By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State has received a major international boost as the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Programme awarded the state 6,206,745.42 US dollars in recognition of its outstanding performance in transparency, budgetary management and good governance under the 2024 assessment.
Governor Umo Eno announced the award during the July edition of the Monthly Covenant Service held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, describing the recognition as a testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to accountability, prudent management of public resources and institutional reforms under the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor noted that the latest achievement comes shortly after Akwa Ibom emerged as one of Nigeria’s highest-performing states in governance in the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index (CGP), saying the twin recognitions affirm that the state is on a steady path of sustainable development.
According to him, the accolades further validate his administration’s development strategy, which is anchored on transparency, fiscal discipline and people-oriented governance.
Governor Eno also highlighted key achievements across critical sectors of the state’s economy.
He announced the resumption of Ibom Air’s international flight operations between Uyo and Accra, Ghana, with flights currently operating every Thursday and Sunday, expressing confidence that more international destinations would be added as passenger traffic increases.
In the transportation sector, the Governor disclosed that the state government has procured 50 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve public transportation. He revealed that the first batch of 20 buses has already arrived, while the remaining 30 are expected soon. He assured residents that the buses are newly manufactured and that drivers would undergo adequate training before they are deployed for public service.
On youth empowerment, Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to establish Youth Development Centres in all 31 local government areas of the state. He explained that the centres would bring skills acquisition and empowerment programmes closer to young people, complementing ongoing national efforts to enhance youth productivity.
The Governor also urged residents and visitors to explore Akwa Ibom’s expanding tourism destinations, including the ARISE Park and ARISE Resort, describing the period as the state’s “harvest season.”
“We are in our harvest season. You need to visit ARISE Park and the ARISE Resort. Akwa Ibom is doing well, and we will continue to grow our tourism sector,” he stated.
Governor Eno further cautioned journalists, social media users and members of the public against the spread of misinformation, urging them to verify facts before publishing or sharing information. He warned that the dissemination of falsehood is detrimental to society and stressed that offenders risk facing the full weight of the law.
He expressed appreciation to church leaders for their continued prayers for the peace, unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing that sustainable development thrives where good governance is complemented by divine guidance.
Earlier, the Senior Pastor of Victorious Family International, Prophet Williams, who preached on the theme, “Divine Rechristening,” drawn from Isaiah 62:1–4, encouraged believers to remain steadfast in faith, assuring them of God’s promise of restoration, favour and a new identity.
The Monthly Covenant Service attracted government officials, political leaders, members of the clergy and worshippers from various Christian denominations, who gathered to pray for the continued peace, prosperity and development of Akwa Ibom State.
