By Solomon OKPO
The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has approved 39 development projects and adopted a comprehensive policy framework for senior citizens as part of key resolutions reached at its meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Uyo.
The meeting, presided over by Governor Umo Eno, focused on accelerating the delivery of the administration’s ARISE Agenda while strengthening governance structures across critical sectors.
In his opening remarks, Governor Eno commended members of the council for their contributions to governance and urged them to intensify efforts toward prompt and decisive implementation of government policies and programmes. He also advised any council member intending to contest in forthcoming general elections to resign in compliance with the Electoral Act.
A major highlight of the meeting was the ratification of 39 projects following the consideration of memoranda from the Finance and General Purpose Committee. The projects include 27 road constructions spanning over 167 kilometres across the state. Among them is the dualisation and construction of a six-lane, 36-kilometre Nung Udoe–Afaha Offiong–Ikot Imo–Itreto road, alongside other strategic road projects in Onna, Eket and Nsit Ibom local government areas.
In a move aimed at enhancing the welfare of elderly citizens, the council approved the adoption and implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Aging Policy.
The council further directed that the Senior Citizens Establishment Bill, 2026 be transmitted to the State House of Assembly to provide a legal framework for elderly care, including the management of the Oluremi Senior Citizens Centre.
The council also reviewed reports on the impact of the N2B Agricultural Grant and N2B Traders Grant, noting significant improvements in farm productivity, agro-processing activities, and business growth across the state. Increased access to farm inputs, expansion of farm sizes, and improved income levels among beneficiaries were cited as key outcomes of the agricultural intervention.
As part of efforts to improve rural water supply, the council examined the implementation plan for the ARISE-GIFA solar-powered Braithwaite storage tank project across the 369 wards and directed adjustments to ensure community participation in maintenance.
Additionally, the council inaugurated a Steering Committee on Ward-Level Cooperative Societies, chaired by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi. The committee is mandated to drive policy coordination and oversight of cooperative societies as instruments for poverty reduction, food security, and rural transformation.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
The Evangelist News
