₦airaland Forum

Akwa Ibom’s Tree Crop Revolution: Planting the Future Beyond Oil

By Ekaette Okon Joseph Thompson

More than 620,000 improved oil palm seedlings will begin moving into farms across Akwa Ibom State tomorrow as Governor Umo Eno officially launches the State’s Tree Crop Revolution, an ambitious agricultural initiative projected to create over 30,000 jobs and cultivate 100,000 hectares of oil palm within five years.

But beyond the numbers lies a deeper story of memory, identity, and economic rebirth.

For many families across Akwa Ibom, the oil palm tree once represented a means of survival. In rural communities, children grew up watching harvesters climb towering palm trees at dawn while women processed red oil in local mills for sale at village markets. Palm produce paid school fees, built homes, sustained trade, and shaped the economy long before crude oil transformed Nigeria’s revenue structure.

Tomorrow, at the headquarters of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme, AKADEP, in Uyo, the State government will attempt to reconnect that forgotten agricultural heritage to a modern economic vision driven by mechanisation, investment, and agro-industrial expansion.

At the centre of the initiative is the distribution of improved seedlings to 15,500 households across the 31 local government areas of the State during the first phase of implementation.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, said beneficiaries were selected through a comprehensive data enumeration exercise conducted across Akwa Ibom’s 329 wards in collaboration with local government councils.

“The target is to cultivate 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations within five years,” Offor stated. “Each beneficiary at the take-off stage will receive 40 improved seedlings as part of the government’s agricultural transformation programme.”

For decades, agriculture formed the backbone of economic life across the old Eastern Region. Historical records show that Nigeria accounted for more than 40 percent of global palm oil production in the early 1960s before the discovery of crude oil shifted national attention away from farming.

Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia later transformed the same sector into multi-billion-dollar industries through consistent policy, plantation expansion, research, and the development of processing infrastructure.

Today, those countries dominate global palm oil exports while Nigeria struggles with declining production despite possessing vast agricultural potential.

Akwa Ibom’s Tree Crop Revolution is therefore being positioned not merely as a farming programme, but as a strategic economic recovery initiative designed to rebuild rural productivity and strengthen agro-industrial development.

Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said projections by the State government indicate that the initiative could generate more than 30,000 jobs across the agricultural value chain while attracting private-sector investment into processing and export.

“This programme will strengthen mechanised farming support systems, improve productive land use, expand opportunities in value addition, and increase rural incomes,” Umanah noted ahead of the launch ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m.

The programme aligns with Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security, and Education as key pillars of economic growth.

Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee, Professor Okon Ansa, described the initiative as a long-term investment capable of transforming communities for generations.

“We are not just planting trees; we are planting generational wealth,” Ansa said. “Each seedling represents future income, food security, and economic stability for families across the State.”

Recent performances by major agro-industrial companies further underscore the profitability of the sector. Nigerian palm oil firms including Okomu Oil Palm Plc and Presco Plc have recorded strong revenue growth in recent years, reinforcing renewed investor confidence in agriculture and food processing.

Governor Eno has repeatedly described the initiative as an investment designed to outlive his administration.
“We are building an agricultural economy that future generations will benefit from,” the governor stated during a recent inspection of the revamped AKADEP facility in Uyo.

Beyond its economic projections, however, the Tree Crop Revolution carries emotional significance for many rural communities where agriculture once shaped culture, labour, and communal life.

From palm fruit harvesting to local processing and trade, the oil palm tree historically represented dignity, resilience, and enterprise across Akwa Ibom.

Tomorrow’s launch therefore signals more than the distribution of seedlings. It marks Akwa Ibom’s attempt to reclaim an agricultural identity that once built prosperity and could again define the State’s economic future.

As the first seedlings are planted across farms and villages, the success of the initiative may ultimately be measured not only by hectares cultivated or jobs created, but by whether agriculture can once again become a pathway to shared prosperity for thousands of families across the State.

Ekaette Okon Joseph is the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Media and Publisher of Niger Delta Post Newspaper.

A legacy of water: How Akwa Ibom’s ward-by-ward borehole plan could redefine rural WASH in Nigeria.


By Ekaette Okon-Joseph

When Governor Umo Eno rose to speak at the second anniversary of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) at Ibom Hall in Uyo on Saturday, the moment was reflective, solemn and resolute. The event coincided with the posthumous birthday of his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, whose humanitarian vision gave birth to GIFA.

The Governor commended Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairman of GIFA, Noble Lady Helen Obareki for her commitment in advancing the vision of her mother saying, "I am happy to note that this Initiative is living up to the foundational ideals and objectives of its founding. You have kept faith with the implementation of the eight thematic areas and the record of achievements so far recorded as attested to by the statistics and the impact you have just reeled off”.

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, on behalf of the women, felicitated GIFA for its impactful projects and programmes, appreciated Governor Eno for his gender- friendly disposition and assured that women will continue to remain strong partners of GIFA.

Speaking on behalf of the wives of Governors in attendance, Wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs.Priscilla Otti, commended Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki for the impact recorded by the pet project, and assured of support and collaboration where necessary to achieve more.

But beyond the tributes and testimonies, what emerged was a policy decision with far-reaching implications: a directive to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN) to partner with GIFA to deliver a functional borehole in each of the state’s 369 wards within one year.

The announcement was both symbolic and strategic, a legacy project in memory of a departed First Lady, and a systemic intervention in one of Nigeria’s most urgent development challenges: access to safe water.

The water challenge in context.

Water scarcity is not abstract. It is measurable, and it is urgent.

According to the World Bank, “only about 70 percent of Nigerians have access to at least basic water supply services, and access in rural areas is significantly lower”. The disparities between urban and rural communities remain stark, with millions relying on unsafe surface water.

Globally, the United Nations reports that 2.2 billion people lack safely managed drinking water services.

Contaminated water contributes to preventable diseases, lost productivity and school absenteeism, burdens that fall disproportionately on women and girls.

Nigeria’s WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) deficit has economic consequences. The World Bank has estimated that poor sanitation alone costs Nigeria about 1.3 percent of its GDP annually due to health costs and lost productivity.

