…restates commitment to entrepreneurial development
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reiterated the resolve of his administration to chart a course for the youths and the generality of Akwa Ibom people in entrepreneurial development to meaningfully engage them to be useful to themselves.
The Governor was addressing the participants at the 2023 Ibom Ignite Conference, tagged “STRETCH: MY STORY, MY BUSINESS,” held at Ibom Leadership And Entrepreneurial Development Centre, Ibom-LED, formerly E-Library, IBB Way, Uyo.
He encouraged the young people to be industrious and consider whatever their hands find to do at the moment as a school for their future, assuring that the state government would rather boost the economy by supporting entrepreneurial development rather than encourage their involvement in politics as a first and only career without an initial venture to fall back on.
Governor Eno reasoned that having a second career will encourage youths to view politics as a call to service rather than just an opportunity to make money. He also lauded the ingenuity of the Ibom Ignite Conference organizers as well as the Ibom-LED team for creating the platform to make geniuses out of Akwa Ibom youths.
He noted that Akwa Ibom youths deserve more than being treated as mere tools in the hands of politicians and be discarded after achieving their wishes, pointing out that the intent of the Ibom Ignite project matches the goals of the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda, which he recalled, were part of his campaign promises to the people.
He said, “My dear friends, I want to assure you if I see young people that are prepared to say we are here, we want to take our destinies in our arms, I will work with you, and that is my promise, but I need to identify you first.
“For 25 years, I was just between my business, my church, and my house, growing my business. I never cared what was happening. I never got involved in politics, never attended public events. I never.
“Focus on what you are doing! Run this race with patience! Don’t do this one and do that one because there is a cloud of witnesses watching you. Don’t make anyone your standard. Look unto Jesus because anyone that looked unto him has never failed.”
He, therefore, cautioned the youths against availing themselves to be used and foment trouble in the state or be swayed by sponsored propaganda against the government, advising them against seeking popularity by creating chaos.
He used the occasion to clarify that Ibom Ignite does not have political undertones and hinted that the selection process was conducted online, fairly, and without bias.
Defining the program, Chairman, Ibom Ignite Planning Committee, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, said Ibom Ignite was birthed in 2017 as a non-profit visionary program by Pastor Umo Eno in his determination to salvage the trend of endless waiting for readymade jobs by unemployed graduates.
He emphasized that the vision of Ibom Ignite seeks to devise means of engaging the teeming young populace to embrace the culture of enterprise, and by extension, help them rise to the challenge of the present economic and business dynamics for the prosperity and development of the society, as captured in the theme: “Stretch: My Story, My Business.”
In the thick of some controversy and criticism over the recently amended Traditional Rulers Council law, the A.R.I.S.E Ambassadors have appealed to the people of Akwa Ibom State to remain united and resist efforts to sow division and destabilize the state.
The highly respected organization however called for unity and collaboration among the different tribes, stakeholders, and religious groups in the state, stressing the need for all to work together for the common good of all citizens, and to preserve the peace and stability of the state.
Recall that the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Saturday accented the bill seeking to amend the Traditional Rulers law CAP 155 Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022 (as amended) which was presented, deliberated and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for scrutiny and finally passed into Law by the state Assembly.
Addressing Journalists on Sunday in Uyo Akwa ibom state on the theme: Amended Traditional Rulers Council law: The Dignity of Traditional Institution and Needless Rancour, the National president of the group Revd. Richard Peters who expressed regrets at the ethnic dimensions the new law is assuming and the threat to the existing peace in the state appeals for support of the new Traditional Rulers law of Akwa Ibom State and immediate stop to the blackmail and campaign of calumny
The exalted group noted that the amendment to the Traditional Rulers Council law was designed to elevate the Oku Ibom Ibibio to the position of President General of the Supreme Council, and to bring the traditional rulers of Akwa Ibom State in line with those of other states. The goal is to ensure that the traditional rulers of Akwa Ibom State are held in the same high regard as those in other parts of the country.
The ARISE Ambassadors who are disturbed by the tension being generated by the new law highlighted, “Our findings reveal that every aspect of the bill was considered and a public hearing was held where all relevant stakeholders from the 31 local government areas including representatives of the paramount rulers, Oku Ibom Ibibio, Atha Oro, Itai Afe Annang, sociopolitical groups, trade unions, civil society groups among others were represented.
” Contributions and inputs from all the stakeholders were solicited and obtained through memoranda to the committee which added to the final position of the proposed amendment. In the end, after the different stakeholders made their position known, everyone accepted to the eventual amendment”.
