In an epochal event that marked the commencement of a new chapter in Akwa Ibom State’s development, Governor Umo Eno has unveiled the ARISE Agenda, a visionary plan aimed at propelling the state’s socio-economic growth and transforming the lives of its citizens.
Addressing a diverse audience, Eno expressed his commitment to achieving global best democratic practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasised that the ARISE Agenda and its economic blueprints have been holistically crafted to address the challenges faced by the state while fostering sustainable development.
Furthermore, he expressed his support for the creative industry in the state.
He called on local entertainers to form an umbrella body under the auspices of the “Akwa Ibom Creative Association”. The Governor pledged to pay a premium to the development of local content, recognising the significant contributions of the creative sector to the state’s cultural identity and economic potential.
He urged all stakeholders to unite and work together in a concerted effort to achieve the effective actualisation of the ARISE Agenda. He emphasised that the success of the agenda relied on the collective contributions and dedication of the people of the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi appreciated the Governor for standing out to prove he is a great leader sent by God to usher in a paradigm shift in the governance landscape of the State.
Eyakenyi said Eno has availed people of the state with the ARISE Agenda as a guiding principle, especially key stakeholders on their path towards contributing to the success of the present administration.
Disclosing the key component of The ARISE Agenda, the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mrs. Uduakobong Inam said the initiative is a conceptualised comprehensive framework, anchored on five key pillars to build upon the achievements of previous administrations and take the state to new heights.
According to Inam, the primary focus areas include Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management, and Educational Advancement.
She said through these core pillars, the government seeks to bolster existing economic efforts while fostering a more vibrant, inclusive, diversified, and highly industrialised economy for the state.
The agenda-setting event received goodwill messages from prominent sons of the state, among them were the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob; the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, represented by Justice Archibong Archibong; Ambassador Assam Assam; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; and the Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko.
The launch also featured the decoration of ARISE Agenda ambassadors by the Governor. They included the First Lady of the state, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno; Eyakenyi; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party; Mr Aniekan Akpan; and Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah.