For Akwa Ibom, a coastal, oil-producing state with riverine and rural communities, access challenges are shaped by geography, groundwater variability and infrastructure gaps. Addressing them requires both capital investment and community-based models.

From tribute to policy directive.

At the Ibom Hall event, Governor Eno moved from commendation to commitment.

He directed AKRUWATSAN and the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to immediately establish modalities with GIFA “to ensure that within the next one year, every ward in every local government area of the state has a GIFA Water Project.”

The initiative is designed to be functional, not ceremonial: each ward will host a borehole serving as a reliable water source. By anchoring implementation in state agencies, the plan embeds civil society partnership within public infrastructure systems, a model development practitioners often advocate.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, immediate past president of the African Development Bank (AFDB), has repeatedly stressed that “water is life, and access to clean water is a fundamental human right”.

Policy analysts argue that ward-level targeting increases equity by preventing political concentration of projects in urban centers.

In practical terms, a ward-based distribution ensures geographical balance. It also aligns with decentralized service delivery frameworks that the World Bank has promoted in Nigeria’s rural water reform efforts.

Scaling WASH under the ARISE Agenda.

The borehole initiative is not occurring in isolation. It aligns with Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, an acronym for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management, and Educational Advancement.

Rural development, in particular, places water at the center of health, agriculture and micro-enterprise. Boreholes reduce the time women spend fetching water, enabling economic participation. They support agro-processing clusters, smallholder irrigation and food safety, all pillars of the agricultural revolution component.

Over the past year, the state has invested in rural roads to ease farm-to-market access, launched women-focused agro-processing projects and expanded cooperative financing. These interventions complement water infrastructure: clean water underpins food processing hygiene, small-scale fisheries and cassava value chains.

Sanitation agencies in Nigeria have long emphasized that WASH integration, combining water supply with hygiene education and sanitation facilities, multiplies impact. UNICEF Nigeria notes that access to safe water is critical for reducing child mortality and waterborne diseases.

By directing AKRUWATSAN to lead technical collaboration with GIFA, the state positions the initiative within regulated water quality standards and sustainability frameworks, rather than as standalone charity projects.

SDG alignment and measurable targets

The initiative directly advances Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

SDG 6.1 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030. Ward-level mapping creates measurable units: 369 wards, 369 boreholes, a quantifiable baseline.

Development economist Dr. Mfon Ekpo, who delivered the anniversary lecture at the GIFA event, emphasized the multiplier effect of targeted interventions. “Community-based infrastructure catalyzes behavioral change and local ownership,” she noted, underscoring the importance of accountability and maintenance systems.

Policy experts often caution that boreholes fail without community management and budgeted maintenance. The World Bank’s rural water programs in Nigeria highlight the need for trained local water committees and tariff systems to ensure sustainability.

Embedding GIFA’s social mobilization capacity with state technical oversight could address that gap, blending grassroots trust with institutional continuity.

A gendered legacy

The emotional resonance of the announcement lies in its origin. Pastor Patience Umo Eno founded GIFA around eight thematic pillars, including health and social welfare. Water access intersects with maternal health, child nutrition and women’s dignity.

Globally, the UN Water notes that women and girls spend an estimated 200 million hours each day collecting water. Reducing that burden transforms educational outcomes and household income potential.

At the anniversary event, women leaders, including visiting governors’ wives, affirmed the initiative’s gender impact. Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi described women as “strong partners” in community development, underscoring the political support base for WASH expansion.

From model to movement

Nigeria has declared a state of emergency on WASH in recent years, but implementation gaps persist. If Akwa Ibom achieves full ward coverage within a year, it will establish a replicable governance template: clear numerical targets, civil society partnership, agency-led oversight and time-bound delivery.

Development analysts often cite Rwanda’s community water models and Ethiopia’s decentralized rural systems as examples of scalable reform. Subnational governments in Nigeria can play a similar catalytic role.

For Akwa Ibom, the borehole plan is more than infrastructure. It is a test of coordination, between government and philanthropy, between memory and mandate, between aspiration and measurable progress.

As Governor Eno framed it at Ibom Hall, a job well done means more work to be done. In translating tribute into tangible pipes and pumps across 369 wards, the state seeks to turn grief into governance and legacy into liquid impact.

If successful, clean water flowing from each ward will not only honor a life of service; it will anchor rural development in one of the most elemental rights of all, safe water for every home.

Ekaette Okon-Joseph is Special Assistant on Media to the Akwa Ibom State governor on media and can be reached via (kattyworx@gmail.com).

Human Capital Before Politics: Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, One of Akwa Ibom’s Greatest Assets

By Ekaette Okon

In Nigeria, discussions about progress often focus on roads, buildings, and political alignments. Yet, the most enduring measure of development lies in the quality of people a society nurtures. On this front, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has distinguished himself as a quiet but transformative force. Across professional, political, and civic landscapes, he has consistently demonstrated that leadership is measured not by titles or offices held, but by the lives one impacts.

I have witnessed this firsthand, along with many others who have worked closely with him over the years. During his tenure as a leader in the Maintain Peace Movement, I saw how Enoidem helped shape political consensus and foster stability in Akwa Ibom. It was under his guidance that relationships were cultivated, trust built, and capable leaders, including Governor Umo Eno, were supported in ways that prioritized the state’s future over personal ambition. His dedication to civic harmony and leadership development created a foundation that has benefited countless citizens.

Enoidem’s approach to leadership is rooted in empathy and action. Around three years ago, when I personally reached out to him during a challenging period, I experienced the same responsiveness that countless others have: discreet support, without expectation or publicity. These gestures are not anomalies. Across Akwa Ibom, many students, young professionals, and families have been quietly mentored, assisted, or guided by him.

Born on July 27, 1964, in Utu, Ikot Eboro village of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Emmanuel Enoidem was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and founded Enoidem & Associates in 1992. He earned a Master of Laws (LL.M) in 1996 while serving as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Uyo. His legal career has been characterized by discipline, intellectual rigor, and ethical practice—qualities that culminated in his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2023.