The group further added; “We, the ARISE Ambassadors are wholly in support of the amended TRC law because we know that is a good way to take the traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State to play in the “big league” of traditional institution in Nigeria.
“We are aware that the role of the traditional institution in Nigeria is crucial to the development and progress of the diverse ethnic nationalities in the country, as well as their strong influence in some political issues in the land even in their advisory capacity. The traditional institution is highly revered, confers prominence on the various ethnic groups and goes a long way in influencing government policies in their areas of jurisdiction. Indeed, the traditional institution grades ethnic groups.
“This accounts for why the words of the Ooni of Ife, Oba of Lagos, Oba of Benin, Olu of Warri and others are laws. The ethnic groups that own these first class traditional rulers are able to achieve this status for their kings because of the modus operandis of the tribes including ascension to the throne and duration of their reigns. A common denominator among them is that the kings reign for life, part of which the amended TRC law has taken care of.
“That is why we strongly pitch our tent on the collective decision by the 31 paramount rulers in Akwa Ibom State, apart from those who are sick, and other stakeholders that in order for Akwa Ibom State to play a role in the national traditional rulers council, there was a need to elevate the traditional rulers council in the State to be known as Supreme Traditional Rulers Council headed by the President-General.
The group opined “This is highly commendable. It shows a traditional institution that is concerned about projecting the image of Akwa Ibom State in the comity of traditional rulers in Nigeria with attendant benefits.
“By sharing the offices of the President-General, Vice President-General I and Vice President-General II among the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Nkuku Annang and the Ahta Oro shows that our traditional fathers are sensitive to the components of the State, and want to continue to live in love and unity”.
According to the Ambassadors, “We are highly impressed by the exemplary disposition and mentality of the President-General of the Supreme Traditional Rulers Council and Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk for his contra-myopic leadership style and patriotic actions in all his stations of life.
“We are confident that the new office will not be an exception. The first class monarch sees himself first and foremost as an Akwa Ibomite and not an Ibibio, Oro or Annang. That is what patriotic leadership entails and Ntenyin is not found wanting”.
The group appealed to the protesters to have a rethink and advised them not to take the peace and unity enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State for granted.
“We are pro-Akwa Ibom, and want the people magnify the State and not the ethnic divides. We urge all to see the idea of having a President-General for the Supreme Traditional Rulers Council as a bold attempt to compete favourably with other ethnic groups in Nigeria in the traditional institution”.
“Akwa Ibom State has excelled in different fields under different administration. We thank Governor Umo Eno for bringing reputation to our traditional rulers through this new law, and urge all not to jeopardize the good intentions of the Governor just for their selfish and clannish interests,” the Cleric said.
He emphasized that this was not the time to distract the governor through any guise, nor to disrupt the path of love and unity charted by our founding fathers.
He noted that Akwa Ibom belongs to all of us, and we must work together for the good of the state, charging all and sundry not allow division to prevail, instead focus on the future of our beloved Akwa Ibom.
The press conference was attended by the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT); Mr. Ernest Akpan, Vice Chairman, BoT; Mr. Joseph Okon, Secretary, BoT; Hon. Quincy Ukpong, Director, Research and Statistics; Dr. Vincent Aluu as well as members of the National Executive Council.
Following the recent crisis occasioned by the mapping of the State,Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has urged the people of Ibeno, Mbo and Eastern Obolo Local Government areas to sheath their swords and maintain peace for the overall interest of the State.
Governor Eno gave the advice on Tuesday at a meeting with stakeholders, including Chairmen, State House of Assembly members, and others from the affected communities held at the Government House, Uyo.
He noted that since the case was already in court, it was incumbent on all to give peace a chance and wait for the matter to be concluded accordingly.
The Governor further appealed to the stakeholders to address their youths and advised them not to foment trouble as government will not tolerate the breakdown of law and order.
In their response, the stakeholders assured the Governor of total compliance and appreciated the Governor for the meeting which they said was apt and timely.
At the meeting were the State deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Economic Adviser, Dr. Uduakobong Inam, Member representing Eket Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Okpulopm Etteh, Hon. Martins Esin, Member, House of Representatives, for Oron Federal Constituency, Sir Adasi Obolum and Chairmen of Mbo, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo local government areas, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson, House Member, Mbo State Constituency, as well as the Member representing Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Hon. Selina Ukpeatu.
