The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Eno

  • Gov Eno announces N200m interest-free loans for Arewa community

    Gov Eno announces N200m interest-free loans for Arewa community

    Governor Umo Eno has announced a N200 million interest-free loan for the Arewa community in Akwa Ibom State.

    Eno said the same interest-free loan would be extended to the Yoruba; Igbo and Niger-Delta communities in the State..

    He also appointed an aide in charge of Non-indigenes Affairs and another one to oversee the Arewa Community.

    The Governor made the announcements when he met with the Muslim community in the state led by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Council of Islamic Affairs (AKCIA) at the Government House, Uyo on Monday.

    The AKCIA delegation comprised the Chairman, League of Imams in the State, Imam Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki (Sarakin Hausawa, Uyo, Alhaji Maruf Olobode Sani, Imam Ibrahim Okesina and Imam Bello Dahiru.

    Eno, during the Iftar meeting, thanked the Muslim community for their support during last year’s election and for maintaining the harmonious relationship that has existed in the State.

    He said: “Last year, when we had this same meeting in Eket, and I said that, if by the Grace of God, and with your support we win the elections, that this year’s Iftar, will be done in Government House. 

    “We thank God that He answered our prayers.Let me use this opportunity to thank the Arewa Community for your support during the elections.

    Read Also: Gov Eno doles out N1.5bn interest-free traders’ loan

    “It was a massive support. And so if someone did something profoundly significant for you, it’s always good to reach back and say ‘thank you’, which is what we are doing this evening. 

    “We hope to go round all the groups; the Yoruba community, the Igbos and Niger Delta to tell them” thank you”.

    “It was a tough election, but you stood your grounds and supported us. 

    “I remain eternally grateful and will always work to improve the living conditions of the poor, the vulnerable and those in the rural areas.

    “We have a long history of living together, doing business together and trusting each other, and I would like to appeal now that the rains are here, and people are going back to the farms,  that we continue to work together to ensure that the herders would  conduct their business without destroying people’s farms, because we want to grow more staple foods to feed everyone here. 

    “We are not saying, don’t do your business, but in business world, we always say: You must mind how your business affects my business so we can all live harmoniously in peace and brotherhood as we have always done.”

    Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the League of Imams, Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, thanked the Governor for the love and cordial relationship that has existed with the Muslim community in the State.

    “We are a people from diverse origins across Nigeria, all living here peacefully and securely in Akwa Ibom State under your leadership. 

    “We know some states are struggling with cases of insecurity. But here, we have enjoyed peace and Your Excellency, in continuing with the maintenance of peace had proactively come up with such vision as represented by the Community Watch and the setting up of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired general of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Koko Essien rtd..

    “We are proud of your visionary approach to governance, especially as it concerns the rural dwellers and we pray Allah should grant you more wisdom to carry on. 

    “Our gathering here today with you is not the first, second or third. You have graciously been breaking fast with us as a private citizen, a community leader and a statesman, year in, year out. It is therefore not surprising that you extended same invitation for us to join you in Government House for this year’s Iftar.”

    The Governor appointed Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole as tte Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Non-Indigenes’ Affairs and Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya as the Special Assistant, Arewa Community. 

    The Governor also announced that he will soon appoint Special Assistants for the Yourba, Igbo and Niger Delta communities.

  • Why I am supporting Tinubu, by Gov Eno

    Why I am supporting Tinubu, by Gov Eno

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has explained why he is supporting President Bola Tinubu.

    Speaking on Friday while receiving thousands of defectors from other political parties to the PDP, Governor Eno said he has absolute respect for Tinubu as leader of the country.

    According to the Governor, his administration will continue to collaborate with the Tinubu administration to attract democracy dividends to Akwa Ibom.

    The defectors comprised top former office holders, such as  the former House of Representatives Member, representing Oruk Anam, Ukanafun Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette, former State APC Publicity Secretary, Nkereuwem Enyongekere, former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Samuel Effanga, former Youth Leader of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Ubong Edem, former Transition Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area,, Barrister Abasiono Udonfuk, Hon. Mabel Udongwo, former Oruk Anam State House of Assembly Member, youth and women leaders drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party, YPP, New Nigerian People’s Party, NNDP, and Social Democratic Party, SDP. 

    Also received into the PDP, were former foot soldiers of the above parties who were front and centre in the fight against the ruling party at the last gubernatorial election.

    He said: “A lot of people have asked repeatedly: Are you in PDP? Yes! I am in PDP but my PDP is not the type that insults people. So I want to beg you as you come back, one of the things you must drop is let’s not attack leaders. 

