By Aniekan Umanah
In what seems like the blink of an eye, 2024 has come and gone. Three hundred and sixty-six days have been etched into the annals of history. For Akwa Ibom State, however, 2024 was not just another year; it was a turning point, a time when good governance steered the course of history toward progress and compassion. Governor Umo Eno’s extraordinary accomplishments during this period earned him the well-deserved honor of the People’s Man of the Year, 2024.
The verdict is unanimous: Akwa Ibom State is witnessing intentional, inclusive, and people-centric governance like never before. The question isn’t what Governor Eno achieved; it’s what he didn’t accomplish for the people of Akwa Ibom. In 2024, he stood firmly by his mandate of service to the people, cementing his reputation as a true leader committed to their well-being. His legacy is not just about policies and projects; it’s about the lives he’s touched and the future he’s building for Akwa Ibom.
Make no mistake: every step of this transformative journey has been firmly anchored on the ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno’s comprehensive encyclopedia of statecraft. From agriculture and rural development to infrastructure expansion, security management, and educational transformation, the story of 2024 has been one of remarkable impact. Beyond these, Governor Eno’s compassionate initiatives have set him apart as a leader who truly loves and prioritizes his people.
Agriculture, rural development, and food security were foundational pillars of Governor Eno’s administration in 2024, and the results were outstanding. Initiatives such as the Ibom Model Farms, the construction of rural access roads, the Free Food Distribution program benefiting over 500,000 households, and the provision of farming inputs to various groups fortified the state’s food security. The ARISE Home Farms Scheme empowered grassroots food production, fostering sustainability and self-reliance. Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom State achieved a significant milestone: no household was left hungry in 2024.
Youth empowerment remained central to Governor Eno’s vision. His administration introduced transformative programs, including the Ibom LED Initiative, the Ibom Community Watch (which employed thousands with monthly stipends), skills acquisition projects, and financial support for young entrepreneurs. The Youth Employment Portal became a game-changer, connecting youths to opportunities across public and private sectors. Moreover, ₦750 million was allocated to fund three months of unemployment benefits, meeting part of his target to empower 5,000 youths.
In addition, the ARISE Elderly Care program provided monthly financial support to the elderly across the state, while plans are underway to establish a state-of-the-art elder care center along the medical corridor.
Under Governor Eno’s leadership, Akwa Ibom State became a construction hub in 2024. A total of 152 road projects and bridges, spanning over 700 kilometers, were initiated or completed across all 31 local government areas. The One-Project-Per-Local-Government Area initiative, selected by stakeholders, brought development directly to even the most remote communities, ensuring no one was left out.
Even amidst personal tragedy, the devastating loss of his beloved wife and First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Late Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the governor displayed unwavering resilience. He assured the people that governance would not falter, and true to his word, his administration continued to deliver on its promises while managing family grief.
Governor Eno elevated Akwa Ibom’s tourism sector to unprecedented heights. Beyond sustaining and improving the popular 32 Days of Christmas Unplugged Festival, he transformed the once-dreaded ravine along Brooks Street into the world-class Arise Park. With a nine-hole golf course, water parks, and other recreational facilities, the park, set to launch in 2025, promises to enhance residents’ quality of life while generating revenue for the state. Similarly, he began transforming the old Oron Beach into a tourist haven with world-class jetties and leisure facilities to enhance water transportation.
Governor Eno’s commitment to health and education was evident in 2024. Brand new model primary healthcare centers were built, and secondary and tertiary health institutions were revitalized, aligning with his vision of creating a medical corridor in the state. In education, model primary schools equipped with state-of-the-art facilities were constructed, reinforcing his belief that no society can grow beyond its commitment to education. These strides have positioned Akwa Ibom as a beacon of educational excellence.
Governor Eno demonstrated a strong commitment to human capital development through strategic appointments, employment opportunities, and capacity-building initiatives. Security also received significant attention, with the strengthening of internal security and waterways protection and the Ibom Community Watch initiative. His collaboration with the Federal Government to establish an Air Force Base underscored his proactive approach to ensuring peace and safety.
Transparency, accountability, and citizen participation were hallmarks of Governor Eno’s administration in 2024. Platforms such as the ARISE Dialogue, the State Budget Retreat, and the Executive Council End-of-Year Briefing provided opportunities for citizens to engage with government policies, programs, and projects, review progress, and offer constructive feedback.
Economic sustainability was also prioritized. Governor Eno invested in transformative projects such as Ibom Air, the New Terminal Building , , Taxi Way, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and the Ibom Deep Seaport. He expanded the state’s investment portfolio by recovering moribund assets and initiating their conversion into revenue generating ventures. Notable projects include the Ibom Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos, and the proposed four-star Ibom Hotels in Abuja.
Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership was evident through initiatives like the ARISE Homes Project, which delivered 96 houses for the homeless (out of a target of 400 over four years). Programs such as free food distribution and monthly stipends for 600 elderly citizens further demonstrated his commitment to supporting the most vulnerable.
Institutional reforms also defined Governor Eno’s administration. ICT-driven governance initiatives, such as AKWAGiS to digitize land administration, the Arise Youth Employment Portal, and the computerized payment of bursaries, streamlined processes and enhanced efficiency. Legal frameworks were also established for key agencies like the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Health Insurance Agency (anchored on the ARISECare initiative), and Asset Management Agency, among others.
Governor Umo Eno’s administration also set a remarkable precedent in political inclusion and fostered a politics of “live and let’s live.” Under his leadership, all political platforms were accorded the respect they deserved, creating a harmonious political climate in the state. His inclusive approach ensured that national leaders and members of opposition parties were welcomed with open arms and treated with dignity, reflecting his commitment to unity and collaboration. He has never hidden his respect for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , GCFR as well as the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, GCON who is an Akwa Ibom scion. By prioritizing mutual respect and dialogue, Governor Eno demonstrated that governance transcends party lines, laying the foundation for a more cohesive and progressive Akwa Ibom State. This unprecedented political inclusivity not only strengthened democracy but also fostered an atmosphere of peace and development.
As 2024 drew to a close, Governor Eno’s inter-ministerial briefing offered a detailed scorecard of the administration’s achievements, reinforcing his commitment to transparency and people-centered governance. His presentation of the 2025 Appropriations Bill, which was swiftly passed, set the stage for continued progress. His compassion extended to the grassroots with Christmas rice gifts distributed to all 2,272 villages and robust stakeholder engagements on December 24.
As we get set for the cross -over to 2025, the legacy of progress and transformation in Akwa Ibom remains indelible. Governor Umo Eno’s visionary leadership has etched 2024 into history as a year of unprecedented achievements which can never be exhausted in these few paragraphs.
It comes as no surprise that the people of Akwa Ibom unanimously crown Governor Umo Eno as their Man of the Year, 2024.
Kudos to the People’s Man of the Year! Congratulations to the Governor of the People. Happy New Year!
