Akwa Ibom, UNDP sign MoU to promote ARISE Agenda

The Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to advance the state’s ARISE Agenda and promote sustainable development.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Government House, Uyo, Governor Umo Eno commended the UNDP for its commitment to partnering with the state and assured that the government would fully uphold its part of the agreement.

Governor Eno highlighted key areas of collaboration including tourism, blue economy, skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and trade. He noted that the ARISE Agenda aligns with the UNDP’s development priorities and presents an opportunity for impactful partnerships.

The Governor also disclosed plans to establish Youth-Friendly Centres across all 31 local government areas of the state. These centres, he said, will help equip young people, especially in rural communities, with skills and platforms for innovation, productivity, and self-development.

He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to project delivery, noting that the state’s unique model—where Commissioners focus on policy while Delivery Advisors track implementation—has proven effective and is drawing interest from other states.

UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, praised Akwa Ibom for its strides in health, education, and aviation, describing the state as a model for sub-national development in Nigeria.

She said the UNDP team aims to build on the state’s vision and support key sectors including tourism, energy, innovation, governance, and financial development, with a focus on job creation and inclusive growth.

The ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the MoU and Governor Eno’s pledge to provide office space in Uyo to support the UNDP’s work and monitoring activities in the state.