    Read Also: I remain in PDP but will continue to support Tinubu’s administration, Eno tells defectors

    “From the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we will and must show him support and respect. That is the PDP I run. 

    “We don’t attack leadership because what goes round comes round. If I have a suggestion, I have access to the President, we will go and give our suggestions. We will support our leaders and we will not fight them. 

    “I am a pastor trained to respect people and we must continue to show that all-important character of humility, compassion and respect to constituted authority. 

    Eno further said: “That, I shall continue to do. I and our Party will continue to collaborate with the Centre so that we can bring dividends of Democracy to Akwa Ibom. I will not fight the Centre. Nobody will fight the Centre. That is the point and now that you are coming back, that is what we will maintain. We will give peace a chance.

    “The last administration that God made me to take over from was peaceful and so there is a continuity.

     “Without peace, there can be no progress. So please for those of you that were abusing us, don’t bring that spirit of abuse and begin to abuse people in authority. Please drop that spirit and let’s work together. We have only one President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we owe him our allegiance.

    “We must show respect, decency and loyalty. That’s why, everything that the President had promised us, God will touch his heart and he will give it to us. You don’t abuse somebody and then turn around and want to go and benefit from the person. Is that good?

    “But for PDP, we are standing firm in PDP in Akwa Ibom State. Don’t let anybody deceive you. Don’t attend any illegal meetings, don’t go. They call you in the night and say come to this place, someone wants to see you. That is a lie. 

    “This is me, and I will take care of you in Akwa Ibom. Don’t allow anyone to deceive you.”

    Earlier, the State PDP Chairman Elder Aniekan Akpan had welcomed the defectors to the party and enjoined them to work for the continous growth and expansion of the party. The Political Adviser Dr. Godwin Ntukudeh had presented a register of over 40,000 new members to the Governor.

    The Governor, had earlier in the day inaugurated the Board of Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency, which is tasked with the onerous responsibility of administering the Arise Food Security Programme, a compassionate scheme where free food vouchers are to be given to the neediest and the most vulnerable through the State’s Social Register, to be redeemed at designated redemption centers throughout the thirty one local government areas. The programme is scheduled to be launched next Tuesday.

  • I remain in PDP but will continue to support Tinubu’s administration, Eno tells defectors

    I remain in PDP but will continue to support Tinubu’s administration, Eno tells defectors

    In a carnival-like atmosphere, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, yesterday, at the  Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, received thousands of defectors from other political parties in the state to the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Governor,  Ekerete Udoh, the defectors comprised top former office holders, such as the former House of Representatives member, representing Oruk Anam, Ukanafun Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukoette; former State APC Publicity Secretary, Nkereuwem Enyongekere; former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Samuel Effanga; former Youth Leader of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Ubong Edem; former Transition Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Area, Barrister Abasiono Udonfuk; Mabel Udongwo, former Oruk Anam State House of Assembly Member; Youth and women leaders drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Young Progressives Party (YPP), New Nigerian People’s Party, (NNPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    Also received into the PDP, were former foot soldiers of the above parties who were front and centre in the fight against the ruling party at the last gubernatorial election.

    Eno, in a very exciting and impassioned speech while receiving defectors spoke of his spirit of inclusivity and the kind of a party man he is.

    “A lot of people have asked repeatedly: Are you in PDP? Yes! I am in PDP but my PDP is not the type that insults people. So I want to beg you as you come back, one of the things you must drop is let’s not attack leaders.

    Read Also: Why Ndi Igbo must support, defend Tinubu’s govt – Kalu

    “From the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we will and must show him support and respect. That is the PDP I run.

    “We don’t attack leadership because what goes round comes round.

     “If I have a suggestion, I have access to the President, we will go and give our suggestions. We will support our leaders and we will not fight them.

    “I am a pastor trained to respect people and we must continue to show that all-important character of humility, of compassion, and of respect to constituted authority.

    “That, I shall continue to do. I and our Party will continue to collaborate with the Centre so that we can bring dividends of Democracy to Akwa Ibom. I will not fight the Centre. Nobody will fight the Centre. That is the point and now that you are coming back, that is what we will maintain. We will give peace a chance.

    “The last administration that God made me to take over from was peaceful, and so there is a continuity.

    “Without peace, there can be no progress. So please, for those of you who were abusing us, don’t bring that spirit of abuse and begin to abuse people in authority. Please drop that spirit and let’s work together. We have only one President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we owe him our allegiance.”

    “We must show respect, decency, and loyalty. That’s why, everything that the President had promised us, God will touch his heart and he will give it to us. You don’t abuse somebody and then turn around and want to go and benefit from the person. Is that good?

