By Unyime Bassey
As Governor Umo Bassey Eno marks three years in office, stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have continued to commend the administration for what they described as remarkable achievements recorded across critical sectors of the state economy under the ARISE Agenda.
Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Bassey Dan Abia, in an infographic endorsed and approved by the statesman, said the administration has demonstrated commitment to people-oriented governance through impactful projects and empowerment programmes spread across the state.
Speaking on the governor’s scorecard, Abia noted that the administration has recorded significant progress in economic development, healthcare delivery, infrastructure, youth empowerment, agriculture, education and rural development.
According to him, more than 800 entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, have benefitted from grants and business support programmes introduced by the government to stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
He further noted that the administration has strengthened healthcare services through the renovation and equipping of over 150 Primary Healthcare Centres across rural and urban communities, thereby improving access to affordable healthcare for residents.
In the area of sports development, Abia disclosed that over 5,000 young athletes have benefitted from grassroots sporting competitions, talent discovery initiatives and improved sporting facilities across the state.
On environmental sustainability, he said the government has carried out sanitation exercises, erosion control projects and waste management interventions in more than 30 communities across the state.
Abia also commended the administration’s rural development drive, noting that over 200 rural road projects and community-based infrastructure interventions have been completed to improve mobility and stimulate economic activities in underserved communities.
He added that the agricultural sector has witnessed increased government support through farmer empowerment schemes, distribution of seedlings, grants and farm inputs to thousands of farmers aimed at boosting food production and improving rural livelihoods.
The stakeholder further observed that the administration has embarked on strategic road construction and urban renewal projects in several parts of the state to ease transportation challenges and improve infrastructure.
In the education sector, he said the government has sustained the renovation of public schools while providing bursaries and scholarships to thousands of students across the state.
According to him, youth empowerment programmes of the present administration have benefitted more than 60,000 youths through skills acquisition schemes, employment opportunities, grants and business support initiatives.
He also disclosed that over 100 water projects have been rehabilitated and constructed by the government to improve access to clean and potable water in several communities.
Abia described Governor Umo Eno as a visionary leader committed to inclusive growth and sustainable development, stressing that the ARISE Agenda has continued to deliver tangible results across key sectors.
“As Governor Umo Eno marks three years in office, Akwa Ibom people can confidently point to visible projects, human capacity development and strategic interventions that are positively impacting lives and communities across the state,” he stated.