Others were Bishop Etim Ante, President General of Oron Union, Chief Ita Awak, Prince Chris Abasieyo, as well as the heads of security agencies in the State.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has assented to the N700 billion Budget of Completion as passed by the State House of Assembly for the 2023 fiscal year.
The new figure, as against the N697.005 earlier presented by the governor to the House emanate from a 0.4% upward review by the House of Assembly, amounting to N2.995 billion, to accommodate some statewide intervention on roads and now comprises recurrent expenditure of N344.005 billion and N355.995 billion capital expenditure.
Governor Emmanuel, performing the brief signing ceremony during an expanded State Executive Council meeting, Friday, at the EXCO Chambers, Government House, Uyo, thanked the State Legislature, Budget Office and all other agencies that have played roles towards the timely passage of the 2023 budget and successes recorded by his administration in the various areas of development.
He affirmed that such cooperations have aided the completion of over 4300 Inter-ministerial Direct Labour projects, maintaining that the different arms of the state government will continue to work together in the interest of the people.
“I thank the Speaker and Members of the State House of Assembly.
“Without their cooperation we wouldn’t have gone as far as we have gone. I want to thank the Chairman and members of the House Committee on Appropriation.
“I really need to thank the Permanent Secretaries for the support they have given to Executive members and most especially the Director of Budget”, he said.
“Government is one. We are running the same government we are serving the same people, we have the same purpose. People must understand that whatever we are doing here is for everybody”, he added.
State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has inaugurated an industrial starch factory, a 14km Ikot Ikara-Ikot Akpan Essien-Ikot Oto Ibesit road and another 4.9km Ibesit Okpokoro-Ikot Ibritam road, with 2.85km outfall drains all in Obot Akara local government area.
Performing the inauguration at the Ibesit axis of the projects, the governor expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of Oruk Anam youths with contractors and investors in the area, assuring them of completing at least 60km of roads, 4 bridges and other development projects before leaving office.
“Let me appreciate the communities, earnestly, if we had done like this from the beginning, today we would have gone far, but despite that I want to say that there are still a lot to be done in Oruk Anam.
“I promised Oruk Anam that before I leave office I will construct not less than 60km of roads with four bridges and the one we are commissioning today is about 22km. Very soon I will come back for Ikot Okoro-Ikot Ibritam road of about 22.5km with two bridges, I will also come back for Ikot Ibritam-Ekefe- Ikot Akpan Afaha Road”, the governor stated.
Speaking on the value of the industrial starch factory, Governor Emmanuel said there was dire need for increase in starch production to meet the need of pharmaceutical and food companies in Nigeria, hence a yearning market for the factory’s product.
For local farmers in Oruk Anam and the environs, he said the factory will provide a complete value chain for cultivators of cassava and maize, as it will readily off-take produce from cassava and maize farmers as well as other allied businesses.
He reiterated the commitment of his administration to enhance agriculture and urged farmers in the State who have been supported with improved farm inputs to desist from random sales of cassava tubers, assuring that the government, through starch industry, will off-take the produce at a fair price to ensure farmers in the state can make a good living from agriculture.
“I will like to see a complete value chain. All those we’ve given input, government is not charging you for those inputs. We’re giving those inputs free of charge because we want good outputs.
“If all of you can do at least half a hectare of cassava or corn, in the nearest future, we’ll be self-sufficient”, Governor Emmanuel said, adding that an equivalent factory will soon be inaugurated for pepper and tomato farmers soon.
“Don’t be in a hurry to sell of your farm produce at give away prices. We have created outlets even for cassava where we are going to off-take so that you can have appropriate pricing for what you are producing. If you are producing cassava, you should be able to live a very comfortable life.
“We are creating this enabling environment as government so that we can improve the lot of the people and we can also minimize poverty, so cooperate with us.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, while presenting an overview of the roads projects said the road project has a paved culvert and side drains, 2.95km asphalt drains with 1.8km as underground.
He thanked the governor for delivering on his promise to the people of Oruk Anam.
Presenting a goodwill message, Member Representing Oruk Anam in the State House of Assembly and Leader, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Sir Udo Kierian, described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a consistent leader who has put smiles on the faces of Oruk Anam people with an unprecedented 44km of road projects, the first to be constructed by any administration, and appealed that broken power lines linking Oruk Anam with Ekim power sub-station be fixed in order to boost economic activities.
On his part, the paramount ruler of Oruk Anam, His Highness Chief J. J. Obosi, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for making Oruk Anam a part of the developmental strides of his administration, stating that he has demonstrated love towards the people by constructing economically viable roads that hitherto remained an eyesore.
