The Akwa Ibom State Government has received a $6,206,745.42 performance-based reward from the World Bank-assisted State Action on Business Enabling Reform (SABER) Programme, following its strong showing in transparency, budget management, and good governance under the 2024 assessment.
Governor Umo Eno disclosed this during the July edition of the Monthly Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, where he described the recognition as evidence of his administration’s commitment to accountability and prudent use of public resources in line with the ARISE Agenda.
He noted that the award added to recent accolades, including the state’s high ranking in the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Governance Performance Index, which placed Akwa Ibom among Nigeria’s top-performing states in governance.
According to the governor, the twin recognitions confirm that the state is on a steady development path, stressing that sustainable progress requires consistent planning, discipline, and patience.
Beyond the financial reward, Governor Eno highlighted ongoing projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure and social development.
He announced that Ibom Air has resumed international operations on the Uyo–Accra route, with flights scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays, adding that more destinations may follow as demand increases.
He also disclosed that the government has procured 50 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to improve public transportation, with 20 already delivered while the remaining 30 are expected soon.
He added that drivers will undergo training before deployment.
On youth empowerment, Eno reaffirmed plans to establish Youth Development Centres across all 31 local government areas, aimed at expanding access to skills acquisition and economic empowerment programmes.
He further described the current period as a “harvest season” for tourism in the state, urging residents and visitors to explore attractions such as Arise Park and the ARISE Resort, while expressing optimism about continued growth in the sector.
The governor also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, urging media practitioners and social media users to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that falsehoods could attract legal consequences.
He thanked religious leaders for their prayers and support, saying peace, unity, and divine guidance remain essential to the state’s development journey.
The Covenant Service featured prayers and a sermon by the Senior Pastor of Victorious Family International, Prophet Williams, who spoke on “Divine Rechristening” from Isaiah 62:1–4, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith and trust in restoration and favour.
