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CSOs Urge Akwa Ibom to Invest in Agriculture, Tourism for Economic Diversification Amid Energy Transition

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As Nigeria prepares for an energy transition away from fossil fuels, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have urged the Akwa Ibom State government to strengthen its economic resilience by investing in agriculture and tourism.

The call was made during a policy dialogue on fiscal resilience in Akwa Ibom, hosted by BudgIT and attended by BudgIT, the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), and Policy Alert.

Tengi George-Ikoli, a senior officer at NRGI, emphasized the need for oil-producing states, including Akwa Ibom, to broaden their revenue sources to reduce dependency on federal allocations. Highlighting Akwa Ibom’s current reliance on federal allocation for 86% of its budget, she warned that without diversification, the state may struggle to cover expenses if oil revenues decline.

George-Ikoli urged the government to capitalize on the state’s agricultural potential and promote tourism by showcasing its unique coastal assets, noting that Akwa Ibom has the longest shoreline in Africa. She also recommended implementing a technology-driven revenue collection system to minimize leakages and granting the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service (AKIRS) autonomy to combat corruption.

“Akwa Ibom should shift focus from oil to sectors like agriculture and tourism, with well-packaged tourist destinations to attract global visitors,” she advised.

Enebi Opaluwa, Research and Policy Analyst at BudgIT, also voiced support for these measures, urging the government to incorporate diversification into its budget restructuring. He cited underutilized projects, such as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, as opportunities for income-generating initiatives. Additionally, he suggested the government explore renewable energy and capitalize on Akwa Ibom’s coastline and cultural assets to boost the local economy.

The CSOs expressed optimism that Akwa Ibom’s government would consider these recommendations to build a fiscally resilient economy aligned with Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.

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Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

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PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

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Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

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