The royal father also solicited the cooperation of farmers to feed the starch factory with needed raw materials.
Speaking on behalf of the investors, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cemuoa Starch Factory, Barr. Caroline Udom, lauded the Udom Emmanuel led government for providing enabling environment for business to strive in the state and for promoting agriculture and industry. These, she said, gave the industry a headstart.
Barr. Udom said the factory will require 20 tonnes of cassava per day to produce at full capacity and would, through direct and indirect employment, create 10,000 opportunities for farmers and youths.
….Receives royal blessings ahead of the 2023 General Elections
Indigenes of Ikot Idem Village and other neighbouring villages in Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area, amongst them Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs yesterday 22nd December 2023 counted their blessings and expressed gratitude to God Almighty for His benevolence upon their lives, as two industrious sons of Essien Udim, Barrister Prince Ukpong Akpabio and Dr. Wisdom Patrick Enang (a native of Ikot Idem Village), stretched their generous hands to them in the spirit of Christmas.
The known serene and otherwise quiet village of Ikot Idem, which suddenly came alive, had natives in their numbers thronged the expansive field next to Chief Patrick John Enang’s country home, for their Christmas packages. The scene of what would be a memorable life-time experience for the Odoro Ikot indigenes started with a brief stopover of Prince Akpabio and his charismatic entourage at Dr. Enang’s father’s compound (Chief Patrick John Enang, a Royal member of the Ikot Idem Village Governing Council, and family head of the Nto Enang family), where he received royal blessings for success ahead of the 2023 general elections.
At the event venue, Dr. Enang set the tone by thanking everyone for their contributions towards the peace and development of the entire Odoro Ikot Clan, and Essien Udim LGA at large. He further intimated the mammoth crowd on the need for excellent representation within the government, both at the state and local level, as an imperative for good governance and continued development. He went further to declare his unwavering support for Barrister Prince Ukpong Akpabio, as the most excellent candidate for the Essien Udim State House Constituency. Dr Enang also appealed strongly to the joyous crowd, to vote and return all Candidates of PDP, as he assured them of the Party’s commitment to a better Nigeria, both at the State and Federal level.
In his mood lifting speech, Barrister Prince Ukpong Akpabio thanked the Odoro Ikot Indigens for their massive show of love and solidarity towards his political ambition, and in turn enlightened them about the key aspects of his campaign manifesto, the AKEMINIAWASI campaign mandate, which is designed to overwhelmingly favour constituents at the grass root level. He went on further to intimate the women on his plans to support their businesses with grants, and the youths on his plans to train and empower them with skills and business finances, as well as provide scholarships for their education at various levels. In his usual out-of-this-world show of magnanimity, Prince Akpabio massively complimented Dr. Enang’s benevolence, with huge cash donations for the youths, women and elders at the event, and even went well beyond the scope of the event, to assist Ikot Idem village clear off their outstanding electricity bill, which was way above half a million Naira.
Receiving the donations from Dr. Enang and Prince Akpabio, Honourable Brendan Etokidem the state officer of the party from Essien Udim, who represented the political ward leader Obong Francis Abuji, and Honourable Saturday Akpan Abuji the vice chairman of Odoro Ikot ward II, who represented the ward chairman Prince Maxwell Ikutt, both expressed joy over the donations and thanked the donors for their benevolence, and for recognizing and identifying with the indigenes of Ikot Idem village, and Odoro Ikot Ward II. They further pledged their unshaken support for the political ambition of Prince Akpabio, and also pledged to stake their time, resources and political might to ensure his success and that of all PDP candidates, at the 2023 general elections. The crescendo of this event was when the enormous crowd also re-echoed this commitment, pledging total support for Prince Ukpong Akpabio and PDP at large. Charged with this renewed commitment, the MPM coordinator for Odoro Ikot Ward II, Mr. Sunday Joseph Idiong anchored a highly interactive voter sensitization session to educate the indulged crowd on the new INEC BVAS system, the right way to vote, the importance of voter participation, and the insignificance of violence and ballot snatching in the outcome of elections under the new INEC BVAS system.
