By Harriet Tornguvan
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has commended the developmental initiatives of Umo Eno, describing the Akwa Ibom State governor as a visionary and intentional leader committed to transforming the fortunes of his people.
The minister made the remarks on Saturday in Uyo after touring several landmark projects undertaken by the state government, including the ARISE Palm Resort, Ibom Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel, the Medical City, and the Senior Citizens Centre.
Ojukwu, who is in Akwa Ibom State to attend an orientation seminar for ambassadors-designate to West African countries organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed admiration for the governor’s development agenda, describing it as holistic, impactful and worthy of emulation by other leaders across the country.
According to her, the projects she inspected reflect a deliberate effort by the administration to drive economic growth, improve social welfare and position the state as a major destination for tourism, investment and healthcare services.
“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 applauded the transformation of the ARISE Palm Resort, noting that the project showcased remarkable creativity and foresight. She described the conversion of what was once a desolate gully into a world-class tourism facility as a bold and audacious undertaking.
She also lauded the governor’s commitment to completing abandoned projects inherited from previous administrations, saying such efforts demonstrate responsible leadership and a determination to ensure continuity in governance.
Ojukwu noted that Governor Eno’s development philosophy reflects a genuine commitment to rewriting the narrative of Akwa Ibom State and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The Foreign Affairs Minister and her delegation were conducted round the project sites by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, alongside other senior officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The visit formed part of activities surrounding the orientation programme for ambassadors-designate and provided an opportunity for the visiting delegation to assess firsthand the scale of infrastructure and social development projects being implemented by the Eno administration.
