The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Eno

  • Sanwo-Olu, Eno lay 18-floor Ibom Towers foundation in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu, Eno lay 18-floor Ibom Towers foundation in Lagos

    Lagos State Governor  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday laid the foundation of the Akwa Ibom State government’s   18 storey multipurpose building called Ibom Towers in Lagos.

     He said  the landmark project, at Plot 868A, Bishop Aboyade Cole, Victoria Island, represents not only physical growth but a symbol of inter-state collaboration and shared prosperity.

    Sanwo-Olu, who praised  what he called the bold move made by Governor Umo Eno for identifying Lagos as a good place to invest, said Akwa Ibom State’s investment in Lagos will strengthen the relationship between the two states and grow their revenues.

    Ibom Towers, located in the commercial heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, when completed, is expected to be a good revenue source for Akwa Ibom State. The project is expected to be delivered in the next 24 months.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s 28 Chiefs of Army Staff since 1966

     Sanwo-Olu said: “The decision by Akwa Ibom State to embark on this ambitious venture here in Lagos is a testament to the dynamism of our great city as a commercial hub and to the visionary leadership of Governor Umo Eno. This groundbreaking affirms our commitment to welcoming and fostering projects that strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities across our regions.

    “As Ibom Towers rises, it will serve as a beacon of the fruitful alliance between Lagos and Akwa Ibom, creating a unique space that encourages business, investment, and vibrant community life. Projects like this one are the embodiment of our collective vision for Nigeria’s growth, driven by creativity, collaboration  and a commitment to excellence.”

      Governor  Umo Eno, said his state decided to invest in real estate, particularly in Lagos, to grow Akwa Ibom State economy and increase its revenue base.

    “In our determined effort to grow more means of income and deepen our investment portfolio, we are here to perform a groundbreaking ceremony of this 18 storey Ibom Towers,” he said.

     Eno, who said he had been a follower of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership when he was Governor of Lagos State, noted that the right reform he took in Lagos State grew the state economy, and it became the best-performing state in Africa.

     He noted that this is an investment for the future. He said the rationale behind this project is the desire to tap into the bullish Lagos property market and convert hitherto moribund state-owned property into commercial investments and earn income for the state.

    “This foundation laying for the construction of this iconic building signposts our determination to play in the bullish real estate market in Lagos,” Eno added.

    Former Governor  Obong Victor Attah, said he had wanted to embark on the project when he was in the saddle  but couldn’t execute it because he did not get the support of the relevant stakeholders.

    Attah urged  Eno not to give attention to those who may accuse him that instead of developing his state, he is developing another person’s state, noting that the value of land and building in Lagos is not the same as Akwa Ibom.

    “Don’t pay attention to those who may blame you for not developing your state by building such property in your state. The value of land here in Lagos is far above that of Akwa Ibom State. You have a vision. The future belongs to those who have the audacity to see the future before it becomes a reality,” he said.

    On the importance of the Ibom Towers, the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, said the tower is an investment meant to increase the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of  the state and create more value for the future.

    He noted that the conception of the project rests on the three ‘R’s of Redemption, Remediation and Restoration of the once abandoned property for better economic use and spread of prosperity to the citizenry.

    “Government will recover all moribund property owned by the state and convert them into investments that would yield returns and increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

    “It is wholly financed by the Akwa Ibom State government and is purely an investment for future IGR, a store of value and preservation of the commonwealth of the citizens of our state,” Pastor Jacob said.

    The land on which Ibom Towers is to be cited measures approximately 2,191 square meters and was acquired over 30 years ago. It had served as the Akwa Ibom governor’s office annex in Lagos, and became dilapidated after it was abandoned by previous governments.

    Ibom Towers is designed to have 32 residential apartments consisting of 10 units of one and two bedroom apartments, nine units of three bedroom apartments and three units of four bedroom sky residence (penthouse apartments) on two levels, all with servants quarters.

    The project which has a 24-month completion timeline will feature suspended swimming pools, multi-level parking for up to 102 cars, a restaurant, bar, three meeting rooms and six dedicated access-controlled lifts.

     The Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong noted that the  project is strictly a business undertaking.

     “The philosophical underpinning of this project is the conversion of dormant asset into an intended money making venture.”

    Drawing on Christian teachings on timing, the Commissioner noted that this is the right time for this project.

     “The atmosphere is right. The economy is challenging and you have a governor who is investment- driven and understands that we can convert this place into a profit making initiative.”

    To critics of the project, the Akwa Ibom State governor asked them to look at the value of the Nigerian House in New York today.

