By Charles Akpan
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Ethical Orientation, Dr Osondu Ahirika, has underscored ethics and social reorientation as the moral compass propelling the Akwa Ibom State Government’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking on ARISE Policy Thrust, a special programme on Premium 89.9FM, Abak, Dr Ahirika said Governor Eno’s emphasis on values such as prudence, accountability, honesty, and transparency is central to the successful implementation of his development blueprint.
“Ethics is the driving force in all aspects of life. A person’s mindset shapes their identity and actions, regardless of religion,” Ahirika noted, describing the ARISE Agenda as anchored on “governance ethics.”
He stressed the role of ethics in agriculture, one of the agenda’s key pillars, saying subsistence farming must be revived to ensure food security. “Agriculture is the first occupation of man. If you have a handshake with the land, the land will sustain your future,” he said.
The governor’s aide added that unethical practices such as delayed project execution threaten development. “The government gives you a contract today with a timeline of 18 months, but you drag it up to 32 months. That is unethical and unacceptable,” he warned.
On youth development, Ahirika condemned the “get-rich-quick” culture, urging young people to embrace legitimate labour and communities to uphold traditional values by treating every child as their own. He also called on civil servants to adhere strictly to the service code of conduct and undergo continuous training for improved productivity.
Addressing the investment climate, he emphasised the need for citizens to sustain Akwa Ibom’s hospitable reputation. “For investors coming in, we must make the environment welcoming. That is our character and nature,” he said.
He further cautioned against the misuse of social media to disparage government, urging residents to adopt situational ethics and use their “moral compass of right and wrong” in every circumstance.
