Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, yesterday, unveiled a new economic blueprint of the state christened ‘ARISE Agenda’, with a visionary plan to propelling the economic growth of the oil-rich state.
The launch, which served as the culmination of a week-long series of activities organised by the state government, was graced by current and past leaders of the state and private sector players, a statement said.
Addressing a diverse audience, Eno expressed his commitment to achieving global best practices in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He emphasized that the ARISE Agenda and its economic blueprints have been holistically crafted to address the challenges faced by the state while fostering sustainable development.
Also, he expressed his support for the creative industry in Akwa Ibom, calling 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.
He urged all stakeholders to unite and work together in a concerted effort to achieve the effective actualisation of the ARISE Agenda. He emphasized that the success of the agenda relied on the collective contributions and dedication of the people of Akwa Ibom.
The Deputy Governor of the State, Sent. Akon Eyakenyi, appreciated the governor for standing out to prove he is a great leader sent to usher in a paradigm shift in the governance landscape of the state.
Eyakenyi said the governor 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, 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 include agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructure maintenance and advancement, security management and educational advancement.
She said through these 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 the Managing Director, Hensek Integrated Services, Uwem Okoko.
The launch also featured the decoration of ARISE Agenda ambassadors by the governor. Those decorated as ARISE Ambassadors were the First Lady of the State, Patience Umo Eno; the Deputy Governor; the Speaker; Peoples Democratic Party State Chairman, Aniekan Akpan; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; Sen. Effiong Bob, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien, Ben Udobia among others.
