Governor Umo Eno Launches ARISE Agenda and Decorates Ambassadors

In a historic event that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the development of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, unveiled the Agenda ARISE, a visionary plan to propel the state's socio-economic growth and transform the lives of its citizens.

Speaking to a diverse audience, Governor Eno expressed his commitment to implementing the best global democratic practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized that the ARISE program and its economic plans have been holistically developed to address the challenges facing the state while promoting sustainable development.

Furthermore, he expressed his support for the creative industry in Akwa Ibom State.

He called on local artists to form an umbrella body under the auspices of the "Akwa Ibom Creative Association". The governor pledged to pay a local content development bounty, recognizing the important contributions of the creative sector to the cultural identity and economic potential of the state.

The Governor urged all stakeholders to unite and work together in a concerted effort to bring about the effective actualization of the ARISE Agenda. He underscored that the success of the agenda relies on the collective contributions and dedication of the people of Akwa Ibom State.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, appreciated the Governor for stepping out to prove that he is a great leader sent by God to usher in a change of paradigm in the landscape of state governance.

Senator Eyakenyi said Governor Eno has made available to the people of Akwa Ibom the ARISE agenda as a guiding principle, especially key stakeholders on their path to contribute to the success of the current administration.

Unveiling the key element of the ARISE agenda, Ms. Uduakobong Inam, the Economic Advisor to the Governor, said the initiative is a conceptualized overarching framework, anchored on five key pillars, to build on the achievements of previous administrations and take the state to new heights.

According to Ms. Inam, the main areas of intervention are agricultural revolution, rural development, maintenance and advancement of infrastructure, security management and advancement of education.

She said that through these fundamental pillars, the government seeks to strengthen existing economic efforts while fostering a more vibrant, inclusive, diversified and highly industrialized economy for Akwa Ibom.

The agenda-setting event received messages of goodwill from prominent sons of the state, including: Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, Justice Chief of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Justice Archibong Archibong, Ambassador Assam Assam, President Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and Ing. Uwem Okoko, Managing Director, Hensek Integrated Services.

The launch also featured the decoration of ARISE Agenda Ambassadors by the Governor. Those who received the prestigious honor of ARISE Ambassadors were; the First Lady of the State, Rev. (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of Akwa Ibom State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Aniekan Akpan, State Government Secretary, Mr. Enobong Uwah, Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Elder Ben Udobia among others .