     “The Nigerian House in New York was conceived by visionary leaders and today, it has defined the New York skyline.”

     He noted that Ibom Towers, Lagos, is a project that would stand the test of time and be a source of pride to generations yet unborn.

     The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Udom Emmanuel with former governors Victor Attah and Senator Liyel Imoke of Cross River, attended the event.

     Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Elegushi of Ikate, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi and the President – General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk graced the occasion.

  • With Eno, there’s hope for local govt polls, says Akpabio

    With Eno, there’s hope for local govt polls, says Akpabio

    • ‘Obaseki does not respect democracy, rule of law’

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno yesterday got a pat on the back from Senate President Godswill Akpabio for last weekend’s conduct of local government election.

    Akpabio made the commendation during the plenary.

    It was during his  contribution to a motion  condemning the  local government elections in Benue State.

    There had been controversy on the outcome of the local government elections conducted on Sunday in Akwa Ibom, especially in Essien Udim Local Government Area, the local government where the Senate President hails from.

    Akwa Ibom is governed by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party won 30 of the 31 local government areas in the state.

    Usoro Effiong, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election in Mr Akpabio’s local government area.

    Read Also: Eno to swear in elected LG chairman, deputies on Monday

    Many people including Michael Afangideh, the man regarded as the political leader, insisted that the PDP candidate won Mr Akpabio’s local government, not the APC candidate.

    At the plenary, Akpabio said the APC’s candidate was the authentic winner of the election because he had the majority of the votes cast during the elections.

    He claimed the local government elections were not perfect but appreciated Governor Eno for allowing the APC candidate win the election.

    “But let me point out that the elections were not perfect. The local government elections were not perfect.

    “My colleagues are even appreciating the state government for remaining steadfast, realising that it would be impossible for the Senate President to lose votes even in his own local government.

    And that for him, some governments would have gone ahead to even announce what they like, saying that he belongs to the Federal Government and do what he wants there. But that he announced, the APC chairman of my local government won the elections. That is where the commendation comes from,” Akpabio said.

    The Senate President said with the declaration of the APC candidate as winner of his local government, it means there is hope for improvement in the electioneering system in the state and the country at large.

    “With people like Governor Eno, there is hope. Not that the elections were perfect. I hope you understand that there is hope for us to have a national dialogue with a view to changing the situation.

    “So I actually commend Governor Eno for that. My colleagues have said it was a very uncommon gesture on his part and then Senator Abba Moro, you started this, you brought this up, and then you had support across party lines.”

    The Senate President stressed the need to reposition the local government system .

    “Now, the world needs to know that it is not limited to only the PDP states, that the share of local government elections goes beyond party lines. I think that’s the conclusion of the Senate and that we need to do something to reposition the local government as a third tier of government.

    “What you are seeing here is that it has never really been a third tier of government. So we commend the Supreme Court of Nigeria for the ruling that the funds of local governments should go directly to local governments.

    “But then we on our part in the National Assembly must take the next step to ensure that the decision that has been so far given by the Supreme Court becomes alive.”

    Akpabio explained that when he was governor of Akwa Ibom State between 2007 to 2015, he conducted credible local government elections twice.

    “When I was  governor, you asked me what happened in my state. I did local government elections twice. I remember one of the local governments, even when we did not seem to have opposition then, I was surprised when they called  to ask me, ‘sir, we have a tragedy due to one local government out of 31.’ I was in Abuja. I said, what is that? They said, ‘stakeholders are shouting that it cannot happen.’ I told the chairman, those are the winners,” he added.

    The Senate President also said Governor Godwin Obaseki does not respect democracy and the rule of law because he refused to swear-in some members of the Edo State House of Assembly.

    “Well, to be honest with you, it’s not everybody that would know that there is a problem. I know that Senator Adams Oshiomhole is itching to talk, because in his state, I think the governor is a PDP. He (Edo Governor) may not have much respect for democracy and rule of law.

    “But the governor of a state, he has run the state with 10 members of the House of Assembly to the shame of democracy for almost four years. People that were elected were not sworn into office.”

  • Dear Governor Eno

    Dear Governor Eno

    Sir, first thing first: I commiserate with you on the death of your wife. The loss of a close person is a pain only you can fully understand. Outsiders can only have a glimpse of what you are going through.

    It can never be easy to recover from losing someone you were married to for decades, someone you slept on the same bed with for decades, someone who was part and parcel of every major decision you took for decades, someone who gave you beautiful children, someone who was one with you.

