Wednesday March 25, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has approved ₦2.5 billion for the procurement of over 620,000 oil palm seedlings as part of renewed efforts to boost agricultural productivity and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
The approval was announced on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, during the March Projects Delivery Meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, where the governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to timely execution of projects and sustainable development.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Eno disclosed that his administration is currently pursuing 86 priority projects outside the core sectors of roads, healthcare, and education. He stressed the need for improved synergy among ministries, departments, and agencies to enhance efficiency and accelerate service delivery.
As part of measures to fast-track development initiatives, the governor directed the constitution of an inter-ministerial committee to ensure the completion and commissioning of Youth Friendly Centres across the state.
On power supply, the governor acknowledged ongoing electricity challenges, attributing them to low national generation levels. He, however, assured residents that the state government is actively engaging critical stakeholders to improve supply, while advancing plans to take greater control of its power market.
A total of 55 projects cutting across key sectors were reviewed during the session, with timelines and commissioning dates outlined. The projects include the Governor’s Office Annex, AKWA-GIS House, Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, Itam Industrial Park, and the International Market in Ikot Ekpene.
Others are the rehabilitation of AKADEP Head Office, Youth Friendly Centres, Arise Palm Resort, Judiciary Village, a 350-bed International Hospital, Security and Command Centre, AKBC House, Court of Appeal Complex, and various airport infrastructure projects, alongside Ibom Farms and the Arise Shopping City.
Additional projects assessed include the Oron Maritime Infrastructure, Ibom City Bus Service, general hospitals, housing developments, and other strategic investments across the state.
In the infrastructure sector, the Commissioner for Works reported that 10 road projects spanning 58.5 kilometres have been completed out of over 1,300 kilometres under construction statewide, with commissioning slated for May 2026.
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; and Chief Delivery Advisor, Aniefiok Johnson, alongside commissioners and other stakeholders.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including former Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere and State Party Chairman Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the administration for prudent resource management and urged the governor to sustain the development momentum.
In his closing remarks, Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver on its ARISE Agenda, assuring that more projects would soon be commissioned for the benefit of the people.