Aniekan Umanah
The Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, was filled to capacity on the morning of Monday, February 24. It was a moment of purpose, a turning point in destiny as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State swore in a newly-reconstituted State Executive Council.
At exactly 11:30 a.m., anticipation filled the air as Governor Umo Eno, arrived.
Clad in a well- cut dark-striped suit, an immaculate white shirt and a polka-dotted tie, he exuded the calm confidence of a leader on a mission.
Before him stood men and women now entrusted with the sacred responsibility of interpreting and executing the ARISE Agenda.
The swearing-in commenced. One by one, all 27 newly-appointed commissioners, impeccably dressed, stepped forward in pairs to take their oaths. The Governor administered the oath of office and the oath of allegiance: “I… do solemnly swear…”
Their mission was clear: to consolidate and expand the legacy of progress, breathe life into the ARISE Agenda and serve as stewards of Akwa Ibom’s future.
In his address, Eno was unequivocal:
“This is not a war cabinet but a delivery cabinet.”
With those words, he set the tone for a call to action.
“The central and defining element of this Exco is unity of purpose, teamwork and positive collaboration in delivering our campaign promises to the people of our dear state.”
Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the Governor likened the new executive council to Joseph’s team, entrusted with a vision and tasked with interpreting and delivering on its promise. He urged them to embrace their roles not just as commissioners and special advisers but as builders of dreams and architects of a better Akwa Ibom.
“You have been chosen from among the 7.9 million people of this blessed state to serve,” he emphasized. “Your loyalty must be to the Governor and to the state.”
His speech was both a charge and a caution, an appeal for unity, an insistence on efficiency and a firm resolve against distractions. He referenced 2 Kings 4:38-41, where Prophet Elisha’s intervention turned a poisoned meal into nourishment, underscoring that this Executive Council must embody love, teamwork and unity.
“We have a blueprint, the ARISE Agenda,” he reminded them. “Your role, like Joseph’s, is to interpret the dream and work collaboratively to prepare our state and people for sustained economic growth and prosperity.”
The Governor was resolute in his commitment to peace and progress, warning against political infighting.
“I am a man of peace, not confrontation,” he declared. “You have not been appointed to ignite unnecessary conflicts but to maintain the peace we enjoy and to make Akwa Ibom an oasis of tranquility where investors and tourists will continue to thrive.”
With the budget passed and major projects outlined, there was no time to waste. To ensure efficiency, the Governor announced the creation of a Delivery Unit and the appointment of Delivery Advisors, tasked with overseeing project execution within strict timelines.
“We do not have the luxury of time,” he warned. “We are in a hurry to deliver tangible democratic dividends in line with the ARISE Agenda. Therefore, we will not entertain excuses, tardiness or working at cross-purposes.”
In just 20.months, Eno’s administration had recorded significant achievements: agricultural advancements, rural development projects, major healthcare improvements and infrastructure expansion. With over 30 major projects set for execution in the coming year, he urged his new team to seize the moment.
“What a great time to be called to serve in this movement of expansion and consolidation!”
A defining moment of the inauguration was the Governor’s emphasis on youth empowerment. The newly-created stand-alone Ministry of Youths reflected his administration’s commitment to providing real opportunities for young people.
“Our young people, especially in engineering and construction, are now handling multi-billion Naira projects because they have demonstrated capacity,” he noted. “We have created young millionaires through their skills and training and we will create more.”
He urged his new commissioners to be the voices of their generation in governance, ensuring that politics remained people-centered.
“Politics is local. Your celebratory parties should not be in Uyo but in your respective wards. Your people must feel the impact of governance through you.”
Then came a moment of surprise, one that underscored the Governor’s commitment to equipping his team for success. Turning to the newly sworn-in commissioners and special advisers, he announced:
“Your job starts now. To ease your work, I have provided each of you with a brand-new Prado Jeep and a security truck.”
Gasps of excitement and appreciation filled the hall. But the Governor was not one for mere rhetoric. Stepping outside, he led the gathering to witness the sight of sleek, new Toyota Prado Jeeps and security trucks lined up under the sunlight, a clear statement that the work ahead was serious and the government was ready to back its team with the necessary resources.
As Eno concluded his address, his charge was unmistakable:
“We came to serve our people. And in 20 months, to the glory of God, we are right on course. Your job starts now. Go and get it done!”
Thunderous applause erupted, signaling the dawn of a new chapter. With the Governor’s words still echoing, their official vehicles gleaming outside and their portfolios in hand, one thing was clear:
The time for action had begun.
With the swearing-in concluded and the weight of responsibility settling in, the newly-inaugurated commissioners were immediately ushered into their first official assignment. The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, convened a brief meeting where each commissioner received his official portfolio.
At that moment, titles became mandates, expectations turned into responsibilities and the collective hope of the Akwa Ibom people became a call to action.
Each commissioner was now set for the inaugural Exco meeting scheduled for 1.00 pm on Tuesday, February 25, and had a sector to oversee, a space to make an impact and an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.
Welcome on board !
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