His political career mirrors this commitment to service. Beginning as Legal Adviser for the Social Democratic Party in Etim Ekpo in 1992, he later served as Executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area (1997–1998) and as State Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (2001–2007). Enoidem’s influence extended beyond party lines as he played key roles in shaping consensus and fostering leadership within Akwa Ibom.

From 2007 to 2015, as Commissioner for Housing and Urban Renewal and later Commissioner for Special Duties under Governor Godswill Akpabio, Enoidem supervised transformative urban projects. These included the Uyo Government House, Ibom e-Library, Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, Le-Meridien Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort, major housing estates, and market relocations. He coordinated urban renewal programs, flood control measures, commercial hub upgrades, and recreational developments—ensuring that these projects were not only completed but sustainable and beneficial to the citizens. While he did not fund these projects personally, his oversight was critical in translating plans into functional realities.

Yet, the hallmark of Emmanuel Enoidem’s public service is his unwavering focus on human capital. He often emphasizes that “roads do not think. Buildings do not innovate. Airports do not create ideas. People do.” This principle has guided his actions—mentoring, supporting education, offering legal guidance, and nurturing careers—creating a ripple effect that strengthens the state’s most valuable resource: its citizens. His philosophy aligns seamlessly with Governor Umo Eno’s current emphasis on skill development, inclusive governance, and people-centered growth.

Enoidem’s commitment to the state transcends partisan politics. His recent move from PDP to APC generated discussion, but the consistency of his values is unmistakable. Across party lines, he has built bridges, fostered dialogue, and prioritized state interest over personal gain. For Akwa Ibom to continue thriving, leaders like him—those who promote unity, stability, and human capital development—remain indispensable.

Akwa Ibom may be rich in natural resources, but history demonstrates that sustainable development relies on educated, skilled, confident, and morally grounded citizens. Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, invests in this resource daily—through mentorship, guidance, and fostering civic responsibility. He builds people, believes in people, and stands with people.

Long after political seasons shift, the students, professionals, and citizens he has supported will continue to contribute to society. This is the truest measure of leadership. By any account, Emmanuel Enoidem remains one of Akwa Ibom’s greatest assets—a statesman whose influence in human capital and governance will resonate for generations.

Akwa Ibom’s 2026 Budget: A Capital-Focused Blueprint for Real Growth


By Ekaette Okon Joseph

When Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State walked into the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly last week to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill, he did more than fulfil a constitutional obligation; he set out a governance philosophy anchored on fiscal realism, community intelligence and a deliberate shift toward growth-driving capital investment in Nigeria.

The ₦1.39 trillion spending plan, christened The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth, is not only 16 per cent lower than the revised 2025 budget but also the clearest indication yet of the administration’s discipline in matching ambition with capacity. In a subnational space where budgets often balloon without corresponding performance, Akwa Ibom’s 2026 proposal stands as a model for prudent planning across West Africa.

The most consequential reform in the 2026 budget is the 75 per cent allocation to capital expenditure, a figure far above the national average for states where capital spending typically ranges between 35 and 55 per cent. Only 25 per cent will go to recurrent obligations. This allocation signals a government refusing to indulge in the easy politics of salaries and overheads at the expense of long-term development.

The logic behind the 2026 Akwa Ibom state budget is increasingly featured in global public-finance thinking. In its October 2025 Fiscal Monitor, the IMF shows that many emerging and middle-income economies are beginning to reverse decades of underinvestment in public capital. By improving public investment management (PIM) institutions, strong procurement systems, transparent accounting, and digital land management, states can double the fiscal multiplier of each investment.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Nsikan Linus Nkan, was unequivocal during the post-presentation media briefing, noting that “this budget is designed to drive expansion, stimulate the economy and consolidate gains under the ARISE Agenda.” His confidence is supported by data on budget performance: Akwa Ibom state posted an unprecedented 86.9 per cent budget execution by Q3 2025, proof that the administration’s conservative approach, trimming excesses and prioritising implementation, is working.

The foundation of the 2026 budget can be traced to March 8, 2025, when Governor Eno began the Statewide Town Square Meetings as part of a NEEDs assessment strategy. Residents across the ten federal constituencies were asked to articulate their needs, and the result is a budget largely shaped by those community submissions, an unusual but commendable practice in Nigerian subnational governance. By the third quarter of 2025, government revenues had already reached 108 per cent of the target, driven by improved IGR efficiency and strengthened financial controls. This performance formed the basis for a more ambitious but conservative 2026 revenue projection of ₦1.146 trillion, a target supported by expected gains from VAT, derivation, signature bonuses and improved tax administration.

Of the proposed ₦1.39 trillion, the economic sector receives the largest share of ₦789.9 billion, further confirming that the administration views economic expansion as the path to sustainable prosperity. Roads and infrastructure dominate this component, with ₦387.5 billion dedicated to the sector. The state has more than 900 kilometres of roads currently under construction, with none abandoned. The 2026 plan prioritises the completion of strategic links, bridge upgrades, acceleration of the Medical Corridor and expansion of aviation facilities, including the newly approved upgrade of the Victor Attah International Airport.

Agriculture and food security also sit prominently within the economic sector, and with more than 69,000 farmers supported between 2023 and 2025, the state intends to expand mechanised farming, strengthen palm value chains, and continue supporting smallholder producers to stabilise food supplies. In addition, MSME and local economy growth will receive a major boost through the groundbreaking ₦1 billion-per-LGA enterprise fund, which will go fully live in 2026. The ₦31 billion enterprise fund initiative is dedicated to rural entrepreneurship, job creation, and SME acceleration, making it one of the most ambitious subnational enterprise programmes in Nigeria.

The budget also outlines investments in renewable energy and transportation modernisation. The state plans to roll out CNG buses, develop eco-friendly ferries, invest in renewable power projects, and pursue emissions reduction strategies that align with global sustainability standards. These initiatives position Akwa Ibom to take advantage of the emerging clean energy economy.

