Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared that the calm, safety and stability enjoyed across the state are the products of divine grace and the relentless sacrifices of security agencies, saying their work remains the backbone of Akwa Ibom’s steady march toward development.
The Governor spoke while commissioning a 1.4-kilometre network of newly constructed internal roads at the Nigerian Police Force State Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, and later during the 2025 Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters in Uyo.
“You work quietly, diligently and sometimes at the risk of your lives,” Governor Eno said, saluting officers across the security architecture. “Without your efforts, this peace would not exist. We are deeply grateful for what you do for Akwa Ibom every day.”
In a major security boost, the Governor announced that his administration has approved contracts to light up police stations across the state, noting that better illumination would strengthen night patrols, surveillance and rapid response.
“We must light up all our police stations to make their work easier and more effective,” he said.
Governor Eno also commended Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare for his dedication and the effective deployment of patrol vehicles earlier donated by the state government, describing visible policing as a strong deterrent to crime.
Reinforcing his administration’s commitment to security, the Governor pledged support for the construction of a Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) in Akwa Ibom and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for approving the siting of the facility in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
He offered words of encouragement to an officer whose house was recently destroyed by fire and congratulated Kokoette Thompson Ebong, Officer-in-Charge of the SWAT Unit, who emerged Crime Buster of the Year at the 2024 Nigeria Police Force Awards in Abuja.
At the DSS headquarters, Governor Eno further approved two brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to enhance intelligence and operational efficiency, while also unveiling plans to move the State Fire Service to the Occupational Safety Department to improve service delivery.
Earlier, CP Azare praised Governor Eno for making peace, unity and security central to governance, noting that the newly commissioned internal roads are strategic assets that will drastically improve mobility, response time and operational effectiveness within the Police Command.
“Security infrastructure and good governance are inseparable,” CP Azare said, assuring the Governor of sustained collaboration to keep Akwa Ibom safe.
Providing project details, Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, explained that the roads were constructed after Governor Eno personally observed their deplorable state during a visit in 2024. He assured that the roads were executed to high engineering standards and designed to last at least 20 years before major rehabilitation.
The day’s highlights included the cutting of the tape to officially open the 1.4km roads and the switching on of the Christmas lights at the DSS office.
Dignitaries at the events included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor Mr Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, political leaders, captains of industry, government officials and residents.
With roads paved, lights switched on and security agencies empowered, Governor Eno sent a clear message: peace in Akwa Ibom is not accidental—it is protected, supported and sustained.
