Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, a pastor and church founder, adopts a meticulous and businesslike approach to governance, mirroring his successful management of thriving enterprises. Known for his prudence and frugality, Eno carefully tracks all income and expenditures, aiming to identify areas for savings and investment while preventing financial leakages for the benefit of all citizens.
From the outset of his administration, Eno expressed his intention to run the government with a private sector mindset, aiming to usher Akwa Ibom into a prosperous era. Observers are not surprised by his hands-on leadership style, which reflects his commitment to improving the state’s socio-economic landscape.
During the 2023 governorship campaign, Eno publicly challenged external statistical agencies regarding the state’s unemployment and poverty figures. He pledged to conduct a thorough assessment of accurate statistics for the state, not only for public awareness but also to help his administration identify and exploit “low hanging fruits” for development. True to his word, he swiftly took action after assuming office.
In August 2023, just three months into his tenure, Eno introduced an executive bill to establish the Akwa Ibom Bureau of Statistics. By December of that year, the bill had become law, underscoring the governor’s commitment to ensuring that timely and reliable statistics drive the state’s development initiatives. Eno emphasized the critical role of accurate data in enhancing service delivery, transparency, and good governance, which are essential for the success of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
On October 21, 2024, Eno further demonstrated his commitment to improving employment opportunities for youths in the state by launching the ARISE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PORTAL. This innovative online platform aims to create a comprehensive database of unemployed youths and connect them with job creators both within Akwa Ibom and beyond.
Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on ICT, elaborated on the portal’s advantages, showcasing its functionalities to an audience of enthusiastic youths and government officials. This initiative not only aims to benefit the government and the unemployed but also supports private sector operators in Akwa Ibom State, ultimately fostering economic growth and job creation.
Governor Umo Eno’s businesslike approach, combined with his commitment to accurate data and youth empowerment, positions Akwa Ibom State on a path towards sustainable development and prosperity.