With ₦305.5 billion allocated to the social sector, the budget places strong emphasis on health, education, and human capital. It prioritises the completion of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital, rehabilitation of PHCs and secondary facilities, expanded hiring of medical professionals, 3,300 of whom have already been engaged, upgraded model schools and improved teacher recruitment. The plan also includes youth development centres in all 31 local government areas; these expenditures are not repetitive social spending but future-facing capital investments that improve life expectancy, literacy and overall productivity.

A new era of fiscal controls and transparency is also underway. The Commissioner for Finance, Emem Bob, announced that full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) will begin in January 2026, alongside the activation of Akwa-GIS digital land administration. “The budget is clear, people-centred, and economically stimulating; these reforms aim to close leakages, automate revenue processes, and modernise the state’s fiscal regime, an essential step for any subnational aspiring to global standards," he noted. The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, captured the reform mood by emphasising that the administration is delivering purposeful and prudent governance, pointing to visible projects as evidence that fiscal discipline is not merely theoretical.

Recurrent expenditure, set at 25 per cent of the total budget, is both lean and socially targeted. It is targeted at meeting salary obligations, clearing the outstanding gratuity backlog, with ₦75 billion already paid, supporting 600 elderly citizens in all wards, maintaining 300 completed ARISE Compassionate Homes and sustaining re-engaged and newly recruited workers in health and education. The spending is stripped of bloated overheads or political leakages and is directed strictly toward essential social obligations.

In Nigeria, and indeed across West Africa, state budgets are frequently criticised for prioritising bureaucracy over development. Akwa Ibom’s 2026 budget changes the narrative. The key highlights of the budget, which include strong capital bias, community-informed planning, revenue realism, aggressive infrastructure investment, expansion of productive sectors and stringent fiscal controls, present a governance model that other subnationals would do well to study.

With consistent 2024–2025 performance, alignment with federal reform priorities, and a fiscally responsible posture, Governor Umo Eno’s 2026 budget positions Akwa Ibom for accelerated growth and broader opportunity. As the governor noted in his address, “Let us remain united so our people can continue to thrive in this Land of Promise.” If faithfully implemented, the People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth may well become a West African case study on how subnational governments can deploy public funds responsibly while reducing recurrent excesses and driving inclusive development.

Ekaette Okon Joseph is the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and writes from Uyo, the state capital.
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Akwa Ibom's Broadcast Deal: Why Engaging Media Guru Dubai for AKBC’s Transformation Is a Smart Move

By Charles Akpan

In what many describe as a forward-thinking decision, the Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a major agreement with Media Guru Consultants FZ LLC, Dubai, for the complete modernization of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC). This partnership marks a bold step towards transforming AKBC into a fully digital, world-class broadcast hub that reflects the State’s rising profile under Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

The agreement, which covers consultancy, design, procurement, installation, integration, and commissioning of modern broadcast equipment, positions AKBC to operate at par with leading public media outfits globally. But beyond the headline, this collaboration holds deep strategic importance both technically and economically for the future of media in Akwa Ibom.

Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the Governor noted that the contract to transform the organisation into a world class broadcasting outfit was in fulfillment of his campaign promise, and in line with his administration's determination to upgrade information infrastructure in the state.

"I want to welcome everyone to the signing ceremony of the agreement between Akwa Ibom State Government and Media Guru Consultant, LLC, for the provision of consultancy, design, procurement, and installation of broadcast equipment for AKBC." The Governor said.

This move by the Akwa Ibom State government is anchored on Global Best Practices. First of all, it is worthy of note that the consultancy firm, Media Guru is a Dubai-based media technology firm with vast experience across television, radio, film, and digital content architecture. With projects executed in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, the company is recognized for delivering end-to-end broadcast solutions from design and engineering to digital migration and staff training.

By bringing Media Guru on board, the Akwa Ibom State Government ensures that AKBC’s modernization follows international broadcast standards including high-definition (HD/4K) capability, IP-based studio systems, and digital asset management. This means the new AKBC will not only serve the State effectively but also stand out as a model of modern public broadcasting in Nigeria.

Secondly is the turnkey approach for efficiency and quality. Setting up or upgrading a broadcast station is not just about constructing buildings or buying transmitters. It is about building a seamless ecosystem that integrates content production, transmission, and digital distribution. Media Guru brings a turnkey solution handling every stage of the process to guarantee compatibility, durability, and professional workflow integration.

Such an approach eliminates the costly fragmentation that often plagues local broadcast projects, where multiple contractors handle different segments without coordination. With Media Guru’s holistic expertise, the AKBC project is poised for technical precision, long-term value, and operational efficiency.

In the area of transparency and value for money, international firms like Media Guru operate under global procurement standards that emphasize accountability and quality assurance. This partnership ensures transparent sourcing of equipment from reputable global manufacturers, reducing the risk of substandard installations or inflated contracts.

Given that broadcast equipment represents a significant capital investment, the involvement of a firm with international reputation guarantees that every naira spent translates into lasting value. The result will be a robust, reliable, and cost-efficient system that serves Akwa Ibom people for decades.

The partnership with Media Guru will advance knowledge transfer and local capacity Building. One of the often-overlooked benefits of engaging global experts is capacity development. Media Guru’s scope of work reportedly includes training for AKBC’s technical, production, and ICT personnel. This ensures that local staff will not only operate but also maintain the new systems without constant external dependence.

In essence, the project will create a new generation of technically skilled broadcast professionals within Akwa Ibom, empowering the State’s media sector and contributing to broader human capital development.

Another benefit is building a digital media hub for the future. The new AKBC is envisioned as more than a traditional radio or television station. It will be a converged media hub capable of producing and transmitting HD television and FM radio content, streaming live online across digital platforms, and managing a digital content archive for easy retrieval and distribution.

This design reflects the future of broadcasting where media consumption increasingly happens across television, radio, and internet platforms.

With this transformation, Akwa Ibom positions itself as a regional leader in digital media innovation.

Learning from global and national precedents, international partnerships in broadcasting are not new and they have proven transformative where applied effectively.

Across the world, countries have partnered with global media technology firms to fast-track modernization. In Nigeria, for instance, several broadcast institutions have worked with international partners to raise their technical and production standards.