    Even when such loss isn’t caused by death but by separation or divorce, it is always difficult to deal with. The one caused by death is on a level difficult to capture with words. So, once again, accept my condolences.

    I pray that God will give you the fortitude to bear the loss and He will also grant you the wisdom to live without her. He will also grant you the wisdom to lead the children aright in her absence.

    However, I have to point out a gaffe you made, and that is your announcement that your daughter should continue the duties of the office of First Lady, an office we all know is illegal in the first place. Because the office is alien to the constitution, its assigned duties are null and void. So, Sir, it is ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous, to transfer non-constitutional duties to your daughter.

    Sir, what is bad is bad; it has no other name and that is why I am not sugarcoating anything for you. You goofed and big time too. The fact that you are grieving is no excuse for taking the people of Akwa Ibom for fools, and for brazenly attacking our constitution.

    The constitution, despite its imperfections, should be sacrosanct. If you want an office of First Daughter created, you can get members of the National Assembly from your state to initiate the amendment of the constitution. But, you and I know that this is not the time for such a ridiculous proposition. Our country, not only your state, is bleeding. The people can’t afford full course meals, they can’t get money to pay school fees, they can’t afford to pay their rent, and doing other basic things of life aren’t easy for them.

    Before you say you are not to blame for the state of the national economy, what have you been able to do at your local level? Let’s even assume you have done so much, it is not enough reason to mess the people up further.

    During the run-up to the election that made you governor, you promised the people Happy Hour. Many of us laughed then given your status as a minister of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing happy about turning your daughter to the coordinator of an office alien to our laws, and grief is no justification for this anomaly.

    I know grief takes different formats, and like the narrator of my novel, ‘After The End’, says: ‘Grief doesn’t have to be silent’. You can grieve loudly but that loudness shouldn’t have anything to do with taking irrational decisions, especially when they violate our laws.

    Your explanation that you didn’t appoint your daughter First Lady, but as the coordinator of the office of First Lady, makes no sense to me. You also said as long as you remain governor, the programmes for the elderly being run by your late wife would not die, and the coordinator must be someone you see daily, someone who can walk into your room and brief you.

    Read Also: LASTMA sacks six officials over misconduct, inefficiency

    Though the office of First Lady isn’t constitutional, it has become acceptable over the years so, in a way, it has become part of the unwritten part of our constitution. What has absolutely no place either in our written or unwritten laws is asking a daughter to take over the duties of the office of First Lady. A daughter is a daughter; your daughter is no First Lady. The First Lady, God rest her soul, is dead and whatever she was doing in the one year and few months she was your First Lady should be continued using another forum.

    Your decision is precedence, one that no one else should follow. It should be like the Supreme Court decision on Rotimi Amaechi, which the court decided should not be used in deciding similar future cases. The earlier you rescind this decision the better.

    Sir, my candid advice to you is that you should immortalise your late wife with a foundation named after her and this foundation’s vision should be the eradication of the cause of her death. You can also add the programmes for the elderly to the duties of this foundation. And your darling daughter can run this foundation. This is a more honourable way of mourning her and keeping her memory alive.

    Sir, I urge you to take the front seat in the quest for respecting the laws. Take the front seat till our society gets better. Till our society gets all our people need. Till our society becomes safe and secure. Till all the things that have fallen apart become whole and the centre can comfortably hold. You should never contribute to things that make our society the butt of global jokes. We aren’t a joke. A nation that produces global talents in medicine, pharmacy, engineering and the art isn’t a joke. It is mostly the actions of our leaders that have given that impression of us and the time to correct that is now. And I beseech you to take a lead and the starting point is to first reverse the decision you took.

    My final take: We need to protect our laws. I strongly believe that the bulk of the challenges we face as a nation is because we don’t obey our laws. Yes, our constitution has loopholes, just like the constitution of the United States of America. Britain’s constitution isn’t even written. What that tells us is that it’s not about what is written down, but about following laid-down procedures.

  • Eno to swear in elected LG chairman, deputies on Monday

    Eno to swear in elected LG chairman, deputies on Monday

    Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, would swear in newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen on Monday 7.

    Eno, who made this known while speaking at All Nations Christian Ministry Intl, Eket, said it was important to immediately inaugurate the democratically-elected officials to position local governments areas in the state for rapid development.

    “Election was concluded yesterday. Results are trickling in. We are swearing in new chairmen tomorrow by 8 am. We want to thank those that have served. They have done well.

