By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has promised to run a Christ-centric and people-oriented administration that places the welfare and well-being of the people at the centre of his engagements.
Pastor Umo Eno who made the promise in the Easter broadcast presented to the people on Sunday, April 20, 2025, expressed gratitude to the people for the understanding they have displayed, the prayers they have offered, and the unwavering faith they have continually placed in his administration’s capacity to work and expand opportunities for growth aimed at realizing the shared dreams and aspirations of the state.
Eno thanked the people for the love they have shown his administration since he was entrusted with the mandate to serve, noting that though the economic outlook has been somewhat uncertain, with pain and anguish experienced due to global economic challenges, just like Jesus Christ endured suffering on the Cross and rose triumphantly, government was optimistic and assured that, collectively, the State will Arise and overcome the economic challenges.
He said through prudent management of the State’s resources, the fog is lifting, and the horizon is becoming clearer and more predictable.
Eno noted that while government has embarked on numerous ambitious capital projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare delivery services, education, aviation, tourism, housing, and transport, among other key sectors; it has also, over the past 23 months, intentionally devoted itself to reaching out to the poorest and most vulnerable, giving them a reason to be hopeful, which is the essence of the season.
“We have built over 205 Arise Compassionate Homes for the most vulnerable, provided ₦50,000 monthly, through our Arise Elderly Care Initiative to 600 elders drawn from all 369 wards in the state, and construction is ongoing at our ARISE Senior Citizens Centre.
“We have enrolled over 15,000 vulnerable individuals in our Arise Care State Insurance Scheme, which recently earned us a prize as a leading state in this regard. We have paid over ₦60 billion out of the ₦98 billion inherited as backlog in gratuities, enabling our retirees to enjoy peace and comfort in retirement. We have provided free food vouchers to the neediest and poorest, with the next phase set to commence soon as well as our several youth support programmes. “Additionally, we are consciously positioning our state as a destination of choice by deploying turnkey facilities such as Ibom Model Farms, the 766 Kilometers of roads being constructed across the State. Our Model Health Centres, Model Primary Schools, the composite ARISE Resort, the International Convention Centre, and Ibom Hotels amongst others are strategically undertaken to position us as the tourism hub of our nation.
“We thank God that our efforts have been recognized nationally, leading to a series of awards as Governor of the Year, by Thisday Newspaper and Arise News; Leadership Newspaper and the New Telegraph.
“We have received accolades from the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and Security Watch Africa, among others.
“Let us remain hopeful, support us with your prayers, and together, we shall arise and shine, just as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, rose three days after enduring excruciating pains and suffering for our sake.
“Akwa Ibom is rising; our fundamentals for growth are rock-solid, and we are firmly on course for comprehensive growth and expansion”.
Eno described Easter as a season of sacrifice, hope, and redemption, which represents love that is unconditional.
The season according to him, also exemplifies the concept of selfless service, as captured in Matthew 20:28 that, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
He urged the people to be rest assured that government was working diligently to elevate the State to higher levels of growth and development by prioritizing them in all its endeavours, as they mark the season of love, sacrifice, and hope.
The governor used the opportunity to invite all to an Easter Evening of Hymns, holding today, Monday, at the International Christian Worship Center (ICWC), UYO, as part of the Easter celebration.
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