Channels Television’s partnership with Deutsche Welle (DW) for training and global news exchange, and NTA’s collaborations with international content providers during the digital migration phase, are examples of how global partnerships strengthen local institutions. So why can't Akwa Ibom go into a similar partnership?

In the same vein, Media Guru has implemented large-scale broadcast and digital archiving projects in Africa and Asia helping stations adopt modern production systems and expand their global reach.

Akwa Ibom’s choice of Media Guru therefore follows a tested path one that blends local ownership with international technical competence.

These moves align with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Vision. The decision to upgrade AKBC through a reputable global partner fits squarely within Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which emphasizes re-engineering governance, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable development.

By investing in digital media infrastructure, the Governor is not only enhancing state communication capacity but also laying the groundwork for cultural promotion, educational content delivery, and information access for citizens across urban and rural communities.

It also strengthens Akwa Ibom’s position as a forward-looking State that values transparency, innovation, and quality service delivery.

The new AKBC project when completed will stand as a signature project of the Eno administration symbolizing how visionary leadership can blend local ambition with global competence. It will also mark Akwa Ibom’s evolution from a state broadcaster operating within analog limitations to a multi-platform, globally competitive media powerhouse capable of producing, packaging, and exporting content that reflects the State’s culture, achievements, and aspirations.

The Akwa Ibom State Government’s engagement of Media Guru LLC, Dubai, is not just about rebuilding studios, it is about redefining the future of public broadcasting in the State. By embracing global expertise, promoting transparency, and investing in people and technology, Akwa Ibom is setting a benchmark for how public institutions can transform into modern, efficient, and sustainable entities.

In his submissions, the Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on New Media and Digital Communication, Mr. Destiny Young said that when the new AKBC begins full operation, it will tell the Akwa Ibom story not just to Nigeria, but to the world in a voice that is clearer, stronger, and prouder than ever before.

"By embracing global expertise, promoting transparency, and investing in people and technology, Akwa Ibom is setting a benchmark for how public institutions can transform into modern, efficient, and sustainable entities" Young emphasized.

Charles Akpan is a Broadcast Journalist and Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media.

Akwa Ibom's Tourism "Uprising" Under Gov Eno; From Vision to Possibilities


• Otobong Sampson


In 1903, there was an article in the New York times; two physics professors had explained why airplanes could not possibly fly. Three months after the article was first published, the Wright brothers split the air at Kitty Hawk. The value of that development still stuns humanity. That was the power of vision.

In the early 1970s, Dr. Judah Folkman proposed an idea in cancer research that did not fit what scientists "knew" to be true — that tumours did not generate new blood cells to feed themselves and grow. He was convinced that they did. But colleagues kept telling him, "you are studying dirt, meaning his project was futile science. Folkman disregarded the insults of the research community. For two decades, he met disinterest or hostility as he pursued his work in angiogenesis.

At one research convention, half the audience walked out. "He is only a surgeon," he heard someone say. Yet Folkman and his colleagues discovered the first angiogenesis inhibitors in the 1980s. Today, more than 100,000 cancer patients are benefitting from the research he pioneered. His work is now recognized as being on the forefront in the fight to cure cancer.

In the attempts for breakthrough, a thin line exists between persistence and obstinacy. And the difference between persistence and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other, from a strong won't. This offers a compass into the new direction of Akwa Ibom's Tourism journey with Governor Umo Eno steering the wheels as the visioner.

Nigeria 's biggest artiste and global music star, Davido, has just ended his first of the 5ive City Tour in Uyo. It is neither luck that Akwa Ibom made the pick, or a fluke that Uyo hosted the first of the tours. It is a clear statement that the governor is doing many things right in the tourism sector as he aims at widening the revenue net. Under the current administration, Akwa Ibom is refusing to be simply satisfied as the "destination of choice" in Nigeria. It is pushing for more — to win a first class seat on Africa's tourism table.

As corroborated by the music superstar himself, "when we were looking around Africa, five places came [to mind] and Akwa Ibom was top on the list". He added that Akwa Ibom's quality facilities and potentials influenced his decision to start off the tour in the state.

The development and revitalization of major tourism infrastructure and events such as the world class ARISE Park – an all-encompassing recreational and tourism hub, ARISE City Shopping Centre, Oron Maritime Terminal, Ibom International Conference Centre, Ibom Icon Hotels, Akwa Ibom State Sport Festival, Ibom International Hospital, and Ibom International Hotel all point to a clear goal to make Akwa Ibom a ranking tourism destination and a hub for business, leisure and adventure. The end means is to diversity the economy of oil, and from oil.

While the economic worth of the State's tourism sector is yet to be fully quantified, it has the potentials to play big, become an important economic driver, a key revenue earner, and employment generator across sectors like hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Nigeria's Tourism industry according to a 2022 survey stood at around $18.7 billion. The numbers are expected to witness significant rise by 2030. This figure was thought of as relatively low when juxtaposed with the country's strong potential in wildlife and cultural sites. The food service sector still remains the biggest contributor. With its vast natural and cultural attractions, and very rich cuisines, Akwa Ibom can contribute to these numbers, and as well, take a chunk of it in earnings.

Paris has built its tourism into a major economic force and over ten percent of its population work and earn in the industry. Bangkok ranks as one of the most visited cities in the world and millions of tourists contribute to its economy. In Africa, Cities like Nairobi, Lagos, Cairo, Cape Town, Marrakech and Casablanca have great tourism economies. Akwa Ibom in the near future, driven by the bold vision of Governor Eno can join this prestigious league in becoming a continental tourism hotspot with significant contributions to its GDP.

The significant push by the Governor to develop and promote tourism by investing in tourism assets shows his determined efforts to transform the sector. Also, it reflects his commitment to fulfilling his covenants as contained in the ARISE Policy Document. A departure from previous approaches, running on a comprehensive and integrated plan that aligns with global models.

