Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled his manifesto and development blueprint, tagged ARISE 2.0, pledging to deliver at least two million votes for President Bola Tinubu.
Eno unveiled the blueprint at the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress State Campaign Council on Friday in Uyo, the state capital.
He described the event as a defining moment in the state’s development journey, marked by renewed hope and collective determination to advance the fortunes of Akwa Ibom.
He added that the campaign would be anchored on the theme, “We Are Well Able,” drawn from Numbers 13:30.
“We have the capacity to achieve greater development milestones and better the lot of our people. Our campaign will be anchored on the theme, ‘We Are Well Able,’ drawn from Numbers 13:30,” the governor said.
Eno said ARISE 2.0 would move the state from an infrastructure-driven economy to a productive economic hub anchored on investment, tourism, agriculture, youth empowerment and job creation.
He said the achievements recorded under ARISE 1.0 in roads, education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, rural development and tourism would serve as a foundation for a more ambitious programme.
On tourism, he said the state would leverage its natural attractions, cultural heritage, hospitality and culinary traditions to become a major destination for meetings, conferences, entertainment, holidays, sports and cultural festivals.
He disclosed plans to remodel the Uyo city centre, with an iconic tower, flyover and other facilities.
“We will remodel Uyo as our capital city with iconic flyover, iconic tower and other facilities. Uyo shall become a city with a changed skyline,” Eno said.
In agriculture, he pledged to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and agro-industrialisation through modern techniques, farm settlements, support for farmers and expansion of agro-processing.
READ ALSO:
- 2027: Tompolo, Zamfara gov rally support for Tinubu’s re-election
- 2027: Ondo ex-lawmakers target 1m votes for Tinubu
- Tompolo, Zamfara gov mobilise support for Tinubu
He also promised sustained investment in roads, electricity, transportation, education, healthcare and skills acquisition, adding that young people must become active participants and beneficiaries of the emerging economy.
On the Ibom Deep Seaport, Eno described it as a strategic pillar of the state’s long-term economic ambition and thanked Tinubu for his support following progress in certification and approval processes.
He said the seaport would position Akwa Ibom as a maritime, logistics, industrial and commercial destination.
Addressing members of the Campaign Council, Eno charged them to see their appointments as a responsibility to serve, not a privilege, and to focus on policies and the welfare of the people.
He called for issue-based and peaceful campaigns and urged party members to take their message to wards and units rather than rely solely on large rallies, describing the 2027–2031 period as a season of reward.
“I challenge the structures to deliver at least two million votes for Tinubu. We must mobilise support for other APC candidates, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio,” he said.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the governor as “an uncommon transformer 2.0” and urged him to remain focused on people-centric governance.
He urged the people to unite and vote for continuity of impactful leadership, peace and good governance.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Campaign Council, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, assured the governor of a disciplined and issue-based campaign.
He cited over 1,500 kilometres of road projects, free and compulsory education, the recruitment of more than 3,000 teachers, healthcare interventions, agricultural grants and youth entrepreneurship programmes as evidence of the administration’s record.
