Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled a new development manifesto known as ARISE 2.0, while setting a target of securing at least two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Eno presented the blueprint on Friday during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Campaign Council in Uyo, the state capital.
He described the inauguration as an important stage in the state’s development journey and said the campaign would operate under the theme, “We Are Well Able”, taken from Numbers 13:30.
The governor said the theme reflected the state’s capacity to pursue further development and improve living conditions for residents.
ARISE 2.0 to Focus on Investment and Economic Growth
Eno said the new programme would build on the achievements of ARISE 1.0, which covered infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development and tourism.
He explained that ARISE 2.0 would seek to transform Akwa Ibom from an economy driven largely by infrastructure projects into a productive economic hub.
The plan will prioritise investment, tourism, agriculture, youth empowerment and employment opportunities.
According to the governor, the administration intends to expand economic activities while ensuring that young people participate in and benefit from the state’s development plans.
Uyo City Centre Set for Major Transformation
Tourism is among the major areas identified in the new development blueprint.
Eno said Akwa Ibom would use its natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality industry and food traditions to attract visitors for conferences, entertainment, holidays, sporting events and cultural festivals.
He also announced plans to remodel Uyo’s city centre through the construction of an iconic tower, a flyover and other facilities.
“We will remodel Uyo as our capital city with iconic flyover, iconic tower and other facilities. Uyo shall become a city with a changed skyline,” he said.
Agriculture and Infrastructure Included in Development Plans
The governor said his administration would pursue a transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and agro-industrialisation.
The proposed measures include the introduction of modern farming techniques, development of farm settlements, support for farmers and expansion of agro-processing activities.
Eno also pledged continued investment in roads, electricity, transportation, education, healthcare and skills acquisition.
He said the development programme would place young people in active roles within the state’s emerging economy.
Ibom Deep Seaport Remains a Strategic Priority
Eno identified the Ibom Deep Seaport as a central component of Akwa Ibom’s long-term economic plans.
He thanked President Tinubu for his support following progress in the project’s certification and approval processes.
The governor said the proposed seaport would help establish the state as a destination for maritime activities, logistics, industrial development and commercial operations.
APC Campaign Council Given Two Million-Vote Target
Addressing members of the newly inaugurated campaign council, Eno said their appointments should be treated as a responsibility to serve rather than a privilege.
He urged them to focus on policies and the welfare of residents while conducting peaceful, issue-based campaigns.
The governor also encouraged party members to take their campaign activities to local wards and polling units instead of depending exclusively on large political rallies.
He described the 2027–2031 period as a season of reward and challenged the APC structures in the state to deliver at least two million votes for Tinubu.
Eno also called for support for other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Akpabio Calls for Support for Eno’s Administration
Speaking at the event, Akpabio described the governor as “an uncommon transformer 2.0”.
He encouraged Eno to maintain his focus on people-centred governance and called on residents to unite behind what he described as continuity in impactful leadership, peace and good governance.
Campaign Director Promises Disciplined Electioneering
Earlier, the Director-General of the APC State Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, assured the governor that the campaign would be disciplined and centred on issues.
He highlighted the administration’s reported achievements, including more than 1,500 kilometres of road projects, free and compulsory education, and the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers.
Assam also cited healthcare interventions, agricultural grants and youth entrepreneurship programmes as part of the government’s record.
He pledged the campaign council’s commitment to presenting the administration’s achievements and development plans to voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
