A quiet revolution is unfolding in Akwa Ibom State, not only through its expansive infrastructure, acts of compassion, and thriving tourism sector, but also through buckets of paint, brushes, and a renewed commitment to community development and transparency in public sector employment.
Under the leadership of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, a transformative city beautification initiative is injecting new life into urban spaces, empowering over 500 artisans, advancing the state’s smart city agenda, and restoring Akwa Ibom’s signature colours of orange and white.
Upon assuming office, Governor Eno introduced an online employment portal designed to promote transparency and bridge the gap between skilled professionals and government opportunities. Through this platform, dozens of qualified painters were recently recruited and contracted to undertake the repainting of pedestrian paths, kerbs, and other public beautification projects across major city centres.
According to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Head of Operations for the Direct Labour Committee, Dr Morgan Ekanem, none of the 461 applicants for painting jobs were left out of the opportunity.
“In the first quarter of this year, the state government, through the Direct Labour Committee, advertised job openings for professional painters via the state employment portal. Today, I am proud to confirm that all qualified painters who applied have been deployed to various sites involved in the ongoing beautification projects,” Dr. Ekanem stated.
In line with the administration’s commitment to promoting local enterprise, all paints used for these projects, including the painting of kerbs, pavements, and landmark facilities such as the Arise Resorts, are sourced from Ibom Paints, a state-owned company. This decision reflects a strategic focus on boosting local content and fostering economic self-reliance.
Speaking on the partnership, the Sole Administrator of Ibom Paints and General Manager of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center, Ibom-LED, Mr Ime Uwah emphasized the broader economic impact. Hear him:
“Our collaboration with the Direct Labour Committee goes beyond supplying paints. It’s about revitalizing our local economy. Every bucket of paint produced by Ibom Paints supports job creation and retains value within Akwa Ibom State.
From the factory floor to the freshly painted streets, Ibom Paints company plays a pivotal role in both urban renewal and industrial growth. Let me also disclose here that, just as Ibom Paint company has been revived, Governor Eno is on the path of reviving other cottage industries like the toothpick, pencil and tissue paper factories.” Uwah added.
Meanwhile, some of the contractors and professional painters, including Mr. Enobong Dan, Ofonime Wilson, and Edidiong Udoudo, expressed their appreciation for Governor Eno’s transparent selection process while speaking separately with journalists.
Many of them admitted they were initially hesitant to apply through the state’s employment portal, but later praised the initiative, describing it as one of the most transparent and equitable recruitment platforms they had encountered. They also commended Ibom Paint, calling it the best paint currently available on the market.
On his part, the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Anietie Eka, described the ongoing beautification projects as bold and strategic steps by Governor Eno towards realizing his smart city vision.
The former Lawmaker highlighted the transformation of the Atiku Abubakar flyover from a former criminal hotspot into a vibrant recreational center, assuring that similar upgrades will be carried out at all flyovers across the state. He also noted that the rehabilitation of Ibom Plaza is currently underway.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the beautification project is proving to be a major employment generator. The 461 contracted painters have gone on to engage additional youths who were previously unemployed, thereby multiplying the initiative’s impact to over 500 people.
Without doubt, the project has created ancillary job opportunities in logistics, supervision, and health and safety services. This initiative is not just painting the streets, it is painting a new future for Akwa Ibom’s youth and local industries.
This report was originally written by 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐀𝐤𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐨.