Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has welcomed residents into 2026, reaffirming his administration’s focus on peace, inclusive growth, and prudent financial management.
In his New Year address, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to God and the people of the state for their continued support over the past two and a half years.
“We thank the Almighty God for seeing us through the year that has just ended, for His grace upon our people and our land, for the peace we enjoy, and for the steady progress we have made together in the last two and half years, for which we are committed to expanding and deepening in the new year,” he said.
He praised citizens for their prayers and cooperation and commended the State House of Assembly for approving the 2026 People’s Budget of Consolidation and Expansion.
“This spirit of collaboration is the reason our people elected us to work for them,” the Governor added.
Extending New Year greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno reiterated the state’s support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We remain encouraged by the early gains of his bold reforms and committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda so he may return in 2027 to finish these bold reforms.”
The Governor also thanked the youths for their political support and recent rally, noting their importance in strengthening civic engagement.
Highlighting the spiritual theme for the year, he referenced the state’s New Year Thanksgiving and Covenant Service.
The theme… ‘The God of All Flesh’ from Jeremiah 32:27, reminds us that God remains sovereign and faithful, even in the face of challenges,” he said.
On governance priorities, he assured residents that peace will remain the foundation of all development initiatives.
“Peace remains the foundation of growth and the reason our development efforts continue to yield great results,” he stated.
Governor Eno announced renewed investment in agriculture with the Tree Crop Revolution, aimed at empowering farmers across all local government areas and generating sustainable rural wealth.
“This year, we will launch our Tree Crop Revolution to empower farmers across all Local Government Areas to create generational wealth and strengthen our rural economy,” he added.
He also confirmed that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for all government revenues became operational from 1 January 2026.
“The era of MDAs generating and spending funds outside the TSA is over… there will be consequences for defaulters.”
Regarding infrastructure, he noted that over 1,000 kilometres of roads are either completed or under construction, with projects tailored to community needs.
“Our target is to ensure that the people feel the impact of government across the 31 local government areas of our State,” he said.
He commended security agencies for their collaboration, adding, “We will spare nothing to ensure that our State remains safe and secure.”
In the sectors of health and education, the Governor highlighted ongoing projects, including the commissioning of Ukanafun General Hospital and the construction of the 350-bed Ibom International Hospital.
On social welfare, he emphasised compassion as central to governance.
“We will build more ARISE Compassionate Homes beyond the 335 already delivered and continue to reduce the N112 billion inherited gratuity backlog, having paid over ₦76.6 billion so far.”
Governor Eno also outlined major tourism and aviation projects scheduled for commissioning in 2026 and confirmed progress on the Ibom Deep Seaport.
As political activities intensify, he appealed for restraint, saying, “I urge all leaders and citizens to reject violence and divisionary tendencies.”
He concluded with prayers for unity and national progress.
“May God bless us richly in this new year and grant us unity, peace and progress as we continue to ARISE to the Renewed Hope that now define our State and Nation respectively.”
