NEWS
2027: Eno Unveils ARISE 2.0, Pledges More Ambitious Projects, Economic Transformation
2027: Eno Unveils ARISE 2.0, Pledges More Ambitious Projects, Economic Transformation
Governor unveils ARISE 2.0 development blueprint ahead of 2027 elections.
Promises to reposition Akwa Ibom from an infrastructure-driven economy to an investment, tourism, and agro-industrial hub.
Plans iconic tower, flyover and remodelling of Uyo city centre.
Targets two million votes for Tinubu in 2027 elections.
Senate President Akpabio urges support for Eno’s re-election.
Channel
November 14, () – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled a new development blueprint, ARISE 2.0, promising more ambitious projects and a shift from infrastructure-driven development to an investment-led economy focused on tourism, agriculture, industrialisation and job creation.
Eno unveiled the manifesto at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his administration would build on the achievements of its ARISE 1.0 programme to expand economic opportunities and improve living standards.
The governor said ARISE 2.0 would prioritise investment promotion, private-sector participation, entrepreneurship and the development of a stronger business environment to attract local and foreign investors.
He also announced plans to remodel Uyo city centre with an iconic tower, flyover and other facilities, promising a transformation of the state capital’s skyline.
On tourism, Eno said his administration would harness the state’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality and geographical advantages to position Akwa Ibom as a destination for conferences, entertainment, sports, holidays and cultural festivals.
He also pledged to move agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial production and agro-industrialisation through modern farming techniques, farm settlements, increased support for farmers and expanded agro-processing activities.
The governor identified roads, electricity, transportation, education, healthcare and technical skills development as critical areas for sustained investment, stressing that young people must become active participants in the state’s emerging economy.
He further pledged to sustain social protection programmes for elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and vulnerable families.
On the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, Eno described the project as a strategic pillar of the state’s long-term economic ambition, expressing appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support following progress in the relevant certification and approval processes.
He said the seaport, alongside investments in tourism, agriculture and industry, would position Akwa Ibom as a maritime, logistics and commercial hub.
Addressing the campaign council, the governor urged members to focus on governance records, policies and the welfare of the people, rather than personal attacks, while calling for peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
He challenged the APC campaign structure to mobilise at least two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election and secure victory for other party candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno
Akpabio commended Governor Eno, for his transformative and impactful leadership, describing him as an uncommon transformer 2.0, and urged the governor to remain focused on delivering people-oriented governance despite criticism.
The Senate President also called on Akwa Ibom people to support continuity, peace and good governance, saying these were necessary for the state’s development.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, pledged a disciplined and issue-based campaign, citing the administration’s record in road construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and social welfare.
Assam highlighted road projects covering more than 1,500 kilometres, free and compulsory education, the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers, healthcare interventions and entrepreneurship support as achievements the campaign would present to voters.
The event also featured presentations on the performance of ARISE 1.0 by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Morgan Ekanem, and the State Statistician-General, Uduak Isaac.
