2025 Digital Perception Audit of Akwa Ibom State

 PRESS RELEASE 

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom (COOPA) has released its 2025 Digital Perception Audit of Akwa Ibom State, an independent review of online media reports and public conversations about government activities and development in the State over the past year.

The audit, which covered major digital and social media platforms, shows that Akwa Ibom State maintained a largely positive public image throughout 2025. Analysis of online conversations indicates that about 70 per cent of the coverage was positive, 16 per cent was neutral, and 14 per cent was negative. This shows that most public discussions focused on development efforts and governance achievements rather than criticism.

Key issues that shaped public opinion included the payment of salary and pension arrears, the approval of the ₦695 billion supplementary budget, progress updates on the Ibom Deep Seaport, road construction across the three senatorial districts, commissioning of model primary schools and health facilities, as well as youth empowerment and social support programmes. Together, these developments formed the foundation of the State’s online reputation in 2025.

The assessment further identified June 2025 as a major turning point following the movement of Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The political development led to a short period of increased online debate and mixed reactions, with discussions centred on governance continuity, political implications, and public expectations. However, COOPA notes that this situation was temporary, as public conversations soon returned to development projects and policy implementation, without any lasting damage to the State’s overall positive image.

Beyond the numbers, the audit also examined the general mood of online discussions. Four major public sentiments were observed. These include optimism about the State’s future, driven by infrastructure projects, economic growth plans, tourism promotion, and youth-focused policies; growing confidence in government institutions due to improved financial management, civil service reforms, and the payment of gratuities; public appreciation for government responses to social needs and emergencies; and concerns raised on specific issues such as land administration, procurement transparency, and occasional activist campaigns. The report stressed that these concerns were limited to specific matters and did not reflect widespread dissatisfaction with governance.

COOPA also identified the major factors behind the strong positive perception. These include ongoing road construction and urban renewal projects, the expansion of Ibom Air, and plans for the Ibom Deep Seaport. Efforts to stabilise the public sector, especially the payment of outstanding wages and pensions and improved fiscal management, helped build public trust. Investments in education and healthcare also attracted strong community support, while initiatives such as the “Destination Akwa Ibom” campaign and public-private partnership efforts improved the State’s image to investors and visitors.

The audit, however, pointed out some areas that require careful communication management. These include disputes over land compensation and allocation, questions about procurement transparency, and the spread of false or misleading information during major government announcements.

COOPA recommends that the State should maintain strong crisis-response communication systems to quickly address emerging controversies or false information before they gain traction online. Coordinated messaging across ministries, departments, and agencies will ensure consistency and reduce information gaps.

Finally, project milestones, budget performance, and social impact results be communicated in clear and simple formats that the public can easily understand. Consistent storytelling around completed projects, beneficiary impact, and economic value will help reinforce the development narrative that currently drives positive perception.

Signed:

Mr. Utitofon Morgan Ukpong

Chancellor, COOPA 

Priscilla Akpanettot,

Secretary, COOPA

February 11, 2026