The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council on Thursday ratified 39 projects, including 27 road projects covering more than 167 kilometres across the state, as Governor Umo Eno urged members of the cabinet with political ambitions ahead of the general elections to resign in line with the Electoral Act.
The meeting, held at the Executive Council Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, was presided over by Governor Eno, who also charged commissioners and other officials to remain focused on delivering the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
A major outcome of the meeting was the ratification of three memoranda from the Finance and General Purpose Committee, presented by the Secretary to the State Government. The approvals covered a range of infrastructure projects across the state, with road construction taking the largest share.
Among the major projects approved was the dualisation and construction of the six-lane 36-kilometre Nung Udoe, Afaha Offiong, Ikot Imo, Itreto road, which will include bridges, outfall drains and solar lighting. The contract was awarded to Hensek Integrated Services Limited.
Council also approved the construction of the 7.6-kilometre Ikwe, Odio road in Onna and Eket Local Government Areas, with outfall drains and solar street lighting, to be handled by Orenburg Construction Limited.
Also approved was the dualisation of the 7.64-kilometre Ndon Eyo, Ikot Akpatek road in Onna Local Government Area, awarded to Eighteenth Engineering Limited, as well as the construction of the 4.0-kilometre Ekom Iman Junction, Afia Nsit, Nduo Eduo, Mbiokporo road in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, awarded to Techno Impex Synergy Ltd.
Council also approved the adoption and implementation of the Akwa Ibom State Policy on Ageing. The decision followed the presentation of a memorandum by the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor and is intended to strengthen care and welfare for older persons in the state.
As part of that decision, the Executive Council directed that the Senior Citizens Establishment Bill, 2026 be sent to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. The proposed legislation is expected to provide a legal framework for elderly care, including the management of the Oluremi Senior Citizens Centre.
The Council further reviewed reports on the impact of the N2B Agricultural Grant and the N2B Traders Grant. It commended the gains recorded under the agricultural scheme, including expansion in farm sizes and output, increased procurement of farm inputs such as fertilisers, feeds and machinery, growth in agro-processing activities, improved beneficiary incomes, and a drop in the cost per ton of cassava.
It also noted the positive effect of the traders grant on business growth and livelihoods across the state.
On rural water supply, the Council reviewed the implementation plan for the ARISE-GIFA solar-powered Braithwaite storage tank rural water project across the 369 wards of the state. It directed that the framework be adjusted to include host communities in the maintenance structure after project delivery.
The Governor-in-Council also inaugurated the Steering Committee on Ward-Level Cooperative Societies to provide policy direction, coordination and oversight for the newly established cooperative societies in all 369 wards.
The committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi. It is expected to ensure that the cooperatives serve as instruments for poverty reduction, food security and rural development.
Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Commissioner for Agriculture, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Digital Economy, Commissioner for Information, the APC State Woman Leader, the Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, and the Dean of the College of Personal Assistants. The Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, will serve as secretary.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Governor Eno thanked God for the state’s progress since the start of the year and commended members of the Executive Council for their work in their respective ministries. He urged them to rededicate themselves to prompt and decisive action in implementing the administration’s programmes.
He also advised any council member seeking elective office in the coming general elections to take leave and resign honourably in compliance with the law.
