Akwa Ibom Declares State of Emergency on Revived Ibom Paint Factory

Akwa Ibom………. In a bold move to rejuvenate local industry and boost employment, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared a State of Emergency on the newly revitalized Ibom Paint factory. Formerly known as Peacock Paints, the facility is located in Etinan Local Government Area and now represents a fresh wave of industrial renewal in the state.

Governor Eno made the announcement on Wednesday, June 4, during the official commissioning of the upgraded plant. The decision signals a strategic shift in the management and operational approach of the once-dormant factory, which has now been equipped with fresh leadership and a renewed production focus.

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“Emergency” Sparks Transformation at Ibom Paint

Speaking at the commissioning event, Governor Eno explained that the factory’s transformation stemmed from internal government discussions focused on reviving state-owned enterprises. According to the governor, a key turning point came when he posed a question about the feasibility of breathing new life into the abandoned plant. “A few months ago, during one of our project review meetings, the issue of resuscitating Ibom Paint came up. I asked Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob if it was possible to really revive this place. He responded, ‘Yes, we can,’” Eno recounted.

In a significant policy shift, the governor appointed Ime Uwah, his Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurial Development, as the Sole Administrator of the factory. Eno praised Uwah’s results-driven leadership over the past three months, stating that the factory had already begun delivering tangible results under his watch.

“This place needed dynamic management, free from distractions, and that is what it now has,” Governor Eno said. “I have declared a State of Emergency on Ibom Paint, and the Sole Administrator is Honourable Ime Uwah. He is the one running this factory and has produced results in the last three months. This place will engage our young people, and it is important we keep it alive.”

The governor also directed all contractors executing government-funded projects in the state to prioritize Ibom Paint products in their procurement. This directive is expected to bolster local industry, ensure the circulation of money within the state, and create job opportunities for young people in Akwa Ibom.

A Partnership Built on Vision and Delivery

Governor Eno reserved special praise for Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), for his instrumental role in reviving the factory. He lauded Jacob’s “passionate efforts in translating the government’s vision into practical outcomes,” emphasizing that AKICORP would continue to be a vital partner in the state’s industrial journey.

“We will continue to partner with AKICORP to ensure that all state-owned enterprises function optimally,” Eno pledged, underscoring the administration’s commitment to revitalizing moribund state assets through strategic partnerships and accountable leadership.

The upgraded Ibom Paint factory is expected to act as a catalyst for the state’s economic empowerment agenda. With Uwah at the helm and government backing, the factory aims to scale operations, introduce innovative paint solutions, and establish itself as a preferred brand not just in Akwa Ibom but across Nigeria.

Local observers view the declaration of a State of Emergency not as a sign of crisis, but as a rallying call for urgent and focused action. It marks a significant shift from bureaucratic complacency to performance-based industrial management, signaling a new dawn for indigenous manufacturing in the state.

By anchoring the revival around job creation, local production, and strong leadership, the Akwa Ibom government is demonstrating how targeted political will can yield transformative industrial results. The Ibom Paint story, once one of decay, is rapidly becoming one of hope and enterprise.