Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called on indigenes of the state living abroad to bring their skills, expertise, investments and global networks home to support the state’s development.
Eno made the call at the gala night of the 39th annual convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), held at the Hilton Anatole Resort in Dallas, Texas, on August 8, 2026.
Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Noble Eno-Obareki, the governor congratulated the re-elected AKISAN President, Engr. Dr. Mbong Ekiko, and his executive.
He commended the association for sustaining its annual convention as a platform for unity, networking, cultural celebration and the promotion of Akwa Ibom interests in the Diaspora.
Eno said the convention theme, “Unleashing our Full Potential: Transforming AKISAN Together for a Brighter Tomorrow,” aligns with his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
The governor said his administration had recorded progress in healthcare, tourism, power, aviation, agriculture, education, security, infrastructure and human capital development.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts toward the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Eno urged the Diaspora community to see the development of Akwa Ibom as a collective responsibility, stressing that their professional expertise and international connections could accelerate development in the state.
“You have the training, the skill set, the exposure and contacts — these are areas we expect you to bring back to add value to our development,” he said.
The governor cited the recently unveiled 350-bed Ibom International Hospital and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Elders’ Care Centre as examples of the state’s healthcare investments.
He commended AKISAN member, Dr. Ita Anwan, for contributing her expertise to the hospital project, including supervising the project and developing its management manual.
Eno also invited healthcare professionals in the Diaspora to partner with the state, noting that the hospital has 24 specialty departments, including oncology.
On electricity, the governor disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission, AKSERC, had been established following the liberalisation of the electricity sector.
He expressed confidence that the state would provide steady and affordable electricity within the next year.
Eno also described Akwa Ibom as an emerging tourism hub, citing the Arise Palm Resort, which he said would be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu during the state’s anniversary celebrations.
He invited Diaspora investors to explore opportunities in tourism, hospitality and related sectors.
The governor further highlighted the International Convention Centre, Arise Shopping City and Ibom Hotel in the Tropicana axis.
He described the Victor Attah International Airport terminal as one of the smartest and most modern airport terminals in Nigeria.
According to him, Ibom Air has commenced commercial flights from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, with plans for additional international routes.
He said work was also progressing on the Airport Village and a hospital within the airport complex.
Eno said developments in roads, aviation and the Ibom Deep Seaport were strengthening the state’s infrastructure base.
“Akwa Ibom continues to Rise, and we want you to be a part of this great journey of growth,” he told the Diaspora community.
The governor also highlighted social investment programmes, including the payment of backlog gratuities and the construction of 461 solar-powered Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents.
He said the administration was investing in agriculture, food security, human capital development, transportation, the blue economy, security, housing and sports.
Eno disclosed that 85 other projects were also being executed across various sectors, while urging Diaspora investors to explore opportunities such as the Ewet Luxury Housing Estate.
He encouraged Akwa Ibom people abroad to follow developments in the state and emulate Diaspora communities from India, China and Ireland, whose knowledge, investments and networks have contributed to their countries’ development.
“While you are living and flourishing here, don’t lose sight of what is happening back home,” he said.
The governor urged the Diaspora to serve as ambassadors of Akwa Ibom by attracting investors and visitors to the state.
Earlier, at a town hall meeting with Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Diaspora, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, presented an overview of the Eno administration’s achievements under the ARISE Agenda.
The presentation covered projects in infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, aviation, power, agriculture, education, security, human capital development and social investment.
Meanwhile, the convention witnessed the swearing-in of Engr. Dr. Mbong Ekiko for a second term as AKISAN president following his re-election.
Ekiko commended Governor Eno for what he described as significant developmental strides across the state and for strengthening engagement with the Diaspora community.
In recognition of the growing relationship between the state and its Diaspora, the AKISAN Council announced that its 40th annual convention would be held in 2027 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The announcement was received with enthusiasm by delegates and members of the association.
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