Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has reaffirmed that Governor Umo Eno’s administration remains committed to deepening impactful and people-oriented governance through the effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking during the October edition of the Monthly Media Interactive Briefing held on Friday at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Umanah announced that preparations are in top gear for the official unveiling of the ARISE Palm Resort.
According to him the resort will be a world-class tourism and leisure destination designed to boost investment, expand the state’s hospitality sector, and position Akwa Ibom as a leading business and travel hub in West Africa.
The Commissioner highlighted several achievements of the administration, including the restoration of night flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport, ongoing health sector reforms, major infrastructure projects, and the upgrading of the Akwa Ibom State College of Education to a University of Education, all aimed at driving inclusive growth and improving the welfare of citizens.
Umanah further revealed that inspection has commenced at the CNG Mass Transit Bus Terminal along the new Stadium Road, Uyo, which includes a gas station, training school, and maintenance workshop.
He added that the Ibom International Hotel and Conference Centre along the Tropicana corridor is nearing completion, while the Governor has signed a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, bringing the total revised 2025 budget to ₦1.65 trillion. According to him, ₦60 billion has been released to contractors to accelerate ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects ahead of the dry season.
Speaking further, the Commissioner also disclosed the establishment of a state-of-the-art Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre for transparent civil service recruitment and the repositioning of Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) as a stand-alone agency to boost palm oil production and rural enterprise.
He highlighted the ongoing creation of Youth-Friendly Centres across the 31 Local Government Areas to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among young people, while noting Governor Eno’s growing support for the creative industry through initiatives such as the proposed Ibom Creative Village.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, announced that the 2025 edition of Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged, a 32-day celebration of music, cuisine, and culture, will hold from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, at Unity Park, Uyo.
He expressed optimism that the ARISE Palm Resort will be unveiled during the festivities as part of the state’s tourism expansion drive.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended the Ministry of Information for sustaining the monthly briefings, describing the engagement as a vital platform for strengthening government-media relations.
He appreciated the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism for his tireless efforts in sustaining Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and commended him for the successful “5ive Tour” organized by Davido, noting that his dedication and commitment contributed greatly to the event’s remarkable success.
The event was attended by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerette Udoh, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mrs. Ime Udo Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; Director-General of AKBC, Mrs. Imaobong Udo; SSA to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk; SA on Ethical Orientation, Dr. Osondu Ahirika; and representatives of various media organizations across the state.