    “But for PDP, we are standing firm in PDP in Akwa Ibom State. Don’t let anyone deceive you. Don’t attend any illegal meetings.”

  • Thank you for opposing my aspiration, Eno tells YPP defectors

    Thank you for opposing my aspiration, Eno tells YPP defectors

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has thanked members of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for opposing his aspiration during last year’s election.

    He said this while receiving YPP returnees,a represented by a delegation of 46 champions, led by Mr. Ubong Edem, at the Government House, Uyo.

    He said their opposition helped him to be more focused and better during his campaigns.

    Read Also: Music streams revenue not enough for artists – Bad Boy Timz

    The governor directed an unconditional reintegration of the YPP returnees into the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across wards and chapters.

    According to him, in politics, it is normal for people to toe different paths and create a healthy opposition, based on long-standing relationships and convictions.

    He said a healthy opposition helped to challenge the government to gear up for greater performance, especially, if it is done, devoid of bitterness or enmity.

    Eno said: “Thank you for the fight you put up. May be we wouldn’t have been where we are today, but for your resistance. Power is not supposed to be a walkover. There must be some level of resistance and it is that fight that made us prepare better and stay more focused. So, you did the right thing. And where there is no opposition, the government can take the people for granted. So I thank you.”

  • Communal Clash: Gov Eno reads riot act

    Communal Clash: Gov Eno reads riot act

    Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has visited the centre of the communal clash between Ibeno, Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas to see the extent of damage that occurred in the area.

    The governor was flanked by Service Commanders of the various security agencies, stakeholders from the affected communities and other top government functionaries in the State.

    Gov Eno sounded both as a peacemaker in line with his calling as a Pastor and the Chief Security Officer of the State, where he talked tough and asked those responsible for the unnecessary wanton destruction to cease and desist as he had credible intelligence on their activities. 

    He said: “I have credible intelligence on those who are sponsoring our young people to go out and cause this mayhem. 

    “After this warning today, if this happens again, I can assure you that government will call you out, pick you up and you will face the penalty squarely.

    “So I want to appeal to our political gladiators to stop taking sides and fanning the embers of disunity. We are leaders and we cannot be sponsoring young people to take the laws into their hands. We will not allow it.”

    Playing the role of a peacemaker, Governor Eno, reminded the people of their filial and communal ties. 

    “The two communities are united in so many ways. There is high level of inter-marriages between yourselves, and I do not see any reason for these repeated clashes. By the grace of God, we are determined to put an end to this problem. 

    “I had to evacuate 16 people who were wounded in the course of this unfortunate clashes and once I leave here, I am going to visit them at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital”. 

    Governor Eno gave a strong note of warning to the Transition Chairmen of the affected three Local Government areas: Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno. 

    “I want to say this to the chairmen of the three local government councils: You have the responsibility to maintain law and order in your respective domains. If any of this should happen again in your domains, you know you are transition chairmen; I will remove you immediately and I promise you, I will!”

    On the main cause of the conflict, Stubbs Creek Forest, Governor Eno, declared that “the land belongs to government.” 

    “Stubbs Creek, I want to state emphatically  belongs to neither Eket, Esit Eket or Ibeno. It is a forest reserve which belongs to government. 

    “Since 1930, I have seen all the gazettes, even that of 1966 till date. So those who have gone in there have essentially been encroaching on government’s land and this must stop today. 

    “I have directed the Ministry of Lands to come up with the entire plan and we will soon issue a proclamation on it. 

    “Government needs Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve as a source of carbon credits, which ultimately will provide jobs for the youths of these areas.”

    The Governor warned those who may try the resolve of government to have a rethink.

    ”Security agencies will continue to ensure there is law and order. They have the directive to confront any group that may want to start this problem again. 

    “They are going to be stationed here and they will not be lenient with any one one who breaks the law. The law will certainly take its course. We must have communities that are governed by law; so please be warned.”

    On the issue of the new Map for the State, Governor Eno pleaded for understanding noting that the case is in court. “While the matter is still in court, you have to wait. Please let us be calm and maintain peace. 

    “I came here today as a man of peace and I speak peace in this land, that the people of Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno must accept peace and peace will return to these communities.”

    The Governor later visited victims of the communal clash at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he went round the wards to comfort the wounded, an act that was well-received by the families of the victims and the entirety of the Teaching Hospital staff, who came out to cheer the Governor.

  • Gov Eno’s aide bags PhD in Communication Studies

    Gov Eno’s aide bags PhD in Communication Studies

    Special Assistant on Media to Governor Umo Eno, Dr Eneh John, was on Saturday conferred with the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Communication Studies at the University of Port Harcourt.

