…to embark on housing scheme for Akwa Ibom indigenes in FCT
By Kingsley Iwok, Abuja
Grow your business with us
It was another history making day, as senior civil servants from Akwa Ibom State in various Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies extolled the leadership style of the state governor, Pst Umo Bassey Eno, who was on a working visit to Abuja.
The event which took place at the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Office in Abuja on Tuesday, 15 August, 2023, was at the instance of Governor Eno, aimed at bringing his people together to marshal his administration ARISE AGENDA.
Recall that Gov Eno, had two weeks ago, unveiled ARISE AGENDA, a visionary blueprint of his administration during a 3-day State Dialogue where professionals and experts from all walk of life assembled and meticulously debate on significant areas of Agriculture, Rural development, Infrastructure, Security and Education and made recommendations to propel a new chapter of state development.
At the meeting, the Directors, Federal Commissioners and other participants took their turn to applaud Governor Eno for the visit, which they said was first of its kind.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Dr. Okonkon Ekanem, said the meeting had availed them an ample opportunity to strengthen mutual economic interactions between the duo of Federal and State Governments.
Okokon added that Governor Eno deserved commendation, as the gesture would promote unity and speedy economic growth of the State.
He said: “I must thank our Governor, Pst Umo Eno for making this meeting possible. This is the first of its kind, and I can assure the Governor of our collective support of his administration to actualise development in the state.”
Speaking also at the event, the National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Dr. Tommy Etim extolled Governor Eno for fulfilling the promise he made to Akwa Ibom people during his electioneering campaign consultation in Abuja
Etim thanked Umo Eno for fulfilling the promise he made that his administration would partner with Akwa Ibom Indigenes who lived and worked in FCT to drive development.
“Your Excellency, barely few months since you took Oath of Office as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State; today, you have kept to your promise of partnering with Akwa Ibom people in the Federal Capital Territory to drive the vision of your administration”. He stated.
Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Ime Umoh, admitted that the meeting was going to create an opportunity that would explore the rich potentials of their people for state development.
Umo who was delighted, expressed hopes in the administration of Governor Umo Eno and disclosed a donation of one Patrol Boat to Akwa Ibom State government in support of the administration.
Also, the President of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Barr Aniefiok Ibah said that the day was a memorable one in the annals of history and went on to thank Governor Eno for providing quality and people oriented leadership within few days in Office as the Governor of the State.
“I want to thank His Excellency, the Governor, for making this day a memorable one for all of us. It’s no gainsaying the fact that our governor had started very well, providing quality and people oriented leadership in the State since he assumed Office a few months ago. We are so impressed of the milestone achievements of His Excellency, the Governor within the shortest period of time”, he noted.
Ibah who assured Governor Eno of Community’s support under his leadership, appealed for the continuous working relationship with the state government.
Speaking separately on the needs of Governor Umo Eno to continue to run an open door policy between the state and federal appointees for mutual economic growth, the Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission, Mr. Simeon Etim appealed to the Governor to diversify governance through skilled acquisitions on critical areas of entrepreneurship to reduce the high rate of unemployment in our society.
Also speaking, the Commissioner in the Federal Population Commission, Chief (Engr.) Ben Ukpong applauded Governor Eno for his peace-loving leadership style since he came on board.
He said “I want to commend Your Excellency’s leadership style since he came into Office, for bringing everybody together to talk about the progress of our state, regardless of party lines. I was so impressed seeing the Governor at Sen. Akpabio’s Inauguration as President of the Nigerian Senate, and today, he has made another history to have brought all of us together to talk about the possibilities of the growth of our state not minding which party we belong to” he asserted.
Ukpong who assured that President Bola Tinubu would soon have a meeting with the Commission on the possible ways to commence the country’s population census exercise that started in the last administration, promised to work with governor Eno in the interest of the State.
Elated by the words of commendations and massive support as expressed by various Speakers at the event, Governor Umo Eno expressed gratitude and reiterated his commitment to providing quality and all inclusive governance to Akwa Ibom people wherever they lived
Eno said, it was important to come together and work for the development of the state in the interest of our mother land.
“I call on all sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom to join hands with me to build the state for the benefit of our motherland” he said.
Umo Eno who flew in to Abuja in the evening on Tuesday, onboard the State owned Commercial Airline- Ibom Air, stated that he chose to fly with Ibom Air in order to promote the international brand the airline had built in the aviation industry over the years.
Governor Eno in appreciation of the calibers of personalities in attendance lauded the people for their rich potentials and offices they held in Federal Ministries, Commissions, and the society at large which he said was a boost to the state.
“I am prepared to work with you. We should work behind party lines.” He appealed.
He went on to state that his government was set at improving primary health care and remodel secondary school system in the state.
He further emphasized that his administration, among other things, was set out to create Skills Acquisition Training Hubs that would help to train people on vocational jobs and skills.
Eno revealed his plan to revamp the Industrial Park and boost job creation, noting that there were three main Entrepreneurial Hubs set to be established in the Park which included Fashion, Shoes and Housing Hubs that was going to assist those who learned skills, and also produce school uniforms to primary school children.
“I will also partner with Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja to build a small housing scheme in a good location to accommodate indigenes, students and corps members who don’t have where to stay.” Umo assured.
Present at the event were, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Civil Service Commission, Elder Effiong Essien; Dean of College of Commissioners of Akwa Ibom State and Commissioner for Youths and Sport, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Nsikan Linus Nkan.
Others were, Dr Enobong Umoessien, President of Akwa Ibom Leagues of Professionals; Dr. (Mrs.) Dora Ebong, Commissioner in Federal Character Commission; Mr. Anyang Sunny, Commissioner Revenue Mobilization Fiscal Commission; Brig Gen Obot Obot, Director of Defence Intelligence Agency, and Akwa Ibom State Liaison Officer in Abuja, Mr. Edwin James among others.
