ARISE Agenda: Akwa Ibom Government Applauds United Nations SDGs as Valuable Partner in Development
In a bid to further advance and achieve the tenets of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, and in order to ensure all round development for citizens and residents, the Akwa Ibom state government has lauded the collaborative role of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the growth and development of the state, describing it as valuable partners in the actualization of the ARISE Agenda.
The commendation was handed down by the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, Thursday, during the South-South Regional Stakeholders Consultation on Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development, held at Feyrep Hall, Uyo.
Governor Eno who was a Special Guest at the opening ceremony of the occasion, maintained that his administration is poised to collaborate with valuable partners for the development in the state, describing SDGs as one of such partners. He said, the organisation plays key roles in providing shared commitment to a sustainable future.
Represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Nsikak Linus Nkan, the Governor reminded participants of the tremendous progress he has made since he became Governor, in line with the SDGs.
The State Chief Executive noted that just recently, Akwa Ibom State has made significant advancements in health care delivery, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, which is evident in the recent commissioning of a Primary Health Care in Uyo, inauguration of the State Medical Oxygen Production Plant (AKSMOPP) at Ituk Mbang, Uruan LGA, the launch of the State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Systems (AKISEMSAS) and the inauguration of the New Dialysis Unit at General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene by the Minister for Health, Prof. Muhammadu Ali Pate.
Pastor Umo Eno further stressed that in line with SDG 3, his administration has invested in modern health care facilities, expanded access to essential medical services and implemented innovative health programmes, adding that these efforts have led to improved health outcomes, reduced mortality rates and enhanced overall well-being of citizens and residents.
On SDG 5, the Governor reiterated that the State is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls which are evident in increased female participation in leadership roles, improved access to education for the girl child and greater economic empowerment for females. He added that his administration has enacted policies and programmes that promote equal opportunities, eliminate discrimination and address gender-based violence through the creation of the GBV Unit in the Ministry of Justice.
Further speaking on SDG 8, Pastor Umo Eno said Akwa Ibom State is focused on creating a thriving economy through supporting entrepreneurship as evident in the activities of Ibom LED, AK Cares and DASAC, encouraged innovation and attracted investments that have spurred economic developments, created jobs, reduced poverty and improved the living standards of citizens and residents.
Recognizing the importance of Akwa Ibom’s marine resources, the Governor said that the State has taken proactive steps to conserve and sustainably make use of the oceans, seas and marine resources. He added that with the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and WaterWays, his administration has implemented measures to reduce marine pollution, protection of the coastal ecosystems and promotion of fishing practices. He added that the State’s commitment to marine conservation ensures the health and sustainability of the aquatic environment which is in line with SDG 14.
On SDG 17, the Governor maintained that the State has fostered partnership and collaborations at local, national and international levels, adding that the engagements with stakeholders including government agencies, private sector partners, civil service organizations and development partners, which have enabled the State to mobilize resources, share knowledge and drive collective action towards the common goals of SDG and the ARISE Agenda.
While commending the SDGs for their supportive roles in the development of the state, the Governor assured that his administration is opened to partnership through its various MDAs, especially the SDG Office in the state, so as to further achieve the ARISE Agenda which is in line with the SDGs.
Earlier in her remarks, the State SDG Focal Person, Mrs. Ime Ekerette David welcomed participants, adding that the event marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards achieving SDGs and fostering regional co-operation. She maintained that Akwa Ibom State is committed to sustainable development, inclusive growth and we’ll being of citizens as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Her Excellency, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR who was represented by Dr. Bala Yunusa thanked the government and people of Akwa Ibom State for hosting the strategic consultation, while welcoming participants from the states within the South-South region of the country.
She revealed that Nigeria has presented two VNRs in 2017 and 2020 respectively and that in 2025, Nigeria will present her third VNR along with 38 other countries.
The SSA further maintained that the VNRs are more usefully when they are conducted through an inclusive, broad-based and participatory process and therefore urged participants to consult widely with key stakeholders across the key segments of the society, adding that the SDGs are all embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The event which featured lectures, keynote address, panel discussion, interactive session by participants, talks, goodwill messages, thematic break out sessions, as well as group photographs had in attendance participants drawn from various sectors of the society such as Civil Societies, Non Government Organizations, Women Groups, Development Partners, Youth Groups, Parliamentarians, Academia, Scientific Community amongst others, within the six states of the South-South region of Nigeria