Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – – The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to addressing the pressing issue of environmental degradation within the state. He also reiterated his dedication to bolstering security and ensuring good governance for the people of Akwa Ibom.

 

Governor Eno made these pronouncements on Wednesday at Government House, Uyo, while hosting participants from the Nigerian Air Force War College, Course 11, who were in the state for an in-depth Study Tour.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Pastor Eno asserted that despite the existing challenges of environmental degradation, his administration is actively working to transform some of the severely affected areas into potential tourist attraction centers.

This strategic move, he explained, is aimed at boosting tourism and fostering socio-economic growth within the state.

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To cultivate a conducive environment for progress, the Governor emphasized that his administration is adopting a comprehensive development strategy. This approach, as enshrined in his ARISE Agenda, prioritizes maximum security, the provision of crucial infrastructure, aviation development, improvements in healthcare delivery, human capacity development, food security, and advancements in education.

 

Sharing the state’s developmental blueprint with the visiting military delegation, Governor Eno underscored that the welfare and protection of the lives and property of Akwa Ibom citizens are the fundamental responsibilities of his government. It was on this premise, he noted, that he established a dedicated Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways and appointed a retired General as Commissioner to oversee its operations.

 

Governor Eno further highlighted the significant, people-centric achievements of his administration and expressed optimism that the Study Tour would provide the team with a deeper understanding of the policies driving development in Akwa Ibom State. He elaborated that the ARISE Agenda focuses on agricultural revolution, rural development, infrastructural consolidation and expansion, security management, as well as education, economic empowerment, and improved healthcare.

 

Earlier in the visit, the Team Lead, Air Vice Marshall Patrick Philip, conveyed his appreciation to the Governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State for the warm reception they had received since their arrival. He explained that the Study Tour is designed to enhance the participants’ understanding of leadership management and decision-making.

Air Vice Marshall Philip stated that the theme for this year’s Study Tour is “Environmental Degradation and Socio-Economic Development: Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in Perspective.”

He emphasized that the selection of Akwa Ibom State as a case study was deliberate and strategic, recognizing the state’s commendable efforts in harmonizing social, economic, and environmental imperatives for sustainable development. He expressed hope that the participants would gain valuable insights from Akwa Ibom’s approach to environmental management and socio-economic development by the conclusion of their tour.

 

Air Vice Marshall Philip disclosed that the delegation in Akwa Ibom State comprised four faculty members, fifteen participants, and four support staff, totaling twenty-three personnel.

 

The visit, which also included the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien; Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong; Honorary SSA to the Governor on Security, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi (Rtd.); and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph Esidem, among other Management Staff, concluded with the exchange of mementoes and group photographs.