Akwa Ibom State has taken a new step to strengthen its creative economy as Governor Umo Eno launched a N100 million Creative Industry Fund to support the state’s entertainment and film sector. The announcement was made during the Ibom Entertainers Week in Uyo, with the aim of empowering young people and positioning Akwa Ibom as a creative hub in Nigeria under the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, described the fund as one of the administration’s most significant interventions in September 2025. He explained that the initiative would build capacity, support practitioners, and open up new opportunities for growth. “This is not just about entertainment, it is about building an economy around the talents of our young people, giving them the tools to compete nationally and globally,” he said.
The Commissioner also highlighted other ongoing programmes that align with the state government’s vision. He announced the inauguration of the fourth batch of the Ibom-LED Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme and the continued distribution of ARISE food packages across the 31 local government areas. According to him, more than 10,000 youths and SMEs have benefitted from training and empowerment schemes within just one month. “Our governor is deliberate in creating jobs and giving hope to young people,” Umanah stated.
On infrastructure, he revealed that over 771 kilometres of roads and 31 bridges are currently at different stages of completion. He added that Ibom Air has strengthened its operations with the acquisition of four new aircraft, while work is ongoing at the new Terminal Building and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at Victor Attah International Airport.
Workers’ welfare has also remained a priority. Umanah noted that over ₦78 billion has been released for pensions and gratuities. Teachers have received N1.2 billion in wardrobe allowance, while the state has implemented the ₦80,000 minimum wage, introduced a 13th-month salary, and approved the recruitment of 4,000 new workers.
On social welfare, the Commissioner stated that more than 500,000 vulnerable households have benefited from intervention programmes. He further disclosed that 267 Compassionate Homes have been completed, while construction is ongoing for 150 free houses for public servants.
The health sector has also recorded visible progress, with expansion of health centres, the introduction of an emergency ambulance service, the establishment of a medical oxygen plant, and the construction of a 350-bed International Hospital.
Security has been strengthened with the creation of the State Security Trust Fund, the recruitment of 4,500 community watch personnel, and the establishment of a Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways. “We are reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s status as one of the safest states in Nigeria,” Umanah said.
The government is also making strong investments in tourism with projects such as the ARISE Resort, Ibom International Convention Centre, ARISE Shopping City, and a 2,000-capacity amphitheatre. Ecological remediation of 70 hectares of gullies has already commenced to safeguard communities.
Partnerships have also been advanced, with Governor Umo Eno joining the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to commission 17.33 kilometres of roads in Ika Local Government Area. In addition, vehicles were presented to all former deputy governors of the state.
Sports development has been revitalized with the return of the Ibom Sports Festival after 14 years, alongside the revival of inter-house sports and the Governor’s Cup. Plans are underway for the establishment of a Sports Academy to nurture young talents.
Summing up the administration’s recent achievements, Umanah said: “These achievements are not happenstance. They are the deliberate outcomes of a governance strategy anchored on the ARISE Agenda. Akwa Ibom is on a steady path of growth, innovation, and transformation under Governor Umo Eno.”