Governor Eno Launches ARISE Agenda

*Decorates ambassadors to drive initiative 

*Creates new ministry for water resources, sanitation

Okon Bassey in Uyo

In an event that marked the commencement of a new chapter in Akwa Ibom’s development, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, yesterday, unveiled the ARISE Agenda, a visionary plan aimed at propelling the state’s socio-economic growth and transforming the lives of its citizens.
The launch which served as the culmination of a weeklong series of activities organised by the state government, was graced by prominent figures, including a former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Addressing a diverse audience, Eno expressed commitment to achieving global best democratic practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasised that the ARISE Agenda and its economic blueprints have been holistically crafted to address the challenges faced by the state while fostering sustainable development.

Furthermore, he expressed his support for the creative industry in Akwa Ibom State and called on local entertainers to form an umbrella body under the auspices of the “Akwa Ibom Creative Association.”
The governor pledged to pay a premium to the development of local content, recognising the significant contributions of the creative sector to the state’s cultural identity and economic potential.

The governor urged all stakeholders to unite and work together in a concerted effort to achieve the effective actualisation of the ARISE Agenda. He emphasised that the success of the agenda relied on the collective contributions and dedication of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, appreciated the Governor for standing out to prove he is a great leader sent by God to usher in a paradigm shift in the governance landscape of the State.

Eyakenyi, said Eno has availed Akwa Ibom people with the ARISE Agenda as a guiding principle, especially, key stakeholders on their path towards contributing to the success of the present administration.
Disclosing the key component of The ARISE Agenda, the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mrs. Uduakobong Inam, said the initiative was a conceptualised comprehensive framework, anchored on five key pillars, to build upon the achievements of previous administrations and take the state to new heights.
According to Inam, the primary focus areas included Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management, and Educational Advancement.

She said through the core pillars, the government seeks to bolster existing economic efforts while fostering a more vibrant, inclusive, diversified and highly industrialised economy for Akwa Ibom.

The agenda-setting event received goodwill messages from prominent sons of the State, among them were: the Political  Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Sen. Effiong Bob, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Justice Archibong Archibong, Ambassador Assam Assam, the Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly,  Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and Engr. Uwem Okoko, the Managing Director, Hensek Integrated Services.

The launch also featured the decoration of ARISE Agenda ambassadors by the Governor. Those decorated with the prestigious honour as ARISE Ambassadors were; the First Lady of the State, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno; the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Peoples Democratic Party State Chairman, Mr. Aniekan Akpan; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah; Senator Effiong Bob, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien, Elder Ben Udobia, among others.

Meanwhile, the governor has created a new Ministry for Water Resources and Sanitation in the State.
Eno announced the creation of the new Ministry while addressing participants during the Akwa Ibom Dialogue for the interpretation and implementation of the ARISE Agenda blueprint of the state government.

The Governor decried the state exclusion in water-related benefits from the central government and donor agencies, saying the creation of a designated Ministry for Water Resources, would fully integrate the state in the United Nations Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), programme and reposition the state to implement the existing Water Law as well as tackle other water and sanitation related issues most appropriately.

The creation of the Ministry for Water Resources was an answer to the plea of a cluster of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Akwa Ibom WASH Policy Cluster.
The Ibom WASH Policy Cluster had been in the fore front of pushing for the reformation of the WASH sector of the state.

It is believed that with the creation of the new ministry, important documents awaiting the approval of the State Executive Council, such as the WASH policy, WASH M&E framework and the WASH project roadmap, would be approved while expecting the state government to domesticate the Executive Order 009 by the former President Muhammadu Buhari mandating all sectors in the country to be open defecation free by 2025.