ARISE 2.0 Will Boost Akwa Ibom Economy, Says Umana Umana

By NewsDesk –

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and seasoned economist, Obong Umana Okon Umana, CON, has declared that the newly unveiled ARISE 2.0 development blueprint of Governor Umo Eno will usher in unprecedented economic prosperity and sustainable wealth creation for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking in Uyo while reacting to the unveiling of the governor’s 2027–2031 manifesto and the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council, Obong Umana commended Governor Eno for fulfilling his first-term social contract with the electorate.

Analyzing the document from an economic standpoint, Obong Umana noted that the blueprint marks a critical macroeconomic shift from basic public-sector infrastructure spending to a private-sector-led, productive economy.

“What excites me most about ARISE 2.0 is the deliberate structural transition from mere consumption and basic infrastructure to productivity, value addition, and capital attraction,” Umana stated.

“His Excellency the Governor has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is a leader who keeps his word. Having laid a solid foundation in his first term through rural roads, agricultural support, and social welfare, this second-term agenda is designed to increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and put real income into the pockets of everyday Akwa Ibomites.”

Obong Umana explained that anchoring the 2027–2031 blueprint on tourism, agro-allied investments, technical skills, and job creation directly addresses the twin challenges of unemployment and over-reliance on federal allocations.

According to him, strategic initiatives such as the Uyo City Centre Project, the expansion of specialist medical facilities to curb medical tourism, and the positioning of Akwa Ibom as a premier hospitality and conference destination will trigger a massive multiplier effect across the local economy.

“When you build a world-class healthcare hub and city centre, you are not just erecting physical structures; you are creating a thriving service economy. Small and medium enterprises, local artisans, transport operators, and young entrepreneurs will all benefit from the influx of visitors and foreign direct investment,” he added.

While urging Akwa Ibomites at home and in the diaspora to rally behind the governor’s re-election bid, the former Niger Delta Affairs minister maintained that economic growth thrives best in an environment of policy continuity and political stability.

“Supporting Governor Eno for a second term is a sound economic decision for Akwa Ibom State. The APC family is fully mobilized to ensure that this visionary blueprint moves from paper to reality for the collective prosperity of our people,” Obong Umana concluded.