Governor Umo Eno Leads Three-Day Strategic Retreat to Drive Akwa Ibom’s Post-Oil Economic Vision

In a significant move to recalibrate Akwa Ibom State’s economic trajectory and deepen the impact of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, Governor Umo Eno led a high-level, three-day strategic retreat in Lagos with members of the State Executive Council and other critical stakeholders.

Held under the theme “Accelerating Development, Sustaining Progress,” the retreat focused on fostering innovative approaches to governance, expanding the state’s economic base beyond oil, and cultivating a culture of collaboration and performance within government institutions.

Governor Eno, in his opening address, underscored the importance of teamwork, timely execution, and visionary leadership in delivering tangible benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom. He emphasized that the retreat was not a ceremonial gathering, but a working session dedicated to fine-tuning strategies for sustainable development.

“This retreat is about alignment—of vision, purpose, and action,” Governor Eno stated. “Our people are looking to us not just for promises, but for real, measurable progress. We must work together with clarity and urgency to deliver.”

The retreat, which is held in Lagos, began on Monday, April 7, 2025, and featured thematic sessions and breakout discussions on critical sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, ICT, tourism, and industrialization. Experts and policy consultants were on hand to offer insights and practical frameworks that align with the ARISE Agenda’s pillars: Agricultural revolution, Rural development, Infrastructure maintenance and advancement, Security management, and educational excellence.

Stakeholders examined current projects and evaluated policy implementation bottlenecks, with a renewed commitment to evidence-based planning and results-oriented governance. A recurring emphasis was placed on reducing overdependence on oil revenues by unlocking opportunities in non-oil sectors and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Participants also engaged in sessions on leadership development, public sector innovation, inter-agency collaboration, and citizen engagement. Governor Eno reiterated the need for public servants to remain accountable, proactive, and aligned with the state’s vision of inclusive growth.

“We must build a government culture where innovation thrives and performance is non-negotiable,” he said. “The future of Akwa Ibom is in our hands, and we must deliver—not in silos, but as a united front.”

Commissioners and senior aides described the retreat as transformative, noting that it provided clarity and cohesion in the execution of the administration’s agenda. Several attendees praised the governor’s pragmatic approach and leadership style, which they said fostered open dialogue and practical solutions.

“This retreat gave us the opportunity to recalibrate and reenergize,” said one commissioner. “It reminded us of the urgency of now, and the weight of responsibility we carry.”

The Lagos retreat marks a pivotal chapter in Governor Eno’s governance journey. As Akwa Ibom charts a path toward a more diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy, the outcomes of the retreat are expected to translate into accelerated project delivery and improved public service across the state.

In closing the event, Governor Eno charged participants to return to Uyo not just with notebooks full of ideas, but with clear plans, renewed motivation, and a shared resolve to transform words into results.

“Our mandate is clear. Our people deserve more. Let us go back and deliver the Akwa Ibom of our dreams—one project, one reform, one solution at a time,” he concluded.