•Governor Umo Eno
…Says Akwa Ibom is driving sub-national wealth creation
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold fiscal and financial reforms, saying that Akwa Ibom is domesticating national policies into tangible local wealth creation.
The governor made this known yesterday, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Moneyline Investment Forum held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
He was represented by a delegation led by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, and the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor Imoh Abasi Jacob. Governor Eno emphasised that Nigeria is at a defining moment, and subnational governments must actively harness reforms to boost productivity, innovation, and economic growth within their states.
In a keynote address on the theme “Nigeria’s New Financial Landscape: Reforms, Risks, and the Road to Wealth Creation,” the governor praised the federal government for introducing transformative policies, including the Investment and Securities Act 2025, the Insurance Industry Reform Act 2025, new tax laws, and the deregulation of the electricity market.
He stressed that while these reforms mark a decisive shift in Nigeria’s economic trajectory, the real challenge is to convert reforms into results and policies into prosperity.
Pastor Eno used the occasion to showcase the gains of the ARISE Agenda, a five-pillar framework encompassing Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Expansion, Security Management, and Educational, Advancement. The Agenda, he said, was designed to create an inclusive economy where business is easy, government is transparent, and growth benefits all citizens.
Key initiatives highlighted include Ibom Air, expanded intercity road networks, CNG-powered city buses, and plans for a light rail system.
Maritime projects such as the Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, along with six strategic Economic Zones — including the Liberty Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone and Ibom Industrial City — are central to attracting investors, unlocking the State’s Blue Economy potential, and driving local enterprise.
Governor Eno underscored tourism and agriculture were as major growth drivers and highlighted landmark assets being developed or managed in the state such as the ARISE Palm Resort, the 5,000-capacity International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, ARISE Shopping City, Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, and Raffia City Hotel by Four Points Sheraton. Agricultural initiatives like Ibom Model Farms, Dakkada Global Oil Palm, Coconut Plantations, and Garri Processing Projects are expanding rural incomes, creating jobs, and promoting food sufficiency.
In human capital development, the governor noted the achievements of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (Ibom-LED), which has trained and empowered over 10,000 youth and women through grants, business training, and mentorship programmes.
Concluding, Governor Eno reiterated that subnational governments must complement federal reforms to drive inclusive growth.
“Akwa Ibom is a model of how vision, discipline, and governance can translate reforms into prosperity,” he said, inviting investors to “COME. LIVE. INVEST in Akwa Ibom State,” thus highlighting the state’s readiness to host and support domestic and international investments.