In attendance at the event were dignitaries and PDP ward EXCOs like a member of the advisory council on Prerogative of Mercy (Honourable Nsini Umanah); a Medical consultant with Ibom Specialist Hospital Uyo (Dr. Ekerette Dan); a Special Adviser on Projects to the Governor (Honourable Ekpuk Afangideh); the Secretary for Odoro Ikot Ward II (Mrs Cecilia Akpan Ebeh); the Village Chairman for Ikot Idem Village (Elder Innocent Archibong) along with all 10 family heads of Ikot Idem Village; the Female Youth Coordinators for Unit 7 and 8 in Ikot Idem village (Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ette and Mrs Mary Etim Ben); the MPM coordinator for Odoro Ikot Ward II (Mr Sunday Joseph Idiong); the Youth President for Ikot Idem Village (Mr Uduak Ezekiel Silas); a former vice chairman of Essien Udim LGA (Mrs Christiana Ime Michael); a former ward chairman (Elder Malachi Peter Akpan); a woman leader of Ikot Idem village (Mrs Alice Friday); Coordinator Usung-Uboko for Prince Akpabio (Honourable Ndifreke Udoette).
Bags of rice, cartons of tomatoes and vegetable oils, and crates of drinks, as well as huge cash donations were amongst the donated items.
The people of Ika , Etim Ekpo, Oruk Anam and surrounding Local Government Areas have been assured of constant power supply upon completion of the ongoing Etim Ekpo electricity substation project before May 2023.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, gave the assurances, Tuesday, while speaking at the funeral ceremony in honour of late Deaconess Eno Thomas Nwoko, mother of the former Akwa Ibom State Attorney General, Uwemedimo Nwoko SAN, at Abiankana-Nkana village, Ika LGA.
Governor Emmanuel further assured on the completion of the ongoing road projects in Ika.
“I’m very aware as the governor that Ika has no light and it is not the fault of government. When I became governor in 2015 we drew power straight from Abak to this place, but the cables and poles disappeared overnight.
“Now I’ve brought a substation to Etim Ekpo and they are constructing it day and night because I want to commission that substation before I leave office. I want to make sure before I leave office Ika, Etim Ekpo, part of Oruk Anam and other areas that are affected are hooked on to that substation and be given light on a very regular basis”, he stated.
He therefore sued for responsible followership and cooperation with the government even as he cautioned the people of the area to step up vigilance against vandalism and theft on public amenities and infrastructure provided for the good of all.
Condoling with the family of the deceased on behalf of the government and people of the State, Governor Emmanuel said that the state government has benefitted immensely from the ingenuity of members of the bereaved family and attributed the goodness exhibited by the former Attorney General while working with him to the ideals of the family.
In a message of appreciation on behalf of the bereaved family, the Family Head, Pastor Iniobong Nwoko, thanked God for grace and mercies throughout the period of grief.
He thanked the Udom Emmanuel led government, the Peoples Democratic Party, leaders and people of Ika, Redeemed Christian Church of God and all for standing by them throughout the period of grief.
The former Attorney General, Uwemedimo Nwoko SAN, also expressed the gratitude of his family to Governor Emmanuel for the honour and support he has bestowed on the family through him and thanked the Judiciary hierarchy and the legal practitioners for honouring the family, stressing that the gesture would not be taken for granted.
In a homily drawn from 1st Chronicles 29:26-28, National Secretary of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Godwin James, likened the Late Deaconess to King David who led a life that was widely acclaimed as godly, hence was honoured by God with longevity of days and great descendants to sustain his legacies.
Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong has showered royal blessings on the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno.
The monarch poured his blessings when the Umo Eno and Akon Eyakenyi campaign train stopped at his palace for a consultation visit before proceeding to the Court Ground (Odot Roundabout) venue for the Nsit Attai LGA campaign rally.
In his remarks the royal father noted that Pastor Eno is a son of Nsit Nation, adding that the three local governments (Nsit Atai, Nsit Ubium, and Nsit Ibom) which make up the nation were proud of him.
In his words, “you are a good son, and the pride of Nsit Nation and the State. Go and rest because Heaven has blessed you. We are proud of you.”
Earlier in his remarks, the governorship candidate, Pastor Umo Eno said the traditional institution will continue to have its due respect, adding that his economic blue print codenamed, the ARISE Agenda is focused at connecting the dots and furthering on the strides of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration.
He maintained that when elected into office in 2023, his administration will work closely with stakeholders from different areas to ensure even development.
Pastor Eno who is a seasoned entrepreneur stated that all projects in the state will be sited after due consultations with the stakeholders adding that his administration will be big on rural development and has conducted extensive needs assessment that will enable it deliver people-centred projects.
The governorship hopeful who was accompanied by his wife Pastor (Mrs) Patience Eno, the Deputy governorship candidate Senator Akon Eyakenyi and the leadership of the campaign team, applauded the monarch for opening his doors to receive his team, and assured all present that Nsit Atai will not be disappointed.
