By Our Reporter
The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (EXCO), chaired by Governor Umo Eno, has approved a number of critical resolutions aimed at enhancing governance, healthcare, legal aid, and education in the state, as part of ongoing efforts to actualize the ARISE Agenda.
At its regular meeting held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers in Uyo, the Council reviewed key policy areas and approved measures to improve service delivery across sectors.
To streamline government operations and eliminate overlapping responsibilities among ministries, the Council approved the constitution of a special committee to review and realign ministerial mandates. The committee, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, includes the Head of the Civil Service, Executive Assistant, Attorney General, Solicitor-General, and the Managing Director of AKICORP. The committee is expected to submit its report within six weeks.
In a major step towards justice sector reform, the Council approved the establishment of the Office of the Public Defender under the Ministry of Justice. The new office will offer free legal representation to indigent citizens, reduce unlawful detentions, and promote awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
On healthcare, following a review of the ongoing State of Emergency in the sector, the Council approved several measures including the recruitment of medical professionals, increase in special allowances for health workers, implementation of a “skipping policy,” and commencement of hospital rehabilitation projects by November 1. A health stakeholders’ dialogue has been scheduled for November 8–9, while the General Hospital in Ukanafun is set for commissioning on November 10. The government also approved a medical residency training fund, pending final agreements.
Further aligning with its Human Capital Development objectives, the Council ratified the upgrading of the College of Education, Afaha Nsit, to the Akwa Ibom State University of Education. The institution is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing teacher education standards in the state.
The Council also ratified various ongoing projects previously approved by the FGPC, reflecting the administration’s continued push for infrastructure and development.
Earlier in the day, Governor Umo Eno received the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Mohammed Musa, who commended the administration for its support to police operations through logistics and welfare initiatives.
The meeting ended with a condolence visit by the Council to the family of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a revered spiritual leader, who recently passed away.
