Governor Umo Eno: The Champion of Grassroots Development
By Edidiong Idemokon
Just one year in office, Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno has emerged as a transformative leader dedicated to grassroots development. His administration’s deliberate policies and life-touching programmes outlined in his A.R.I.S.E Agenda have brought significant improvements to communities across the State. Through strategic initiatives focused on rural roads construction, agricultural renaissance, a unique “one project per Local Government Area” initiative, remodeling and revitalization of primary healthcare centres and schools, food security programmes, and the appointment of Personal Assistants (PAs) per ward in the state, Governor Eno is ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of Akwa Ibom State.
One of the cornerstone achievements of Governor Eno’s administration is the extensive construction and rehabilitation of rural roads. Recognizing that accessible transportation is critical for economic development and social integration, the governor launched a comprehensive rural road construction programme aimed at linking remote communities to major urban centers. So far, over 280.93 km have been covered across the state.
Rural roads are often the lifeblood of communities, facilitating the movement of goods and people. Under Governor Eno’s leadership, the Akwa Ibom State government has prioritized the construction of roads that connect agricultural hubs with marketplaces, thus boosting local economies. An example of such a strategic road network is the 16 km Urua Nsongeto-Midim Atan-Ikot Akpan-Etok Uruk Essiet Road with a bridge linking Essien Udim and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas. These new and improved roads have significantly reduced travel time, decreased transportation costs, and enhanced the overall quality of life for rural inhabitants.
Another notable example is the rehabilitation of the Obot Akara road network such as the recently commissioned 60-meter span Nto Ide-Ikot Amba Bridge with an 800-meter approach road and the flag-off of the construction of the 11.71 km Abiakpo Ikot Otu-Atan Ibong-Usaka Annang Road and Nto Ndang-Nto Ekpu Road, with two bridges, each spanning 15 meters in Obot Akara LGA.
Before the intervention, residents of these communities faced considerable challenges due to poor road conditions and collapsed bridges. Today, these roads are not only passable but have become key arteries for commerce and daily commuting, driving up local business activities and fostering greater community engagement. One can imagine the socio-economic impact these roads will have on the communities when the construction work is completed.
Agriculture remains a critical sector for the livelihood of many residents in Akwa Ibom State. Governor Eno has recognized this and has made agricultural development a priority. His administration has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security.
The government has partnered with agricultural experts to train local farmers in modern farming techniques. These trainings cover areas such as crop rotation, pest control, and efficient irrigation methods. By equipping farmers with knowledge and resources, the state will experience an increase in agricultural productivity and sustainability.
In addition to training, the Eno administration has provided farmers with subsidized inputs such as seeds, cassava stems, and farming equipment. These subsidies have lowered the cost of production for many farmers, enabling them to increase their yields and profitability. The distribution of these inputs has been carefully managed to ensure they reach the most needy and productive farmers, fostering a more inclusive agricultural growth.
Aside from the intervention in agriculture, Governor Eno also ensured the distribution of staple foodstuff to the vulnerable in the rural areas. The free food distribution initiated by Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State has a significant impact on grassroots development. By providing free food to those in need, the government has been able to alleviate some of the economic hardships faced by its citizens due to high inflation and other financial challenges.
Furthermore, the establishment of the Bulk Purchase Agency for food sufficiency and availability has had a long-term impact on the state’s development. By ensuring a stable supply of food and coordinating procurement and distribution efforts, the agency has helped to stabilize prices, prevent shortages, and support the local agricultural sector. This has not only benefited consumers by ensuring access to affordable and nutritious food but has also supported local farmers and producers, contributing to economic growth and development at the grassroots level.
Governor Eno’s innovative “One Project per Local Government Area” initiative underscores his commitment to equitable development across Akwa Ibom State. This initiative mandates the stakeholders of each LGA to choose at least one significant development project in each of the 31 local government areas (LGAs) in Akwa Ibom State.
This policy ensures that development is not concentrated in the urban centers alone but is spread evenly across all LGAs. By targeting specific needs within each local government, the administration addresses unique challenges and promotes balanced regional development.
Healthcare is another critical area that Governor Eno’s administration has tackled with vigor. Recognizing that a healthy population is essential for sustainable development, his government has embarked on a comprehensive remodeling and revitalization of the primary healthcare system. Recently, Governor Eno commissioned the newly built model primary health centre initiated by his administration in Ibesikpo Asutan while the construction of other model health centres is ongoing in 12 LGAs in the state. This upgrade has significantly improved the quality of healthcare services available to residents, particularly in rural areas where healthcare infrastructure was previously inadequate.
In addition to improving infrastructure, the Governor has approved the recruitment and training of healthcare professionals to ensure that the upgraded facilities are adequately staffed. The governor earlier approved the recruitment of 200 health personnel across the state and later, additional 200 was approved and the process is on going. This will not only improve healthcare delivery but also create employment opportunities for many young professionals in the state.
Education is the cornerstone of any society, and Governor Eno’s administration has made significant strides in improving the state’s educational infrastructure. Some schools in the state have been remodeled, equipped with modern facilities, and provided with learning materials to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning. For example, the remodeling of Christ the King Primary School in Uyo has created a significant impact on the education sector of the state.
Many dilapidated school buildings have been renovated and furnished with desks, chairs, and other necessary equipment. This has transformed the learning environment, making it more appealing and conducive for both students and teachers.
The appointment of Personal Assistants in each of the wards in Akwa Ibom State by Governor Umo Eno has had a significant impact on grassroots development in the state. It has improved communication and representation as the Personal Assistants (PAs) served as a direct link between the government and the grassroots level, helping to relay information, gather feedback, and address the concerns of the local population. This has enhanced communication and ensured that the voices of the people are heard and represented in decision-making processes.
It has also increased access to government services and resources. PAs help to facilitate access to government programmes, services, and resources at the ward level such as the Bulk Purchase programme. The PAs played a crucial role in promoting community engagement and participation in decision-making processes. It has helped to empower the local population and also ensured that development initiatives are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
Governor Umo Eno’s first year in office has been marked by remarkable achievements in grassroots development. The ARISE Agenda of his administration’s focused policies and programmes have brought significant improvements to rural road infrastructure, agricultural productivity, healthcare delivery, and the provision of essential social amenities. Through initiatives like the “One Project Per Local Government Area,” the governor has ensured that development is inclusive and equitable, touching every corner of Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno’s commitment to transforming the lives of the people at the grassroots level sets a strong foundation for sustainable development. As his administration continues to implement these impactful programmes, the future of Akwa Ibom State looks promising, with a populace poised to reap the full benefits of democracy and good governance.
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