Residents of Abak and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas have expressed satisfaction with the developmental efforts of Governor Umo Eno, commending his administration for extending life-changing projects to their communities. They described the governor’s leadership as people-focused, transparent, and responsive to grassroots needs.
Their commendation followed the launch of the ARISE Project Tracking Series by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Information on Tuesday. The initiative is designed to evaluate the progress, quality, and impact of government projects across the state.
The inspection exercise, which began in Abak, was led by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah. He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Akparawa James Edet; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Margaret Edem; and several Directors from the Information Ministry, including the Director of Documentation and Archives, Mrs. Eunice Egharevba, as well as project engineers from the Ministry of Works.
At the Abak Local Government Council Secretariat, the inspection team was received by the Executive Chairman, Hon. (Mrs.) Ime Effiong Charles. She praised the governor’s initiative, describing the project tracking series as “a welcome step that reinforces transparency and ensures value for every project executed across the state.”
The inspection team visited several key project sites in Abak. Among them was the Mega Oil Palm Processing Plant and Storage House at Ikot Akwa Ebom, Ediene Clan. The facility, which is supported by the World Bank through the Nigeria for Women Project and facilitated by the Akwa Ibom State Government, is a fully equipped oil mill operated by women cooperatives. According to the State Coordinator of the programme, Barr. Mrs. Ofonime Etuknwa, the plant features automated heating, pressing, and fiber-separating systems managed by trained women.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for facilitating the project, noting that similar modern plants have been established across all the 11 wards in Abak.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Enobong Uduak Bassey and Mrs. Emem Michael Jimmy, also commended the governor for his commitment to women empowerment. Mrs. Jimmy said, “This project has changed our lives. We now make good money and support our families. The Governor is indeed a promise keeper.”
The inspection continued at the ongoing 8.6km Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan Road handled by JP Sigma. The site manager assured that the project would be completed speedily after the rainy season. PDP Chapter Chairman, Hon. Akaninyene Ntia, applauded the governor for initiating the project and assured that the community would cooperate and protect contractor equipment.
Other major road projects visited in Abak included the completed 10.4km Pepsi Junction–Ukpom–Abak Road; the ongoing 18.9km Ibiakpan–Abiakpo Otoro–Abak Manta Road with spur; the 16km Ikot Ekang–Obio Obom–Ikot Ekpat–Abak Itienge–Uruk Ata Nsidung–Midim Ikot Edong Road with two bridges connecting Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Oruk Anam; and the 8.4km Ediene Abak–Ikot Ekan Road. Road users and community leaders at each site expressed happiness that the projects have improved transportation and boosted local trade.
At Abak–10 Manta Road, which covers more than 10 gazetted and seven ungazetted villages, a youth leader, Mr. Ndifreke Adiauko, said the road had been impassable for decades before the governor’s intervention. A cyclist, Pastor Aniedi Paul, described the project as “an answer to 30 years of prayer,” noting that over 17 villages have now regained access to economic and social life.
The team also visited the ARISE Compassionate Home at Nifor Road, Abak, one of six such homes built by Governor Eno to support the poorest citizens. A beneficiary, Mr. Sylvester Michael, a physically challenged father, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the fully furnished home and a ₦500,000 business grant. He prayed that God would guide the governor to serve Akwa Ibom for eight years. Other beneficiaries included Madam Arit Ikpe Moses at Abak Itenge, Madam Theresa Joseph Udom at Oku Abak, Madam Akon Sunday at Ikot Akwa-Ebom, Madam Christiana Okon Isaac at Itung, and Madam Susana Akpan Johnson at Ibiakpan.
At Holy Child Convent Model Primary School, a Primary 6 pupil, Mary Imo Sunday, thanked the governor for rehabilitating the school, saying the project ended years of neglect. She prayed for his continued success.
The inspection team also visited the ongoing ARISE Primary Health Centre at Afaha Obong and several projects handled by the Abak Council Boss. These included the construction of the new Legislative Chambers complex within the Council Secretariat, featuring 15 offices, and the rehabilitation of the Maternity and Child Health Clinic in Abak Town. The Commissioner for Information commended the chairman’s efforts, recalling that he had personally contributed to the renovation years ago and was pleased to see the facility’s new look.
In Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, the team was received by the Council Chairman, Gideon Uwa, who praised the governor for transforming the area into what he called “a construction hub.” He listed projects such as the 16km Etim Ekpo–Essien Udim Road, the Model Health Centre at Utu Ikot Nkor, and several ongoing roads as proof of equitable development across the state.
The inspection continued with visits to the governor’s projects in Etim Ekpo, including the newly inaugurated Model Primary Health Centre at Utu Ikot Nkor. The council boss revealed that three unskilled residents were employed to handle security and beautification at the site. Other projects included the ongoing 16km Midim Atan Ikot Inyang–Ikot Akpan Ekpenyong–Etok Uruk Eshiet–Ikot Imonte Road with a 30m bridge; the 11.6km Internal Roads Phase 1; the 6.4km Utu Ikot Ekpo–Ika Road with spur; and the ongoing 2.1km internal access road at Obong University.
Residents, including Chief Monday Akpan and community youths, promised to protect contractors’ equipment and maintain peace at the sites. At the Etim Ekpo–Ika–Essien Udim Road handled by Nsik Engineering, Project Manager Engr. Johnny Ime confirmed the completion of 3km of drains and ongoing earthworks. He attributed delays to the weather but assured timely completion, adding that the governor has released funds for the project.
The inspection team also visited six ARISE Compassionate Homes across Etim Ekpo, where beneficiaries such as Madam Margaret Udoudo of Obong Ntak, Madam Eno Dan Luke of Uruk Ata Ikot Otok, and Madam Dinah Nkwo of Ikot Imonte expressed gratitude to the governor for transforming their lives and giving them hope.
Speaking at the end of the Day-One inspection, Commissioner Umanah said the ARISE Project Tracking Series reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He noted that the governor’s approach to development is built on verifiable impact and community inclusion.
“Governor Umo Eno has taken governance to every doorstep,” the Commissioner said. “His Excellency believes that every kobo spent must be accounted for, and that development must be visible, measurable, and felt by the people.”
He commended the cooperation of local government chairmen, contractors, and residents, assuring that the project tracking series will continue across all local government areas in line with the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.