Idongesit Mishael, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled plans to transform the state’s former dumpsite in Uyo into a 150-hectare residential estate with 1,000 housing units
Governor Eno has also promised to construct at least 310 kilometres of roads across the state’s 31 local government areas in 2027.
The proposed housing development, to be known as Uyo GRA, is part of the governor’s ARISE Agenda 2.0, which outlines his administration’s development priorities for 2027 to 2031.
Presenting the manifesto on Friday, Eno disclosed that the government had embarked on massive land reclamation at the former dumpsite following its relocation, creating about 150 hectares of land for the proposed residential development.
He said a bridge was also being constructed to provide access to the reclaimed site, adding that the project would accommodate 1,000 housing units as part of efforts to address the state’s housing deficit.
The governor said the proposed estate would complement 1,048 housing units already delivered or undergoing construction, while another 1,000 compassionate homes would be provided for rural residents between 2027 and 2031.
On road infrastructure, Eno promised at least 10 kilometres of road construction in each of the state’s 31 local government areas next year, amounting to a minimum of 310 kilometres.
He said the commitment had already been captured in the 2027 budget, describing it as part of his administration’s determination to ensure that development reaches every part of the state.
“By the grace of God, we promise, and we have already included in our 2027 budget, that each local government will have at least 10 kilometres of roads constructed in 2027,” he said.
Eno also set a target of delivering 2,500 kilometres of roads across the state by 2031, disclosing that 1,415 kilometres had so far been completed or were ongoing, including inherited projects.
He said the next phase of the ARISE agenda would focus on consolidating infrastructure achievements, expanding economic opportunities and moving the state from the foundation of development to accelerated prosperity.
On agriculture, the governor announced plans to establish community-based farm settlements where host communities would provide land, residents would participate in production, and government would purchase their produce to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
He identified Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket as locations for three model farms being developed with technical support from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
According to him, the initiatives would boost food production, promote agro-processing and help reduce the cost of food in the state.
“I believe that when we can feed ourselves, then we have become a people,” he stated.
The governor further promised to expand rural infrastructure through road construction and potable water provision, disclosing plans for solar-powered water facilities across the state’s 369 wards.
On economic diversification, he said the administration would intensify investments in tourism, hospitality and entertainment while leveraging the proposed industrial city and deep seaport to attract private investment and create employment.
He also disclosed plans to reposition recovered government assets in Lagos and Abuja for commercial purposes, including hospitality and residential developments expected to generate additional revenue for the state.
Eno said the government expected its investments in tourism and hospitality to begin yielding significant returns from 2029.
On youth development, he said ARISE 2.0 would prioritise vocational training, entrepreneurship and practical skills acquisition rather than merely distributing cash to beneficiaries.
“We’re going to be big on youth empowerment, not just handing them money, but taking them through skills acquisition,” he said.
He also announced that a new Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation facility was expected to be ready within 12 months of 2027, adding that young people would be trained to operate its modern broadcasting equipment.
The governor said a comprehensive development plan would guide the implementation of ARISE 2.0, with the expectation that by 2031 the state would have a diversified economy, stronger tourism industry, increased investments, expanded employment opportunities and improved living standards.
He described the overriding ambition of the new agenda as moving Akwa Ibom from projects to prosperity, from projects to productivity and from development to transformation.