Pastor Eno emphasized that as a son of Nsit, the area will have its pride of place and urged them to support and vote for the PDP at all levels.
Students of Community secondary Commercial School, Urua obo, in Ikot Ekpene and Community Secondary Comprehensive School, Ukana East, Essien Udim have been enjoined to be serious with their studies, remain focused, resist whatever societal influence or peer pressure that could distract them from achieving their goals in life.
Special Assistant to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Entrepreneurial development, Directorate of Marketing, and Brand Management, Mrs. Meflyn Anwana gave the advice, Monday while addressing the students who were at the Victor Attah International Airport, VAIA on an excursion visit.
The Governor’s aide reminded the students that limitless opportunities abound in the aviation industry for any of them willing to take up a career in the Aviation sector, while briefing the students on the history of the Victor Attah International Airport.
“Clearly, Governor Udom Emmanuel’s developmental strides in Aviation is a huge investment. The establishment of Ibom Air and the ongoing construction of the terminal building , MRO etc., is a testament to the creativity and strategic planning of the present administration in the state. Interestingly, some people have things on paper but they cannot translate it real time. But today marks the beginning of your Big dream, whatever you have on your mind or on paper could take years for you to become, but if you follow through the same journey that the Governor took you will eventually explore your potentials and become!
In her Opening remarks , Special Assistant to Governor on Projects Monitoring, Mrs. Josephine Bassey who led the students to the airport in company of their teachers under the Young Minds Exposition Campaign, said the essence of the excursion was to expose them and offer them an opportunity to integrate classroom theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Another aide of the Governor, Mr. Essien Ndueso who is the Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation who also spoke to the students, described the excursion as an enriching experience that would add to knowledge already acquired in the classroom. He took time to explain the workings of the airport and the accompanying facilities in it.
In their separate interactions with the students, the Governor’s aides told them how Governor Emmanuel has successfully scaled airport development with MRO facility and an International terminal building that would be ready by first quarter of next year. They also explained the success story of Ibom Air to the visiting students.
The students were later conducted round the various sections in the airport including, the arrival hall, ticketing hall, departure, the runway, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul, MRO facillity, Ibom Air office, and other component parts of the airport by Mrs. Emem Uweh, Head of operations, Victor Attah International Airport, John Nseowo, Samuel Ekefre and Engr. Lazurus, while the Group Manager, Marketing and Communications for Ibom Air, Annie Essienette and a Pilot with Ibom Air, Captain Ibrahim Mohammed also conducted them round the various units and departments.
…Orders Payment of Salaries, Pensions in Three Days
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has signed the State’s 2022 Appropriation Law, with a total outlay of N586.9 billion.
The budget, christened, ‘Redefining Standards’, was passed by the State House of Assembly on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
It has an increase of N4.766 billion, representing 0.8%, from the initial estimate of N582.115 billion presented by the Governor on October 25, 2021.
The Appropriation Act’s size covers N261.963 billion of recurrent and N324.918 billion of capital expenditures.
Governor Emmanuel, speaking during an expanded Executive Council meeting, during which he assented the 2022 Appropriation Bill, commended the State House of Assembly, Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Accountant General and other government agencies involved in the budgetary process for its timely passage.
Expressing hope that funds will be available for optimum implementation, he said “we are believing that with God on our side 2022 will be better than 2021”.
The Governor said it became expedient to sign the bill early enough in the week to allow for smooth winding down of the year 2021 and take-off 2022, considering nearness to Christmas, the accompanying holidays and envisaged reduced productivity of the State’s predominantly Christian workforce.
Speaking further, the Governor directed that the State Accountant General, Pastor Andrew Essien, ensures payment of salaries and pension of public servants and retirees in the state on or before Thursday, 23th 2021, to support their Yuletide celebration.
“I have given an order to the Accountant General to try and pay Civil Servants’ salaries almost immediately.
“We are a Christian State, whether Federal Government gives us money or not, we must look for money anywhere to make sure that our people hold their Christmas.
”We need at least N10 Billion to be able to pay salaries and pensioners must also be paid.
“It has to be done between now and Thursday, because Friday is Christmas eve”.
Also at the expanded Executive Council, Governor Emmanuel was formally presented with the recent Cleanest State Award trophy won by the state for the fourth consecutive years.
The Governor commended the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Ikim for making the state proud, tasking the agency to brace up for greater exploits in coming years.
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