Bianca Ojukwu hails Gov. Umo Eno’s development drive in Akwa Ibom

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for what she described as his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming

careful planning, innovation, and a deliberate effort to rewrite the development the state through impactful development projects.

The minister made the remarks on Saturday in Uyo after inspecting several landmark projects being executed by the Akwa Ibom State Government, expressing admiration for the governor’s developmental agenda and strategic approach to governance.

Among the projects visited during the tour were the ARISE Palm Resort, Ibom Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel, the Medical City project, and the Senior Citizens Centre, all of which form part of the administration’s efforts to boost tourism, healthcare, social welfare, and economic growth in the state.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is in Akwa Ibom for an orientation seminar organized by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Ambassadors-Designate to West African countries, said the projects reflected a leadership style focused on sustainable development and long-term prosperity.

She noted that Governor Eno’s development strategy goes beyond infrastructure and embraces a holistic vision aimed at improving the quality of life of the people while repositioning the state for greater economic opportunities.

According to her, the projects she inspected demonstrated narrative of Akwa Ibom.

“Looking at what I have seen on ground since I arrived in Akwa Ibom State, I can firmly adjudge Governor Umo Eno as a phenomenal and intentional leader,” she stated.

The minister particularly praised the transformation of the ARISE Palm Resort, describing it as one of the most impressive examples of creativity and purposeful leadership she had witnessed.

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She noted that converting what was once a desolate gully into a world-class tourism and leisure destination showcased the administration’s capacity to turn challenges into opportunities for economic growth and social development.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also lauded the state government’s determination to revive and complete projects that had previously been abandoned, describing the effort as bold, courageous, and reflective of a government committed to delivering tangible results for its people.

She stressed that such initiatives would not only improve infrastructure but also create jobs, attract investments, and strengthen the state’s position as a leading destination for tourism, business, and healthcare services in Nigeria.

The minister further urged other leaders across the country to emulate development models that prioritize people-oriented projects and sustainable economic transformation.

During the inspection tour, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu and members of her delegation were accompanied by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, alongside other senior government officials who provided insights into the scope, objectives, and expected impact of the various projects.

The visit formed part of activities surrounding the orientation programme for Nigeria’s Ambassadors-Designate and also provided an opportunity for participants to gain firsthand knowledge of development initiatives being undertaken by sub-national governments across the country.

The commendation from the Foreign Affairs Minister adds to growing recognition of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s infrastructure and social investment programmes, which the administration says are designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance public welfare, and position the state as a major development hub in the South-South region.