By our Reporter
The political leader of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area and former Deputy Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, has hailed the Monthly Delivery Advisory Meeting initiated by Governor Umo Eno as the “engine room” driving the current wave of spectacular performance in Akwa Ibom.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the conclusion of the two-day Project Delivery Advisory Meeting held at Government House, Uyo, on Friday, July 4, Senator Ibokessien described the sessions as intelligent, well-structured, and purposeful step towards achieving measurable development across all sectors of the state in line with the ARISE Agenda.
The former National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), said, what took place was far from the usual government talk-shop. According to the respected elder statesman, “This was serious business. You could see the level of coordination, the focus on timelines, and the honest assessment of where we are and where we want to be. It wasn’t about blowing grammar and rigmarole. It was about showing results.”
Senator Essien observed that the consistent review of key projects, with commissioners, Delivery Advisors, and other stakeholders all present and actively engaging, has introduced a refreshing approach to governance in the state.
The Founder of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene and the first parliamentarian to represent Akwa Ibom in the ECOWAS Parliament, emphasized that Governor Eno has raised the bar of leadership through the institutionalisation of development monitoring.
His words: “This is the first time we are seeing such consistent, inclusive, and data-backed reviews of government projects where everyone, regardless of political leaning, is carried along. Indeed, that is what democracy should look like"
The Political leader lauded the Governor's directive that all MDAs must respect deadlines and submit to periodic evaluations. According to him, this approach ensures public office holders are alert to their duties and helps curb wastage of public funds.
Reacting to the Governor’s comments that “the change we seek for our state begins with us,” Essien said the Governor’s philosophy aligns with the aspirations of the people for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
“What Governor Eno is preaching is a gospel of responsibility. From what I have seen in these two days, the Governor is not only talking but walking the talk. Akwa Ibom is blessed to have him at the helm at this time,” Essien said.
He used the occasion to commend the State Chief Executive for setting a December 2026 deadline for the completion of 42 priority projects across sectors, noting that such timelines help drive accountability and instil seriousness in public service delivery.
The renowned educationist also lauded the Governor’s decision to increase the monthly allowance for corps members in the state from N5,000 to N20,000, describing it as a masterstroke in youth motivation and state branding.
Our paper earlier reported that Governor Eno had during the meeting reviewed 42 priority projects across education, infrastructure, security, tourism, agriculture, health, and industrial development and set clear timelines for their delivery. A special FGPC session was also convened to fast-track infrastructure development at the Itam Industrial Park.
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