Gov Eno”s Epic Thursday of Hope
It was a day when the dawn itself seemed to whisper promises of change, a day when visionary leadership and boundless ambition stirred a wind of progress for rural communities of Use Ikot Amama and Urua Naira in Ibiono Ibom and Ikono Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno, with an air of characteristic – effortless elegance, stepped into the morning in business-like manner. He appeared in a detailed Angelo Galasso ensemble of a creamy shirt with delicate spiral lacing and artful buttons, paired with soft-finished blue jeans and hand curated leather belt that spoke of Italian finesse and a perfectly finished blue loafers to match. A dark blue blazer graced his shoulders like a modern herald of business acumen, while his signature blue Stefano Ricci faz cape, emblazoned with the Arise insignia, fluttered above him and pointing ever upward toward the dreams of a greater Akwa Ibom.
At 10:30 am, the Governor convened a crucial meeting with the committee on local business development in the quiet deliberation of his office. As soft light filtered through the windows, strategies for economic vitality and citizen empowerment were kindled like the glow of the morning . “We must ensure that every beneficiary of our empowerment programs receives their grant. Every name from our first Town Square Meeting must be honoured before we journey to Oron on the 5th,” he declared, his voice steady and resolute. In that moment, amid nods of agreement from Secretary to Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Delivery Advisor Aniefiok Johnson, and the Commissioners present, as he stenciled the authority of the promise of progress and citizens empowerment.
The day’s pace then took him briefly to the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre ahead of its poineer graduation ceremony, where the hum of youthful ambition and the scent of future triumph mingled in the air. His visit, though short , was filled with quiet satisfaction as he admired the facilities and the can- do – spirit that resonated within those walls of hope.
There , the Governor met Akwa Ibom Contingent camping for the on upcoming Niger Delta Sports Festival. In his usual way of showing love, the Governor announced left gifts of care and assured the team of bountiful rewards if they win outstanding medals.
But the crescendo of the day came as the Governor’s convoy, under an expansive blue sky, made its way to the heart of Ibiono Ibom and Ikono LGAs. Here, excitement and happiness brimmed in the air as residents gathered in large numbers to witness history in the making, the official flag-off of 32.4km of rural road projects in a week shaped by multiple commissioning of projects in healthcare, education and rural development, the atmosphere was electrifying, charged with the vibrant energy of traditional rulers, community leaders, and jubilant residents celebrating a long-awaited transformation.
With a ceremonious flourish of his hand, Governor Eno in flagged of a 10.9km road linking Nsai Use Ikot Amama, Ibiaku Ikot Esifa, Iton Mmong, and Nkwot Edem Edet,
alongside a majestic 21.5km road connecting Ikot Anyan Ediene, Ikot Ntia, Urua Naira, Ikot Nseyen, and Nung Ukim. A new 60m-span bridge, the crown jewel of this endeavor, stood as a testament to the dreams of a better-connected future.
Taking the stage at the Ibiono site, the Governor announced “ this is the popular Use – Ikot Amama. I have come with the finishers anointing to complete this like other projects started by previous governments. I must commend but Senate. President, our Son whom we are proud of who started this project when he served as Governor. We have come to finish it so we can open up this area and create access to the abundant economic opportunities here “ He declared. The Governor turning to the people said “Ibiono and Ikono did not vote for us in the last election,” he declared with passion, “but as I have always said, a Governor must not come from your community before you see development. Our job is to develop every part of this State.” He further expressed confidence in Setraco Construction Company, tasked with navigating challenging terrain and delivering a road worthy of their collective aspirations. In his words, every mile of asphalt and every span of bridge was more than concrete and steel, t was the binding thread weaving together communities, stimulating agribusiness, and lighting up the pathway toward sustainable development.
Amid the cheers of dignitaries, from the local government chairmen and paramount rulers to esteemed members of the legislature and community leaders, the Governor’s ARISE Agenda shone brightly. His call for completing strategic projects initiated by previous administrations resonated . The resounding promise was clear: infrastructure would serve as the bridge between rural aspirations and the state’s economic heartbeat.
As the sun cast long shadows over freshly broken ground and bathed eager faces in its golden light, every heartbeat of that Thursday echoed with the promise of a united and prosperous Akwa Ibom. It was a day etched in the collective memory, a living sonnet of progress and hope, a day when every road paved was a promise kept, and every smile, a testament to the power of visionary leadership.
Truly, it was was a Thursday to remember
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