    Speaking at the University’s new Convocation Arena, John poured encomiums on Governor Umo Eno, for the support so far and finding him fit to serve as his Special Assistant.

    “I am a PhD holder in Communication Studies today, and the journey has not been a smooth one. It was filled with thorns, but I’m happy God saw me through,” he said.

    He further commended Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong, who was instrumental to his Masters and PhD Degrees.

    Read Also: Ondo gets new acting Head of Service

    “This degree is a higher responsibility on me, as the society views me on a different light now. It is a call for more dedication to duty as Aide of the Governor, and I will continue to do my best to serve the Governor and Akwa Ibom State,” Eneh stated.

  • Ex-agitators urge Eno to compel IOCs to empower them

    Ex-agitators urge Eno to compel IOCs to empower them

    Ex-agitators in Akwa Ibom State have urged Governor Umo Eno to compel international oil companies (IOCs) to empower them with jobs and contracts.

    They made the demand at the weekend in a statement signed by the Secretary of Akwa Ibom Ex-Militants Forum, Comrade Sunny Afiah, in Uyo.

    The former militants lamented that they had suffered injustices and discriminations from IOCs, which had denied them of royalties, employment and pipeline contracts.

    According to them, such ill-treatment meted out to ex-agitators by IOCs was against the provisions of the Local Content Law and other social laws.

    The statement said: “It would be recalled that we have written several letters to these multinational oil companies operating within the shores of Akwa Ibom State to consider our qualified members for employment and contracts as contained in the Local Content Law, but they rather turn deaf ears.

    “It could be recalled that Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, which operates at Ikike Field, Amenam Field, Ofon 2 and Usan fields in Akwa Ibom State have refused to sign a working Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the host communities and the state since the last one expired in 2014.

    “This is totally unacceptable and we condemn it in strongest terms. We therefore call on Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and all the multinational oil companies and oil servicing companies operating in Akwa Ibom State to do the needful or face severe resistance.

    Read Also: ‘Fed Govt should engage indigenous consultants for airports masterplans’

    “All what we ask is an opportunity to work and make decent living. We have dedicated ourselves to working and we therefore request that the oil companies and the state government should stop discrimination against us and provide us with opportunities to work in our environment as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We demand immediate award of security/surveillance contracts to us for the security of oil & gas facilities within the state both onshore and offshore.”

    “This is as a result of the current trend of insecurity and oil theft recorded in the Niger Delta in recent times. We also call on NNPC Limited, NPDC and the Federal Government to do the needful by engaging us for the protection of the oil facilities within Akwa Ibom State.

    “This is because we are very familiar with the terrain and creeks within the State and Niger Delta.

    “We implore Akwa Ibom State Governor Umoh Eno to call oil companies to order as we will no longer condone injustice and marginalisation.”

  • Gov Eno reads riot act to criminal elements 

    Gov Eno reads riot act to criminal elements 

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has warned criminal elements operating in the state, stressing that he’s concerned with the safety of citizens. 

    Eno spoke during the “Send-forth dinner and gala night” for Service Commanders who served the State meritoriously and had been transferred for higher national responsibilities following their promotions in their respective service areas.

    The gala which took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, last night, was also to celebrate Akwa Ibom sons who, recently too, had been promoted to higher ranks in the various services of the Nigerian Armed Forces. 

    A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh noted that the Governor stated that he has always celebrated the selfless service of our gallant men and officers in uniform, right from when he was the undershepherd of the All Nations Christian Ministries International.

    Gov Eno in responding to a few isolated cases of reported security infractions in the state was forceful and resolute in his determination to ensure that the state remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. 

    He warned criminal elements not to “test our resolve” stating that “in the few days of transition of Service Commanders, there have been attempts to test our resolve in the area of security. I want to assure Akwaibomite that this State is safe and secure. 

    “We will stop at nothing in ensuring the safety of our people. We are drawing up a new security architecture for the state and in the next few months, you will see the results and how serious we are. 

    “ So if criminals believe that Akwa Ibom State is a place for them to hibernate, I am warning them now that they will find this state too hot for them to stay. We have credible intelligence that some in our society, those living among us, are giving support, aid and comfort to these criminal elements just to upturn the peace in our state and use it as a narrative. 

    “Let me say this emphatically and to assure our people that no matter how highly placed such an individual may be, such an individual will not be spared. We will mention your name and call you out. We will come after you. We will use every layer of intelligence available to track you, we are on top of this game, so be warned”

    The Governor used the opportunity to thank the outgoing Service Commanders for their service to the state . “ I know this has been a season of transfers and promotions. I want to thank you for those long nights; thank you for allowing us to disturb your sleep. We thank you for your friendship, the synergy between the security services. We are deeply grateful and we will miss you, but we are assured in the belief that Akwa Ibom State will always hold a special place in your hearts. 