    “The window we negotiated with the federal government was till October, and this is October. So we need to quickly swear in those Chairmen so that they will start receiving their allocation and work for their people.” 

    The governor equally clarified the appointment of his eldest daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, noting that she has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant and Coordinator of the office of the First Lady.

    Noting that the move was necessary to continue the legacy of his late wife Patience, saying the decision was a product of political expediency.

    Read Also: Eno on late wife: She was everything a man could wish for

    He stressed that First Ladies are not appointed and so in the face of the sad situation of the demise of his wife, it was not only proper, but also comforting and assuring for the daughter who has been her closest assistant to coordinate the lofty programmes of the Office.

    Eno also emphasized that priority will be given to the late First Lady’s pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), along with other support programs for women, the elderly, the vulnerable, and the less privileged. 

    He noted that the initiatives can only be effectively sustained with Mrs. Obareki as Coordinator, citing her experience, education, exposure, and access as key to their success.

    “Please listen to me and listen well, First Ladies are not appointed, they come with the Governor. I made a statement, and I would like to repeat that statement for the avoidance of doubt.

    “Our daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki will coordinate the office of the First Lady. She had been with the mother from the beginning, and you heard the First lady of the Nation, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu say “The mother introduced her to me. So appointing her as the Coordinator is not an appointment of a First Lady. You don’t appoint a First Lady.

    “So, by appointment, she is a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and the Coordinator, Office  of the First Lady. This is not political, it is natural. All I pray for is support and wisdom for her to be able to ensure that none of those programmes will die, and that she will bring more insight and innovation to the Office.

    “The only reason why I brought this up again is for the purpose of clarification that I am conscious of what I am doing, and it is to bring healing to the family and allow the Office to keep running. That’s one of the ways I will be comforted,” the Governor said.

  • Gov Eno releases N4.755 billion for payment of gratuities, bonus for civil servants

    Gov Eno releases N4.755 billion for payment of gratuities, bonus for civil servants

    In yet another bold move to keep fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises towards the regular payment of gratuities, the prioritization of the welfare of civil servants in the state, and the passionate commitment to the development of a highly educated and skilled populace, which is a focal point of the Arise Agenda, Governor Umo Eno has authorized the immediate release of the sum of 4.755 billion Naira, in pursuit of the above goals.

    The breakdown of the release of these funds, which will help cushion the effect of the current harsh economic situation, is as follows:

    * 2.3 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities for retired state civil servants, retired primary school teachers, and retired local government workers.

    * 1.1 billion Naira for the one-off payment of Wardrobe Allowance for twenty thousand, three hundred and forty-five (20,345) public primary school, technical college, and secondary school teachers.

    * 1billion Naira for the payment of bonuses (twenty thousand Naira) to each of the 52 thousand public service workers, as announced by the Governor during the recently concluded Public Service Week events.

    The Governor has also released the sum of 79 million Naira for the award of full scholarships for four Akwa Ibom indigenes who were recently granted admission to study the Standard Pilot Course and Standard Air Traffic Control Course at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.

    Additionally, 104 million Naira has been released as the first tranche payment of the 2024 primary school teachers’ Leave Grant, and 172 million Naira as a severance gratuity package for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of local government councils who served from 2018-2022.

    The release of these funds further deepens the compassionate bonafides of Governor Eno towards the downtrodden, which he had promised to champion. 

    “The construction of Arise Compassionate Homes throughout the state, which he is currently being celebrated for, the monthly 50 thousand Naira palliative for elderly care throughout the state, the free medical outreach programmes he has been funding, the Arise Free Food Voucher programme executed under the Bulk Purchase Agency, the 2 billion Naira interest-free loans to traders as well as Arewa, Yoruba, Igbo and Niger Delta communities in the state, the 500 thousand Naira grant given to each of the over 800 budding entrepreneurs under the IBOM-LED Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP), the payment of bursary and other educational grants, among other infusion of funds towards the expansion of soft infrastructure while also executing bold and audacious hard infrastructure, define Governor Eno as a man who has kept faith with his campaign promises.”

  • JUST IN: Governor Eno sacks commissioner for special duties

    JUST IN: Governor Eno sacks commissioner for special duties

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has sacked his commissioner for special duties, Bassey Okon.

    The Secretary to State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah announced this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday, June 10.

    Uwah noted that the decision was in an ongoing effort to reposition the current administration in line with the ARISE Agenda.