Planting Prosperity: How Akwa Ibom’s Tree-Crop Revolution Can Redefine Nigeria’s Agricultural Future

By Ekaette Okon Joseph

I remember growing up in Uyo when palm oil production wasn’t just an economic activity, it was a way of life. My family, like many others, joined during the seasonal palm oil tapping and harvesting period. Palm tree tappers would climb tall trees to cut ripe fruit bunches, which we sorted at home before taking them to the local mill for processing. We would bottle the deep red oil and sell it at the village market.

That experience taught me two things: the power of enterprise and the enduring value of agriculture. Today, that same trade has evolved. Many families no longer just produce for household use, they now buy palm oil in bulk, store it, and sell during peak demand, often earning significant profits. Large companies such as Okomu Oil Palm Plc and Presco Plc show that agriculture, once overlooked, is now rivaling traditional industries in revenue and profitability.

From Global Leader to Lost Ground

In the early 1960s, Nigeria was the world’s largest palm oil producer, accounting for about 43 percent of global output, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Palm oil powered homes, local industries, and exports from the old Eastern and Mid-Western regions. But the discovery of crude oil in 1956 shifted national attention, and agriculture suffered neglect.

By the 1970s, Malaysia and Indonesia, countries that had imported palm seedlings from West Africa,particularly Nigeria but invested in research, plantation expansion, and refining technology. By 1971, Malaysia overtook Nigeria as the world’s leading palm oil producer. Today, Malaysia and Indonesia control over 80 percent of global palm oil exports, generating billions annually.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Council reported that export revenues rose by 15.1 percent in 2024 to RM 109.3 billion, contributing about 3.7 percent to GDP and supporting over 3 million jobs. Singapore, though not a producer, has become a major global trading hub, refining and exporting more than US$120 million worth of palm oil annually, according to OECD data.

This Southeast Asian success story is built on policy consistency, research-backed investment, and value-chain integration, principles that Nigeria can adapt for its own agricultural renewal.

Nigeria’s Slow Comeback

Nigeria’s share of global production now hovers below 2 percent, but growth is returning. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) notes that agriculture contributed over 24 percent of Nigeria’s GDP in Q2 2025, with palm oil emerging as a key driver of agribusiness growth.

Corporate performance tells a compelling story. Okomu Oil Palm Plc recorded ₦75.1 billion in 2023 revenue, up 27 percent year-on-year, with ₦33.8 billion profit before tax, according to AfricanFinancials. By 2024, turnover surged to ₦130.2 billion, while net profit rose 94 percent to ₦39.9 billion. In the first half of 2025 alone, Okomu reported ₦129.8 billion turnover and ₦67 billion pre-tax profit, according to Proshare Nigeria.

Presco Plc mirrored this trend, posting ₦117 billion in 2024 revenue and a 61 percent year-on-year rise in profit before tax, as reported by Nairametrics. These figures highlight the profitability of tree crops and signal the rebirth of palm oil as Nigeria’s “new crude.”

Akwa Ibom’s Tree-Crop Revolution: Vision Meets Value

Governor Umo Eno’s Tree-Crop Revolution, launching in November 2025, is designed to revitalise Akwa Ibom’s heritage in palm oil, cocoa, and rubber. The initiative, managed by the Akwa Ibom State Agriculture and Food Security Committee chaired by Professor Okon Ansa, will:
Distribute high-yield palm seedlings across all 31 local government areas.
Deploy two agricultural extension officers per farm for technical support.
Establish a State Oil Palm Board to coordinate production and offtake.
Guarantee market access through a government-backed purchase system.
Strengthen AKADEP (Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme) as an autonomous agency under the Secretary to the State Government.

The state has committed ₦1 billion per local government area in the 2026 budget to support the scheme.

As Governor Umo Eno noted during his inspection of the AKADEP facility in Uyo:

“We are building an agricultural system that will outlive this administration. This is not a project; it’s a generational investment.”

Professor Ansa reinforces this vision,“We are not just planting trees; we are planting generational wealth. Each palm seedling will provide income for decades, not just for the farmer but for their community.”

Agriculture as the New Crude Oil

Beyond cooking oil, palm oil drives industries from pharmaceuticals to biodiesel, cosmetics, and food manufacturing. As global energy markets transition away from fossil fuels, the World Bank projects that agricultural commodities will outperform extractive sectors through 2030, particularly in developing economies that invest in agro-industrial value chains.

In Akwa Ibom, the Tree-Crop Revolution aligns with the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on Agriculture, Rural development, Infrastructure, Security, and Education, ensuring that smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and youth entrepreneurs are part of the value chain.

From Smallholder to Investor

When I was a child, a bottle of palm oil was a household staple; today, it’s an investment commodity. Traders now buy and store palm oil in bulk, reselling during high-demand months at margins exceeding 20–30 percent. This shift mirrors global commodity trading trends and reflects a maturing agricultural marketplace.

The Akwa Ibom model formalises this transformation, connecting smallholders with processors, cooperatives, and financiers to ensure sustainability and consistent supply.

A Blueprint for Other States
The lessons are clear. Subnational governments can replicate Akwa Ibom’s approach by ensuring:
Policy stability that encourages investor confidence.
Financing access for cooperatives and youth farmers.
Guaranteed offtake systems for smallholders.
Infrastructure: rural roads, storage, and energy, to enable market access.
Technical capacity-building through trained extension officers.

With these in place, agriculture becomes more than subsistence, it becomes enterprise, equity, and empowerment.

Sowing the Future
Agriculture, once dismissed as a relic of the past, is re-emerging as Nigeria’s most reliable engine of growth. In Akwa Ibom, every palm seedling planted represents more than a crop, it is a symbol of resilience, renewal, and shared prosperity.

As someone who once helped bottle palm oil for sale at the local market, seeing that same industry reborn on a grander, structured scale is deeply personal. It’s proof that when vision meets action, prosperity grows, one palm seedling at a time.

Ekaette Okon Joseph is the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Media and a former Bureau Chief, BusinessWorld and Publisher, Niger Delta Post and writes from Uyo, the state capital.
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How Akwa Ibom’s Aviation Push Is Turning Its Runway Into a Tourism Gateway

By Ekaette Okon Joseph

When a state decides that time on its runway matters as much as time in its coffers, its ambition is no longer symbolic, it becomes operational. Last week, Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) in Uyo resumed night operations after a calibrated overhaul of its airfield lighting and navigational aids, removing the sunrise-to-sunset restriction that had constrained flight schedules for years.

