By George Ozalla
Pastor Umo Eno, executive governor of Akwa Ibom state has stated that electricity is the single most important driver of the State’s development agenda, stressing that the era of energy insecurity in the state is over. Speaking at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Akwa Ibom State Strategic Roundtable held in Abuja yesterday, before signing of a Memorandum Of Understanding with the agency, Eno pointed out that Akwa Ibom is currently pivoting from policy formulation to practical implementation and delivery of electricity solutions that will transform lives and power industries.
The Governor further explained that the State has, within the past year, delivered the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Policy (2024), enacted the Electricity Law (2025), and established regulatory frameworks for the implementation of the new regime. He stressed that electricity is central to his administration’s economic blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on agriculture, industry, schools, hospitals, digital hubs, women-led enterprises, and job creation across the State.
He called on power investors to take advantage of free provision of land by his administration, he also assured timely approval of permits, ensure regulatory clarity, and facilitate financing to guarantee project success. “Electricity is the key driver of our purpose to ensure that every Akwa Ibomite, in every corner of this State, can live with dignity and opportunity in the 21st century,” he said, urging RESCOs and private sector investors to move from ideas to concrete projects within 15–18 months.
However, on a sad note, an acting Director, Ahmed Alhassan of Rural Electrification Agency REA reportedly slumped and died at the event, Alhassan was described by colleagues as amiable and dedicated to his job, I was also jolted because I had a brief conversation with him a couple of minutes ago before the sad incidence.
Akwa Ibom State is located in the southern part of Nigeria and is known for its rich natural resources and diverse culture. As of today, September 11, 2025, the state continues to make strides in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