    Read Also: Gov Eno moves to complete Akpabio’s Tropicana projects

    He said: “In an ongoing effort to reposition his administration in line with Arise Agenda, the governor of Akwa Ibom state, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno has relieved Dr. Bassey. P, Okon, the Honourable Commissioner for Special duties as a member of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council with immediate effect.

    “His Excellency thanks him for his services to the state and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

    “He is, therefore, directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry. In the meantime, the Ministry will be supervised by the Secretary to the State Government pending the appointment of a new Commissioner.”

    Based on the new development, Okon is the first Commissioner to be sacked by Governor Eno.

    It was speculated ahead of the administration’s one year in office that the governor has been under pressure from stakeholders to reshuffle his cabinet as he inherited the majority of them from his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.

  • Gov Eno moves to complete Akpabio’s Tropicana projects

    Gov Eno moves to complete Akpabio’s Tropicana projects

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has promised to complete the 14-storey hotel building and the 5,000-capacity Conference facility at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre in Uyo.

    The projects were started over eight years ago by Senator Godswill Akpabio as Governor to boost the tourism potentials of the state.

    However, the immediate past administration of Udom Emmanuel did not continue with the projects.

    Governor Eno after undertaking an inspection tour of the abandoned projects promised to complete the moribund and uncompleted parts of the facility.

    Eno, who held a re-evaluation meeting with major contractors on the project, said the visit was informed by his resolve to attend to critical infrastructure that have potentials to grow the State’s economy.

    He explained that his drive to reclaim the facility was also in furtherance of his pledge to complete uncompleted projects initiated by previous administrations and make them functional.

    Read Also: Gov Eno moves to complete Akpabio’s Tropicana projects

    “We have resolved to put the past behind us. We have structures on ground, what I’m doing now is to see all of the vision, what it was all about, how we can link them together and how we can revive it. This can give several thousands of jobs to Akwa Ibomites.

    “We’ve been trying to create a theme park at the Udo Udoma Cenotaph but seeing what we have here, why do I need to duplicate? Why do I have to start something new when we have something here we can build on,” he stated.

    Eno therefore directed the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong, (rtd.) to avail him with the survey plan of the entire land area that was acquired by Government for the project, with intent to sack trespassers and bring down illegal structures.

    He also directed the Ministry of Special Duties to ensure the cleaning of the entire area, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien, (rtd.), to immediately take over the security of the entire facility, sounding a warning to vandals and hoodlums to stay off the facility as Government will not hesitate to prosecute any violator on the facility henceforth.

    “This is Akwa Ibom money and so my duty as Governor is to protect the assets of Government, life and property of the people. Government has sunk in so much money here and so I believe we can look at it.

    “For me, what is important, going forward, is how we can reclaim this place and make it functional. Behind us is an International Conference Centre.  People come here for conferences and conventions. I understand we were named Tourists State of the Year 2023, and when people see your efforts and  recognize you for doing something, it means they expect more from you,” Governor Eno added.

  • One year in office: Gov Eno reiterates commitment to device delivery 

    One year in office: Gov Eno reiterates commitment to device delivery 

    Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to embark on projects that will trigger sustainable developments in the state.

    Eno made statement in Uyo on Tuesday at a media briefing to mark his administration’s one year in office.

    He said that his administration had worked within its campaign promised and the ARISE Agenda.

    “I can say that in the last one year, I have served Akwa Ibom with the integrity of my heart. Our mission is to serve our people,” he said.

    The governor said that his administration would continue to liaise with security agencies to tackle security challenges in the state.

    He described law and order as crucial to development and delivery of governance, adding, ‘”we shall not allow small group of individuals to terrorise our state”

    Read Also: MAY 29 ANNIVERSARY: Owan Enoh’s game-changing initiatives in sports

    “We shall fish out all those involved in the recent incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and other forms of crimes in the state,” he said.

    Eno urged parents to play major roles in the upbringing of their children by instilling discipline in them

    He urged residents of the state to support security agencies with useful information to fight crime.

    “We are stakeholders in the project of building a decent society, community leaders should expose criminals in their domains.

    “We are taking the fight to the creeks and every corner of the state. There will be no hiding place for criminals,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • May Day: Gov Eno declares work free, farming days in A’Ibom

    May Day: Gov Eno declares work free, farming days in A’Ibom

    As part of efforts to actualize the food security and sufficiency aspirations of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has declared every first and third Friday of the month as work free days to enable workers effectively engage in farming activities.

    Governor Eno made the declaration at the 2024 May Day celebration held at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, with the theme, “People first.”

    He noted that since the assumption of office, the government has made efforts to prioritize the welfare of workers, adding that his administration will continue to take care of workers’ welfare.

