Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State | akstrending.com
By Bush Udombo
A State’s development cannot be measured by what happens in its capital alone. It must be seen in the lives of people across its towns, villages and communities. This is the thinking behind Governor Umo Eno’s emphasis on grassroots development under the ARISE Agenda, with all 31 local government areas forming part of the State’s development vision.
Governor Eno’s approach recognises that every local government has its own needs, economic activities and development priorities. Meeting them requires close cooperation between the state government, local councils, traditional rulers and community leaders. The objective is to ensure that development reaches every part of Akwa Ibom.
At a meeting with chairmen of the 31 local government areas at Government House, Uyo, on October 10, 2026, the Governor urged them to strengthen their partnership with the state government and intensify development efforts in their respective councils. He also stressed closer engagement with residents, improved security and programmes that support local economic activities.
The message was clear: local government leadership must turn government policies into practical benefits for the people. Council chairmen are closest to their communities and have a responsibility to identify local needs, support public services and ensure that projects deliver meaningful results.
Governor Eno has also acknowledged the importance of local government autonomy following the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local councils. While recognising their constitutional responsibilities, he has emphasised prudent financial management, accountability and effective service delivery.
This is an important part of his grassroots vision. Financial autonomy must translate into better services, meaningful projects and responsible use of public resources. Local councils must demonstrate that public funds are being used to improve the lives of residents.
The administration’s commitment to grassroots economic development is reflected in the ₦31 billion empowerment programme approved by the State Executive Council in July 2026. The 2026 budget provides ₦1 billion for each local government area, targeting youths, women, traders, farmers, transport operators and small businesses.
By extending economic support across the 31 local government areas, the programme is designed to strengthen local enterprises, support livelihoods and widen opportunities beyond major commercial centres. It also reflects the administration’s recognition that economic growth must include people at the grassroots.
Traditional rulers are equally important to this vision. On September 23, 2026, Governor Eno presented certificates of recognition to newly recognised traditional rulers and announced an increase in their welfare package. He charged them to promote peace and unity in their domains and work with government to advance community development.
Their involvement strengthens the relationship between government and the people. With their knowledge of local issues and influence within their communities, traditional rulers remain important partners in promoting peace, resolving disputes and supporting development initiatives.
These efforts align with the wider ARISE Agenda, which connects infrastructure, economic growth, social welfare and human development. The proposed ARISE 2.0 framework for 2027–2031, under the theme Growing Our Economy, Developing Our People, provides the direction for the next phase of the State’s development.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the importance of this grassroots approach also comes into sharper focus. Local communities are central to political engagement, public participation and mobilisation. The large turnout at recent APC gatherings, including the national campaign rally in Calabar, reflects the party’s mobilisation activities and the participation of its supporters.
For Governor Eno, the political conversation is closely linked to the development direction of his administration. The record of projects, empowerment programmes and engagement with local institutions provides important context for citizens assessing the administration’s performance and its proposed next phase.
The 2027 elections will give the people of Akwa Ibom an opportunity to examine that record, consider the administration’s plans and make an informed decision about the State’s future leadership. The central issues remain development, economic opportunities, public services and the quality of life across all 31 local government areas.
Governor Eno’s approach rests on a straightforward principle: no local government area should be left behind. Whether in rural communities or urban centres, every part of Akwa Ibom deserves attention and a fair place in the State’s development priorities.
Thirty-one local government areas, one development vision. That is the central message of the Umo Eno approach: building a State where development is not confined to a few locations but reaches communities across Akwa Ibom.
