Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has called for continued unity among citizens as the state marks 39 years since its creation, while highlighting investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth development.
Eno made the remarks in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as Akwa Ibom commemorates the anniversary of its creation on September 23, 1987. He said the state’s development should remain a shared responsibility and argued that its next phase should focus increasingly on industrialisation, enterprise development and job creation.
Eno outlines development record
In the anniversary address, the governor said his administration had undertaken, commissioned or continued work on more than 1,500 kilometres of roads and 43 bridges since taking office in May 2023.
According to Eno, the infrastructure programme is intended not only to improve transportation but also to connect rural communities with markets, schools, healthcare facilities and economic opportunities.
The governor also highlighted the payment of inherited gratuities and other emoluments. He said more than ₦98 billion of approximately ₦111 billion in inherited obligations had been paid by his administration.
Eno described the payments as a measure aimed at restoring the dignity of retirees and supporting their families.
Education and healthcare investments
On education, Eno said the state had maintained free and compulsory education at primary and secondary levels.
He reported that ₦1.69 billion had been disbursed in bursaries and that 3,000 teachers had been recruited, with additional recruitment approved.
The governor also said the transformation of the Akwa Ibom College of Education, Afaha Nsit, into a university of education was being advanced.
In healthcare, Eno said 258,000 people, including elderly residents, had enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme. He also said every local government area had an ambulance service for emergency medical situations.
The figures form part of the administration’s presentation of its record under the ARISE development agenda. They are statements made by the state government and should be understood in that context.
Youths, agriculture and enterprise
The governor also pointed to programmes targeting young people and farmers.
He said more than 4,000 youths had received training through IBOM-LED and Dasac, with grants totalling more than ₦2 billion.
He further reported that 1,700 farmers had received grants through the state’s agricultural development initiatives.
The next phase of the administration’s agenda, according to Eno, will place greater emphasis on moving from infrastructure development towards industrialisation and agro-industrialisation.
He also identified enterprise development, job creation, tourism and the knowledge economy as areas of focus.
Governor urges citizens to protect unity
The anniversary message also placed significant emphasis on peace and social cohesion.
At an interdenominational service held ahead of the anniversary, Eno described peace, unity and brotherhood as important assets of the state and urged citizens not to allow political, ethnic or religious differences to become sources of division. Voice of Nigeria reported the governor as saying political disagreements should not become personal hostility.
Eno also warned socio-cultural and socio-political groups against using their platforms to promote ethnic rivalry.
He said groups that violate the directive could face disbandment. The warning comes amid recent debates and tensions involving socio-cultural organisations in the state.
The governor also urged political actors to focus on issues affecting citizens, including food, employment and prosperity, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 election cycle.
39 projects form part of anniversary activities
The anniversary programme has also featured the commissioning of development projects across the state.
Earlier reports indicated that 39 projects were scheduled for commissioning during September, corresponding with the state’s 39th anniversary. The projects span areas including roads, healthcare, education and tourism.
The state government had previously described September as a month of gratitude and announced plans for the projects as part of the anniversary programme.
The anniversary therefore combines celebration of the state’s historical development with the presentation of the current administration’s projects and its plans for the coming years.
From infrastructure to industrialisation
One of the central messages in Eno’s anniversary broadcast was that Akwa Ibom’s development agenda should move beyond physical infrastructure.
The governor said the next stage would seek to connect agriculture with processing and industry, skills with enterprise and enterprise with employment.
He also reaffirmed the administration’s interest in the Ibom Deep Seaport, electricity-sector reforms, Ibom Air and tourism infrastructure as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities.
These priorities place job creation and economic diversification alongside infrastructure as key issues for the state’s next phase of development.
What the anniversary means for Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom was created on September 23, 1987, making 2026 the state’s 39th anniversary. The milestone comes as the state prepares for its 40th year and as political activity builds ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
For residents, the anniversary provides an opportunity to assess both the state’s longer-term development and the performance of the current administration.
The figures announced by the governor offer one account of the administration’s activities since 2023, while the implementation and impact of those programmes remain matters that can be assessed through government records, independent evidence and citizens’ experiences.
Beyond the anniversary celebrations, the administration’s stated priorities indicate a shift towards industrialisation, employment, investment and economic activity.
The coming period will therefore be important in determining how the state’s infrastructure investments translate into productive enterprises, jobs and broader economic opportunities.
What happens next
The administration says it will continue pursuing industrialisation, agro-industrialisation, enterprise development, tourism and the knowledge economy while maintaining infrastructure projects already underway.
The anniversary programme also provides a platform for the state government to showcase completed and ongoing projects as Akwa Ibom moves towards its 40th year.
For citizens, the central issues will include whether the announced programmes are completed as planned, how effectively they improve public services and infrastructure, and whether the next phase produces measurable economic opportunities.
As Akwa Ibom marks 39 years, Governor Eno’s message is centred on maintaining peace and unity while moving the state’s development agenda from major infrastructure projects towards broader economic activity and job creation.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Voice of Nigeria — report on Governor Umo Eno’s anniversary remarks and development figures.
- Punch — report on Eno’s 39th-anniversary statewide broadcast.
- Channels Television — report on the planned commissioning of 39 projects.
- The Guardian — report on Akwa Ibom’s 39th-anniversary programme.
- The Sun — report on Eno’s unity message and warning to socio-cultural groups.
