Morgan Ekanem Reviews Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda 1.0, Highlights Achievements Across Five Pillars
Dr. Morgan Ekanem, Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Special Duties, has presented a detailed assessment of Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s ARISE Agenda 1.0, highlighting achievements, ongoing projects and the administration’s governance priorities.
Ekanem delivered the retrospective appraisal during an event at the Banquet Hall of ARISE Palm Resort and Resorts in Uyo, where Governor Eno also formally unveiled the ARISE Agenda 2.0, the administration’s next governance blueprint.
In a memorable moment during his presentation, Ekanem recalled how he witnessed the late wife of the Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, describe her husband as the “Golden Boy
According to him, the remark reflected the character, grace and qualities that those close to the Governor had recognised in him long before he assumed leadership of Akwa Ibom State.
The anecdote provided a personal touch to what was largely a detailed assessment of the administration’s governance philosophy, policy direction and performance under the ARISE Agenda 1.0.
Speaking on the theme, “The ARISE Agenda 1.0: A Retrospective Appraisal of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno’s Governance Blueprint,” Ekanem explained the importance of having a clearly defined development plan against which government performance could be measured.
He described a blueprint as a structured plan that provides measurable targets, while an agenda represents the deliberate actions required to implement such a plan.
He maintained that governance without a clear blueprint could easily become a series of uncoordinated activities, making it difficult for citizens to assess performance.
Ekanem explained that the ARISE Agenda was developed before Governor Eno assumed office, drawing from the challenges confronting the state, including youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare services, poor rural roads, electricity shortages and insecurity.
He said these challenges informed the administration’s central commitment to the Promise of Peace and Prosperity.
According to him, peace remains essential for sustainable development, while prosperity ensures that peace translates into improved living conditions and economic opportunities for the people.
The Five Pillars of ARISE Agenda 1.0
Ekanem explained that the administration translated its development vision into five strategic pillars represented by the acronym ARISE:
A – Agricultural Revolution
R – Rural Development
I – Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement
S – Security Management
E – Education and Socio-Economic Advancement
Providing an assessment of the pillars, he highlighted various government interventions and projects designed to improve the state’s economy and the welfare of residents.
Agricultural Revolution
On agriculture, Ekanem described the sector as a major driver of economic growth, employment generation and food security.
He highlighted farmer grants and other agricultural support programmes aimed at strengthening food production, empowering farmers and reducing Akwa Ibom’s dependence on food supplies from other states.
He noted that the administration’s agricultural interventions were designed to position farming as a viable economic activity while creating opportunities for residents, particularly in rural communities.
Rural Development
On rural development, Ekanem emphasised the importance of connecting communities to economic opportunities through improved road networks and other essential infrastructure.
He explained that the administration’s rural development strategy was aimed at ensuring that the benefits of governance extended beyond urban centres to communities across the state.
According to him, rural development should be reflected in projects and interventions that directly improve the everyday experiences of residents.
Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement
Reviewing the infrastructure pillar, Ekanem highlighted major projects, including the ARISE Palm Resort, the Governor’s Office Annex and ongoing road and public infrastructure developments.
He explained that infrastructure development should not be limited to constructing new facilities but must also include maintaining and modernising existing assets to ensure their long-term usefulness.
He stressed that proper maintenance was necessary to prevent public infrastructure from deteriorating and becoming a waste of government resources.
Security Management
On security, Ekanem described peace and safety as fundamental requirements for economic development.
He noted that a secure environment encourages investment, supports business activities, promotes tourism and allows residents to go about their daily lives without fear.
He presented the administration’s security interventions as an important foundation for achieving its broader development objectives.
Education and Socio-Economic Advancement
Addressing education and socio-economic advancement, Ekanem highlighted model schools, human capital development and social welfare programmes as critical investments in the future of Akwa Ibom.
He stressed that while physical infrastructure could be delivered within a relatively short period, developing the capacity and potential of the younger generation required sustained investment in education.
He described the education pillar as a long-term investment capable of producing benefits beyond the lifespan of any administration.
Promises Kept, Projects Ongoing
Concluding his presentation, Ekanem maintained that the ARISE Agenda 1.0 had recorded progress, with several promises translated into projects and interventions, while other initiatives remained ongoing.
However, he also raised questions about the state’s next phase of economic growth and prosperity, stressing the need for continued assessment of the administration’s performance.
He described ARISE Agenda 1.0 as the first phase of a broader development journey rather than a completed exercise, noting that its achievements and outstanding tasks should provide a foundation for future planning.
He called for the administration to be assessed based on its performance across the five pillars, particularly as Akwa Ibom moves into the next phase of the ARISE development vision.
The presentation attracted applause from dignitaries, government officials, stakeholders and party faithful who attended the event.
The programme reached its climax when Governor Umo Eno mounted the podium to deliver his keynote address and formally unveil the ARISE Agenda 2.0, outlining the next phase of his administration’s development agenda for Akwa Ibom State.
