Former Etim Ekpo Chairman Imeh Afia Hails Gov Eno For Unprecedented Transparent Leadership

The just concluded three-day Akwa Ibom State Executive Council Ministerial Briefing/ End-of-Year Review has continued to draw commendations from stakeholders. One of them is the immediate-past Chairman, Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Imeh Afia, who described Governor Umo Eno's leadership as unprecedented in the state's history.

Speaking on Friday during a phone interview with a private radio station in Uyo, the former Council Boss commended Governor Umo Eno for openly subjecting his administration to public assessment through the live broadcast of the event. He noted that such a bold step can only come from no other leader, except one who is transparent, accountable and committed to inclusive governance.

Obongemem Imeh Afia

“I followed the entire briefing online and through various news reports. For three days, ministries, departments, and agencies presented their scorecards in the presence of stakeholders, and the Governor himself was open to scrutiny. This is something we have never seen before in Akwa Ibom State," Afia said.

He described the initiatives and policies of Governor Eno, including the planned revitalization of the state-owned Peacock Paints and the establishment of Ibom Oil Mineral Exploration Company, as impactful, visionary, and business-oriented.

Obongemem Imeh Afia also praised the Governor for prioritizing innovation through the planned launch of the Akwa Ibom Geographical Information System (AkwaGIS) Agency under the Ministry of Lands and Town Planning. He highlighted the significance of digitalizing land administration as a step toward boosting investors’ confidence and enhancing economic growth.

He said: “His Excellency our leader, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, is running government as a business, with the conscience of a true entrepreneur. The revitalization of Ibom Paints, the bold move into oil exploration, and the digitalization of land processes are excellent and gargantuan ideas. He is clearly setting a new standard for governance in this state.”

The one-time Councillor in Etim Ekpo, commended the State Chief Executive for presenting business grants to 15,000 youths registered on the state job portal. He described the Governor as a visionary leader who understands the importance of empowering young people for sustainable development. He noted that such a visionary initiative is not only a boost to the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also a lifeline for many youths aspiring to create meaningful livelihoods.

Speaking on the N500,000 grant for citizens engaged in small-scale farming at their homes, Afia applauded the Governor's foresight in promoting agricultural productivity and food security. He said the initiative would encourage more residents to embrace farming, reduce dependence on external food sources, and enhance household income, describing it as a practical approach to grassroots economic empowerment.

While eulogizing the determination of Pastor Eno to fill observed gaps in governance and to sustain citizens’ engagement through proposed town hall meetings across federal constituencies in the new year, Obongemem Imeh Afia pledged his continued support for the ARISE agenda.