    Governor Eno who is reputed for his compassionate disposition, said that N16.1 billion has so far been released for the payment of arrears of gratuity and also ordered immediate release of two billion to further defray the backlog of gratuity to retired workers in the State, bringing the total amount paid so far, by his administration to 18.1 billion Naira.

    He appreciated the organised labour for the good working relationship saying, “in the course of our successful campaign, I made a pledge to continue to strengthen the cords  of our relationship and I make bold to say that almost one year after, I have kept our promise. We’ve even exceeded your expectations. 

    “Let me also use this opportunity to thank the organized labour for your massive support during the March 18th elections, and that support made me stand here today as elected Governor of this State. We will continue to do our best to ensure that workers’ welfare receives priority attention.

    “Today, I believe we have fulfilled some of those promises. As of today, we’ve disbursed over 16.1 billion Naira gratuities to our workers. Today, I am approving another 2 billion Naira for payment of gratuities across board for the month of April. We will continue to monitor this payment, we will continue to audit this payment, and we will continue to ensure that this payment gets to the right people. please keep us informed when you notice that things are not going in the right direction.

    “We have approved and granted refund of outstanding N7.5% contributory pension scheme, we have paid 3 months promotions, we have released 2023 promotions, we granted approval for the conduct of service examination, we have invested in affordable housing unit for our workers in Ibiono Ibom Local Government.

    “I have authorized and work is ongoing at the 3rd Ring Road so that we can link our workers there to Uyo. We have approved your land allocations, and so you can begin your building at any time. We recently swore in Permanent Secretaries, and we would appoint more as some are soon to retire.        “Of course, the 13 months’ salary is ongoing. We have approved the recruitment of health workers in the State for the Primary health centres,” he added.

    On the issue of minimum wage for workers;  he said, “We will wait on the federal government to provide more details and we will implement the new minimum wage for our workers.

    “For the Bulk Purchase Agency, it is a short-term intervention. For a more sustainable solution, we must go back to the farm, working with the Ministry of Agriculture. I am therefore declaring the first and last Friday of every month Farm days in the State. It won’t be a day for funerals. We will monitor to ensure everyone goes to the farm,” he said.

    In response to an earlier by labour, the governor presented two vehicles to the chairmen of NLC and TUC.

    Earlier in his remarks, the State  Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Sunny James appreciated Governor Umo Eno for fulfilling his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom workers, stressing that organized labour is never quick at praising Governors but said that given the strides of Governor Eno in less than one year in office, he deserves a louder ovation.

    He specifically appreciated the Governor for prompt payment of gratuities to retirees of the State, local government and primary school teachers; approvals for the refund of 7.5% contributory pension from workers and many other gestures which according to him are answers to  prayers of Akwa Ibom workers.

    Similarly, his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Dominic Abang, specially appreciated the governor for always putting the people of the State first in line with the theme of the celebration.

    In their separate solidarity messages, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Hon Justice Aniekan Akpan, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planing, Aniefiok Nkom, and the State controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, congratulated the workers on their successful 2024 celebration and described the workers as pilars of social growth.

    They commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the welfare of Akwa Ibom workers as well as retired ones through the 13th month salary, palliatives, and regular release of funds for payment of arrears of gratuity; and pledged to always support the governor in his efforts to do more for Akwa Ibom workers through the ARISE Agenda.

  • Eno visits family of late Nollywood make-up artist

    Eno visits family of late Nollywood make-up artist

    • Offers automatic employment to elder sister

    Akwa Ibom state governor on Saturday visited the family of the late Nollywood Make-up artist, Abigail Edith Frederick in Ikot Udoma, Eket local government of the state.

    Late Edith in a boat mishap recently alongside Junior Pope and other artists while on a journey to a movie location.

    Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make-up artist, where he consoled the bereaved family.

    Showing deep emotions, the governor made offers to assuage the pains suffered by the grieving family members.

    He thereafter gave an automatic employment in the State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.

    Read Also: If this is not genocide then what the hell is?

    The governor also assured of the state government’s assistance to the two sisters of the bereaved who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo, said to be sponsored by the late Nollywood make-up artist.

    “This is deeply unfortunate, a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her Youth Service just last year, and decided to pursue her passion.

    “This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.

    “It is sad and unfortunate that her life ended the way it did.

    “Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the Government to console and encourage the family.

    “You are not just the governor when people are celebrating. In times and moments like this, you become the Mourner-in-Chief and give them hope.