By Udeme Hosea

The Akwa Ibom State Government will commission 39 projects across the state in September as part of activities to mark the 39th anniversary of the state’s creation. The month-long celebration, themed “Gratitude”, is designed to thank God and honour individuals who have contributed to the state’s growth.

Disclosing this yesterday during the August monthly media briefing in Uyo, Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the administration is committed to transparency. “Governance is incomplete without ensuring that citizens understand what government is doing and how its programmes affect them,” he said.

He added that the projects, which include model schools roads and healthcare facilities, will be commissioned in phases, with the full list to be released in due course. A thanksgiving service will hold on September 20, while a variety night and anniversary banquet are scheduled for September 23 at the Anniversary Palm Resort.

The Commissioner presented data on the Umo Eno administration’s performance in the last two years. He said the state government has cleared over N90.6 billion in inherited pension and gratuity arrears, completed more than 1,000 kilometres of roads, and spent N6.8 billion on students’ examination fees. In the social sector, 461 of 500 targeted compassionate homes have been delivered, while over 8,000 vulnerable families have benefited from the state’s free food distribution programme.

In the health sector, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, said the 2025 declaration of a state of emergency triggered systematic reforms in regulation, financing, infrastructure and human resources.
According to him, the reforms have improved service delivery, with over 6,000 hospital visits recorded and mortality at the General Hospital dropping to less than one per cent. He also disclosed that 16,500 residents have benefited from the malaria-treated-net campaign, backed by over N20 billion invested in malaria interventions.

Dr Ekem added that, to retain personnel amid global competition, the state has increased welfare packages for health workers from 30 per cent to 40 per cent, a move he said has slowed resignations.

He hinted that nine health-related Bills have been approved for legislative consideration, covering health insurance, facility accreditation, primary healthcare and the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital.

Explaining part of the reforms, he mentioned that the Hospital Management Board has also been decentralised and announced that the use of ambulances to convey corpses has been criminalised, with offenders risking impoundment of vehicles.

Also speaking, Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh , said sustained engagement with citizens will is a priority throughout the anniversary. He noted that the commissioning of projects and public briefings are part of efforts to drive accountability and demonstrate the impact of the ARISE Agenda on livelihoods across the state.