2027: Ex-minister backs Eno’s re-election, hails blueprint

File Copy: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon, has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE 2.0 development blueprint, describing it as a pathway to economic growth, increased productivity and sustainable wealth creation.

Umana spoke with journalists in Uyo on Saturday while reacting to the unveiling of the governor’s 2027–2031 manifesto and the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress State Campaign Council.

He commended Eno for what he described as the fulfilment of his first-term social contract with the electorate.

Assessing the blueprint from an economic perspective, the former minister said it represented a shift from basic public-sector infrastructure spending towards a private-sector-led economy driven by productivity, value addition and investment.

He said, “What excites me most about ARISE 2.0 is the deliberate structural transition from mere consumption and basic infrastructure to productivity, value addition, and capital attraction.

“His Excellency the Governor has proven beyond reasonable doubt that he is a leader who keeps his word. Having laid a solid foundation in his first term through rural roads, agricultural support, and social welfare, this second-term agenda is designed to increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product and put real income into the pockets of everyday Akwa Ibomites.”

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Umana said the blueprint’s emphasis on tourism, agro-allied investments, technical skills and job creation would address unemployment and reduce the state’s reliance on federal allocations.

He identified the proposed Uyo City Centre Project, expansion of specialist medical facilities to reduce medical tourism and efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a leading hospitality and conference destination as initiatives capable of stimulating economic activities across the state.

He said, “When you build a world-class healthcare hub and city centre, you are not just erecting physical structures; you are creating a thriving service economy. Small and medium enterprises, local artisans, transport operators, and young entrepreneurs will all benefit from the influx of visitors and foreign direct investment.”

The former minister urged Akwa Ibom residents at home and in the diaspora to support Eno’s re-election bid, arguing that economic growth thrived in an environment of policy continuity and political stability.

“Supporting Governor Eno for a second term is a sound economic decision for Akwa Ibom State. The APC family is fully mobilised to ensure that this visionary blueprint moves from paper to reality for the collective prosperity of our people,” Umana said.