    “We thank the President and Commander – in- Chief for finding you worthy of elevation to the new ranks and added national responsibilities.”

    In their separate remarks, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, outgoing Commander of 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chigbu and one of the newly promoted sons of Akwa Ibom State, Rear Admiral E. Ebe, appreciated the Governor and the State for the gesture of appreciation and assured the Governor, it will motivate them to do more for the state and the nation in general.

    They solicited support for the Governor across all layers of the society and sued for unity and love for the state.

    In attendance at the event among others were, the Immediate past Commander of the 2 Brigade, Major General Ken Chigbu, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, immediate past State Director of the DSS, Mohammed Modibbo Kaumi, Air Commodore Okey Okpara,  ACG Francisca Dakar and Navy Captain Yahu

    Among the newly promoted Generals from Akwa Ibom State were: Major Generals W. B Etuk,  V. Emah, E.E. Ekpenyong, Rear Admirals E. Ebe and A. Uko. 

    The event was also graced by the wife of the Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, former Deputy Governors, Noble Lady Valerie Ebe, whose son, was one of the newly promoted officers and Moses Ekpo, MFR. 

    Also in attendance were the SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, who had earlier given a tone- setting speech, DG of the Governorship Campaign Organization, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, Distinguished Senator Effiong Bob, Royal Fathers and other critical stakeholders.

  • Gov Eno donates N100m to widows of fallen soldiers, N25m to legionnaires 

    Gov Eno donates N100m to widows of fallen soldiers, N25m to legionnaires 

    Governor Umo Eno, on Monday, joined others across the nation to mark the Nigerian Armed Forces/Remembrance Day, at the Cenotaph, off Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

    Sounding emotional, he spoke of the moment he lost his father, an Officer of the Nigerian Police in the line of duty to the nation and how his mother was saddled with the challenging task of raising five boys and a girl, and saluted the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigerian Armed Forces. 

    He thereafter, donated the sum of 100 million Naira to the widows of the fallen heroes and another 25 million to the Nigerian Legion.

     “As we honour these brave men and women, let us collectively shun tendencies that inflame passions in our polity. 

    “Let us celebrate our diversity and see the differences as reflected in our rainbow of our colors as sources for strength rather than weakness to be exploited for narrow individual or   group’s political, social or economic advantage.

    ”Let us lower the temperature of incendiary and divisive rhetoric, let us address the root causes of social tensions in our polity, which today, have given rise to separatist agitations all over the nation.

    “Today, as we gather all over the nation, let us not forget the families of those who paid the ultimate price, let us give them a reason to be feel proud that their husbands, sons and daughters truly died for causes greater than their individual desires”, the Governor added. 

    Highlight of the event was the laying of wreaths on the tomb of the unknown soldier, the ceremonial release of pigeons and symbolic 21 gunshots in memory of the fallen heroes.

  • Eno launches social welfare programme for the elderly

    Eno launches social welfare programme for the elderly

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has launched a social welfare programme aimed at supporting elderly people across the state.

    The programme tagged: ‘ARISE Initiative’, was inaugurated by the governor yesterday at the All Nations Christian Ministry International (ANCMI), Eket.

    The programme, which is to commence implementation immediately, is in support of the lofty ideals of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the wife of the President, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu.

    Governor Eno took the opportunity to hail President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting the independence of the judiciary.

    “Let me state again that even though I am a member of the PDP, I have made up my mind to work with the Federal Government under President Tinubu.”

    Read Also: Moghalu backs CBN’s decongestion move, says relocating staff to Lagos “logical”

    The ARISE Initiative is to be administered by the Office of the Governor’s Wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and all female commissioners in the state exco.

    Eno noted with appreciation the gesture by the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative where N100,000 was given to 250 elders across the state last Thursday.

    He added that the state under his administration would continue to adopt and support good initiatives such as this, and other programmes that would benefit the generality of Akwa Ibom people.

    He said through the ARISE Initiative, N50,000 would be given to each of the 500 elders to be selected across the state by the local government transition chairmen, who would carefully carry out the selection process.

    The governor urged the transition chairmen to ensure the programme was carried out with the highest level of transparency so the impact would be felt by as many people as possible.

    The governor said the initiative was in line with the government’s plan to build a centre for the elderly who, according to him, had laboured for the state for many years and deserved to be honoured and taken care of, while alive.