That technical upgrade is small in vocabulary but large in consequence: it makes Akwa Ibom a more predictable destination for tourists, business travellers and cargo operators alike.

“I am pleased to announce that night flight operations have been fully restored at Victor Attah International Airport,” Governor Umo Eno said in an official statement announcing the development. “Last week, I directed the Ibom Airport Development Company to complete the overhaul of navigational aids and lighting systems by September 30, and I am glad to report that the deadline was met.”

The governor’s public deadline followed a decisive injection of capital earlier this year. In July the state authorised ₦1.194 billion for a comprehensive overhaul covering replacement of navigational aids, upgrade of airfield lighting, settlement of electricity bills and service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). That budget line made the restoration possible and signalled that the upgrade was policy, not afterthought.

Why does lighting an airfield matter so much to tourism? Because aviation is an ecosystem, each improvement unlocks activity across other sectors. Night operations extend scheduling flexibility, reduce the cost penalties airlines face when they must compress routes into daylight windows, and broaden the range of flight times available to business and leisure travellers.

It also supports cargo, charter, medevac, and even private aviation schedules that demand flexibility.

For Ibom Air, the state-owned carrier that uses Uyo as its hub, the ability to operate after dusk means more rotations, better connections and an easier time matching flights to events, conferences and hotel bookings across the state.

Ibom Air has been a visible anchor of the state’s strategy to use aviation to drive growth; making the airport operational round the clock strengthens that anchor.

Ibom Air is a great success story among state-owned airlines in Nigeria, and for the first time, it recently opened its books to scrutiny, despite being 100 per cent funded by the state government. No airline has come clean on its revenue. Ibom Air has demonstrated tremendous success, indicating that airlines can be profitable in Nigeria if properly managed.

The carrier is projected to increase its revenue to N150 billion in 2025 from N95 billion in 2024, indicating that Ibom Air is growing organically and positioning itself as an airline with the potential to revolutionise the airline business in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, recently reiterated the carrier’s ambitious plan, noting that it plans to join the Global Distribution System (GDS) by October 2025; a key instrument to interline and expand with other global airlines.

His words, “It takes discipline and determination to run airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY, RwandAir, Air Côte d’Ivoire, and others are cleaning up the market, and we need to respond. They night-stop in Nigeria. ASKY’s passenger traffic was around 100,000 but has grown to I.5 million passengers. That is remarkable. We need to start responding to the market. We believe that there is room for improvement. We can do it.”

Aviation analyst Chris Aligbe recently described the state’s approach as “a rare example of subnational discipline and vision in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” noting that “Ibom Air has already shown that a state can run a viable airline if guided by sound management rather than politics.”

Restoring runway lighting is necessary, but not sufficient. The significance of this milestone lies in how it dovetails with the Arise Agenda’s broader tourism and infrastructure programme. Under the governor’s plan, a modern international terminal, an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, an Aviation Village, the ARISE Resorts and other visitor assets are scheduled to come online in the months ahead.

Together, these projects convert a technical capability, night operations into an end-to-end travel proposition that can support multi-day stays, conferences and family leisure travel.

Consider the visitor’s decision tree. A cultural tourist from Lagos weighing a weekend trip to Akwa Ibom is influenced by flight frequency, arrival and departure times, ease of ground transport and the quality of accommodation.

Before the upgrade, limited flight windows narrowed choices and pushed some travellers to choose destinations with more convenient schedules.

With 24-hour capability, VAIA becomes comparable with other regional hubs and gives tour operators the confidence to package Akwa Ibom into holiday itineraries. That translates directly into hotel bookings, restaurant revenue and employment for guides, drivers and artisans.

The state’s approach is deliberately sequential: funds were allocated to correct the most urgent operational shortfalls, a strict timeline was enforced, and the technical validation by NAMA ensured compliance with aviation safety standards.

Governor Eno publicly commended NAMA and the airport board for delivering on the mandate, reflecting a partnership model that mixes political will with technical oversight.

Evidence from other jurisdictions bears the point out. States or cities that synchronise airport operations with tourism product development routinely see faster growth in visitor numbers than those that treat transport and attractions as separate problems.

Akwa Ibom’s inventory; Ibeno Beach, historic sites in Ikot Abasi, Oron’s cultural assets and the planned ARISE Resorts is internationally competitive on paper; the recent upgrades make it reachable in practice. Travel trade and media attention already followed the announcement, an early sign that perception is beginning to align with reality.

There will, rightly, be scrutiny. Restoring the lights must be matched with reliable power, robust air traffic procedures, completed terminal works and improved ground transport.

The state has recognised that, and the funding decisions announced in July were aimed precisely at knitting those elements together. What remains essential is steady follow-through: completing the international terminal, bringing the MRO online to reduce aircraft ground time and working with carriers to open new routes that feed Uyo into national and regional networks.

If implemented faithfully, the payoff is tangible and multipronged: increased tourism receipts, diversified revenue for a state preparing for a future “with or without oil,” more jobs in hospitality and aviation services, and the emergence of Uyo as a reliable arrival point for conferences and cultural festivals.

Governor Eno’s directive and the subsequent delivery on the timeline demonstrate that infrastructure strategy, when paired with execution, changes outcomes.

As he said when releasing the funds in July, “World-class infrastructure is the bedrock of economic transformation under the Arise Agenda.”

The restoration of night operations at Victor Attah International Airport is a technical improvement with strategic consequences. It is proof that a state can reimagine its geography by investing in the connective tissue that turns potential into visitation.

Our runway is now lit; the next task is to fill the flights, the hotels and the plates of travellers who will discover that Akwa Ibom’s coastlines, culture and hospitality are, at last, open around the clock.

