that the State is peaceful, rich in natural endowments, and backed by a viable State-owned airline; qualities that place it in a strong position for global partnerships.

Governor Eno revealed that plans are underway to host tourism, power, and corporate investment summits before the year ends, to attract partners and unlock the State’s potential.

“We are preparing for a future without oil. That’s why we’re investing in real estate, developing high-rise buildings, reviving dormant assets, and turning them into viable commercial ventures,” the Governor added.

Meanwhile, the meeting ended with renewed commitments from both parties to explore technical assistance, innovation, and inclusive development that would drive long-term socio-economic transformation in Akwa Ibom.