25/03/2024
Rural Development: Pastor Umo Eno's Approach to Governance in Akwa Ibom
A transformative wind is blowing, carrying with it the promise of empowerment and progress for rural communities in Akwa Ibom. Piloting this movement is His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom state, whose leadership style is defined by a deep commitment to empowering Akwaibomites, especially those in rural areas.
Through a series of innovative initiatives and strategic policies enshrined in his ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno has been instrumental in fostering a culture of self-reliance, inclusivity, and sustainable development throughout Akwa Ibom.
One of the cornerstone principles of Umo Eno's governance is decentralization. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by rural dwellers within Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno has championed the devolution of power and resources to the grassroots level. This decentralization is expected to empower local governments and rural communities to take ownership of their development agendas, leading to more responsive and accountable governance.
A key instrument in Pastor Umo Eno's strategy for empowering rural communities is his administration's emphasis on participatory decision-making processes. Through the appointment of Special Assistants from all the wards in Akwa Ibom, approval for special roads/health/education intervention projects in local governments, Governor Umo Eno ensures that the voices of the people are heard and incorporated into policy formulation and implementation. By actively engaging with community leaders, traditional rulers, and people at the grassroots, his administration fosters a sense of ownership and buy-in for development initiatives at the local level.
Governor Umo Eno's government has prioritized capacity building and skills development programs tailored to the specific needs of the people. By investing in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives like the Ibom-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), his administration is equipping start-ups across the state with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Through the maintenance of peace, distrubution of inputs to farmers, inauguration of the state bulk purchase agency, approval for construction of economically-viable roads, free food supplies for the less privileged, approval for the construction for houses for the poorest of the poor across Akwa Ibom, free medical and surgical outreaches, release of funds for payment of leave grants and gratuity to primary school teachers, Pastor Umo Eno's government is empowering Akwa Ibom people to harness their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the overall development of Akwa Ibom.
In addition to fostering economic empowerment, Governor Umo Eno's administration is deeply committed to improving access to basic amenities and infrastructure in rural areas. Through targeted investments in road construction, healthcare and educational facilities, his administration is bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that all citizens of Akwa Ibom have equal opportunities to thrive and prosper.
Governor Umo Eno's leadership exemplifies a holistic and inclusive approach to governance that prioritizes the empowerment of the Akwa Ibom people. Through decentralization, participatory decision-making, capacity building, and infrastructure development, his administration is building on the foundation laid by his predecessors for sustainable growth and development at the grassroots level. As Akwa Ibom continues on its journey towards prosperity, Pastor Umo Eno's legacy of empowering rural communities will undoubtedly stand as a legacy to the transformative power of inclusive governance.
May the ARISE Agenda succeed!
Aniekan James Ekah