Ekaette Okon-Joseph is Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Akwa Ibom at 38: From Resource Control to Investment Frontier

By Ekaette Okon Joseph

When Akwa Ibom State was created on Sept. 23, 1987 by General Ibrahim Babangida, it was a coastal polity defined by fishing, farming and emerging oil activity. Thirty-eight years later the state’s story is not a single administration’s achievement but a layered, intergenerational project: fiscal advocacy, civic building, industrial planning and, most recently, a deliberate policy to marry peace, power and ports as the compact that will attract large-scale investment and spread opportunity.

The journey has been neither linear nor easy. Each administration has left its imprint, from the battle for fiscal justice under Victor Attah, to the “uncommon transformation” of Godswill Akpabio, the industrialisation push of Udom Emmanuel, and now the consolidation and expansion of Governor Umo Eno under his ARISE Agenda.

Victor Attah: Resource Control and Fiscal Justice

Governor Obong Victor Attah (1999–2007) will be remembered for spearheading the fight for resource control, which eventually secured the 13 per cent derivation fund for oil-producing states. This victory boosted Akwa Ibom’s revenue profile and provided the fiscal headroom for ambitious development.

Attah once remarked, “True federalism is anchored on resource control. If we cannot practise it, our unity will remain fragile.”

His tenure laid important foundations: the conception of the Victor Attah International Airport, the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort (then known as Le Méridien Ibom Hotel), and early frameworks for infrastructure that subsequent administrations would expand.

Godswill Akpabio: Infrastructure and Urban Renewal

From 2007 to 2015, Governor Godswill Akpabio championed what he called the “Uncommon Transformation Agenda.” His administration delivered dual carriageways, flyovers, housing projects, schools, and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s identity as a modernising state.

He also built the Ibom Specialist Hospital, envisioned as a world-class referral centre. While the project faced operational challenges, it has since regained importance as part of the state’s healthcare expansion.

Akpabio was fond of saying, “We are turning Uyo into a destination, not a transit point.” His push for civic infrastructure created the template for urbanisation that Governor Emmanuel later leveraged.

Udom Emmanuel: Aviation and Industrialisation

Governor Udom Emmanuel (2015–2023) focused on connectivity, industrialisation, and aviation. He launched Ibom Air in 2019, Nigeria’s first state-owned airline, which has since become a benchmark for reliability and efficiency, linking Akwa Ibom directly to Lagos, Abuja, and regional cities.

Emmanuel also advanced plans for the Ibom Deep Seaport and Ibom Industrial City, projects designed to unlock the state’s coastal advantage and attract heavy industries. His administration laid over 1,700 km of roads, supported agriculture through mechanisation, and prioritised small-scale manufacturing.

“We must move from a civil service economy to an industrial economy,” Emmanuel often said, underscoring his desire to shift the state towards production.

Umo Eno: Consolidation and Expansion under the ARISE Agenda

Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Umo Eno has defined his mission through the ARISE Agenda; Agriculture, Rural development, Infrastructure, Security, and Education. His approach has been to consolidate on past investments while addressing gaps in service delivery.

Budget and Fiscal Management

In November 2024, Eno presented the 2025 budget of ₦955 billion, later expanded through a ₦695 billion supplementary budget in September 2025, raising total expenditure to about ₦1.65 trillion. Capital expenditure accounts for 69 per cent of the budget, reflecting an emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, and rural development.

The state also projects an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target of ₦80 billion in 2025, supported by reforms in taxation, digitisation, and revived state assets.

One highlight has been the turnaround of Akwa Savings and Loans Limited, rebranded as Ibom Mortgage Bank under Mr. Ime Okon. The institution recorded a 607 per cent growth in revenue and a 97 per cent expansion in its balance sheet in 2024, aided by full digitisation of services.

Healthcare and Human Capital

In September 2025, following a maternal mortality incident in Ikot Ekpene, Governor Eno declared a State of Emergency in the Health Sector, directing the recruitment of 2,000 healthcare workers and accelerated upgrades to hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) has been recognised as Nigeria’s fastest-growing scheme, with over 47,000 enrollees since its September 2024 launch. Plans for the Ibom Medical City and new general hospitals in Ikot Abasi, Oron, and Itu underscore the administration’s health priorities.

Power, Infrastructure and Investment Climate

With the enactment of a state electricity law, Akwa Ibom is reviving the Ibom Power Plant and exploring new independent power projects to provide reliable energy for industry. Commissioner for Power, Iniobong Robson, noted: “Stable electricity is no longer a luxury, it is the foundation for industrial growth.”

The supplementary budget also allocated funding to convert dormant liaison offices in Abuja and Lagos into profitable ventures, part of broader efforts to diversify revenue.

Meanwhile, liberalization at the federal level and the divestment of ExxonMobil’s onshore assets to Seplat Energy open fresh gas-to-industry possibilities. Seplat’s CEO described their acquisition as “a game-changer, able to bring renewed capital into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”

Tourism, Livability and Recognition

Tourism remains a growth pillar. The Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, the International Worship Centre, and the Godswill Akpabio Stadium have made Uyo a destination for conferences and sports. The upcoming ARISE Park, scheduled to open in December 2025, is expected to boost eco-tourism.

In the recently released 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), Akwa Ibom ranked the second most liveable state in Nigeria, citing infrastructure, safety, and urban amenities. Only Oyo ranked higher, with Akwa Ibom ahead of the Federal Capital Territory.

Looking Forward

At 38, Akwa Ibom reflects a layered story: Attah’s battle for fiscal autonomy, Akpabio’s infrastructural leap, Emmanuel’s industrial vision, and Eno’s pragmatic consolidation.

Challenges remain. Power reliability, completion of the Deep Seaport, healthcare expansion, and fiscal sustainability will determine whether the state realises its full potential. Yet, the trajectory is clear: Akwa Ibom is no longer on the periphery, but at the centre of Nigeria’s subnational development.

As Governor Eno recently stated, “Our goal is simple, to create a state where people can live, work, and invest with confidence. We are building on the shoulders of those before us, but with a focus on delivery and sustainability.”

Ekaette Okon Joseph, is a journalist and former Bureau Chief of BusinessWorld and Publisher of Niger Delta Post.

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