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Tag: Gov Eno

  • Gov Eno meets new LG chairmen, emphasises shared responsibilities, importance of building unity

    Gov Eno meets new LG chairmen, emphasises shared responsibilities, importance of building unity

    …as Uyo LG chairman, Uwemedimo Udo emerges ALGON chairman

    Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo has emerged as the new chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state.

    This was disclosed at the first formal meeting of the chairmen with the governor since their inauguration on Monday, October 7, 2024, held at the exco chambers, Government House, Uyo.

    Joining Dr. Udo in the new ALGON leadership are the Chairmen of Ikot Ekpene and Eket Local Government Councils, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom and Akaninyene Tommy, who have been appointed as Vice Chairman and Secretary, respectively.

    Addressing the chairmen, the governor congratulated them on their successful emergence both at the party primaries and local government elections.

    He urged the local government helmsmen to build bridges of unity and development, and not walls of hatred and unnecessary partisanship.

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    Governor Eno reiterated that as the Chief Security Officers of their respective local government areas, they are expected to live within their respective areas, to feel the pulse and concerns of their constituents, and also design ways of improving the welfare of the people at the grassroots in line with the Arise Agenda, whose critical area of concentration among others is rural development.

    He maintained that local government areas have been given full autonomy, and accompanying rights and responsibilities, but advised on the need to be conscious of some shared responsibilities, and the need for collaboration to develop the rural areas.

    Governor Eno, who was recently honoured as a Champion of Democracy, urged them to avoid the winner-takes-all syndrome and to be magnanimous in victory by working across party lines and respecting constituted authority at both the state and the national levels.

    In their separate remarks, the chairmen of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and Nsit Ibom appreciated the Governor for his support and fatherly disposition, which according to them, will remain a model for them at the grassroots.

    They assured the governor of their commitment to fulfilling their respective campaign promises, and willingness to up the ante in grassroots governance.

  • Gov Eno to support 100,000 youths with different empowerment schemes

    Gov Eno to support 100,000 youths with different empowerment schemes

    …to create separate ministry for youth development

    Governor Umo Eno has presented a new charter of empowerment for one hundred thousand (100,000) youths across the 31 local government areas of the state, beginning in October 2024.

    The governor presented the audacious plan at a youth appreciation and engagement rally held at the Uyo Township Stadium to express his administration’s gratitude to the youths for their non-participation in the recent #Endbadgovernance protest.

    He directed the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Development and the office of the Senior Special Assistant on ICT to create a database for youth employment, through which names, based on required qualifications, will be harvested for employment both by the State government, investors, and other organizations operating in the State.

    The governor explained that 60,000 youths (5,000 monthly) will be selected from the database for a one-off business support scheme of ₦50,000 each within 12 calendar months.

    In addition, Governor Eno, who is a seasoned entrepreneur, stated that 10,000 youths will be supported through the ARISE Entrepreneurial Scheme, an empowerment initiative for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) based on needs assessment.

    Similarly, he announced that 3,000 youths will be employed (100 per LGA, excluding Uyo LGA) through the Ibom Community Watch to provide crowd control and complementary intelligence gathering at the grassroots, in addition to the 550 youths already engaged from Uyo LGA.

    According to him, other aspects of the scheme include paid training at the DAKKADA Skills Acquisition Center (DASAC) for 1,000 participants across 31 LGAs, with a monthly transport allowance of ₦20,000 per person throughout the training duration.

    Increased bursary for students in public tertiary institutions from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 for undergraduates and from ₦10,000 to ₦30,000 for professional students (Law, Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture) for 20,000 students in the 2024/2025 academic session.

    Furthermore, there will be an educational grant for 1,000 public tertiary institution students living with disabilities at ₦250,000 for undergraduates and ₦300,000 for professional and postgraduate students.

    While 2,000 youths will benefit from the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Programme (EAP) organized by IBOM-LED with a ₦500,000 grant and ₦250,000 start-up capital, and 3,000 youths will receive support in agribusiness.

    Expressing delight over the recent promotion of the State’s female team, Ibom Angels, from the second division to division one of the Nigeria Women Football League, Governor Eno announced his administration’s donation of ₦20 million and a coaster bus to the team.

    He also reaffirmed his plans to unbundle the State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, maintaining that his administration will create a separate Ministry for Youth Development in the next dispensation of the State Executive Council, to be headed by a Commissioner not older than 45 years.

    He thanked the security agencies for their cooperation and support in ensuring peace in the State at all times, as he condoled with the Nigeria Police over the demise of the Commissioner in charge of the Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Waheed Ayilara.

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    Appreciating the youths, the Governor said, “We are here to say thank you to all the Akwa Ibom youths. In all your different groups, thank you so much for showing good followership.

    “Most times, we talk about leadership in our country, but we do not take time to look at followership. I believe that when we have good followers, we will have good leadership.

    “Today, we are inspired by your followership, your obedience, and your love from every local government in Akwa Ibom, from every group and every campus. We are inspired by your love and support, which has ensured we have one Akwa Ibom State.

    “We are inspired by the fact that you listened to our plea not to join the protest, not because we don’t believe in protest or are unaware of what is going on in the country, but because we know that there are people always on standby to hijack even the most peaceful protest to destroy and vent their anger on government facilities.

    “Our leaders have worked so hard in the past 37 years of the creation of our dear state to put this infrastructure in place, but you know that one minute of anger could destroy all the hard work. Just like our past national anthem said, ‘the labours of our heroes past must never be in vain.’ So we thank you,” he added.

    Setting the tone for the event, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Sir Monday Uko, recalled the protest, the non-involvement of Akwa Ibom youths, and the Governor’s promise to celebrate them. He described the event as an affirmation of Governor Umo Eno’s integrity as a promise keeper.

    Also speaking at the event, a former President of the Student Union at the University of Uyo and former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, emphasized the importance of the rally within the context of incarcerations, lives lost, and properties destroyed during the #EndSARS protest.

    He noted that Akwa Ibom youths were saved from such troubles by heeding the Governor’s plea not to partake in it, and thus, he described the event as a worthy celebration.

    Other stakeholders in youth affairs who also thanked the Governor and reassured him of the youths’ commitment to good followership were: Chairman, House Committee on Youths, Sports and Security, Hon. Uwemedimoh Asuquo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Iniobong Akpan, SSA Grassroots Mobilization, Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia, SSA on Female Youths, Comrade Esther Nta, SA Youths for Etinan Federal Constituency, Comrade Udeme Ubom, PDP Chairmanship candidates in the forthcoming Local Government elections, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, student leaders, representatives of Ibom-LED beneficiaries, and the non-indigenous community, Ibom Community Watch, among others.

  • Protest: Gov Eno urges youths to maintain peace 

    Protest: Gov Eno urges youths to maintain peace 

    Ahead of the planned national protest, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has urged the youths and residents of the State generally to maintain peace to enable the State achieve its economic development plans as contained in the ARISE Agenda.

    Addressing a cross section of critical stakeholders drawn from the youth groups, Students, Market Association, NLC and TUC, Civil Societies, and others in Uyo, the Governor acknowledged that it is a constitutional right of citizens to assemble and peacefully protest certain acts of government, but appealed that the State will benefit more in an atmosphere of peace and security.

    He noted that the State under his leadership has made commited efforts to improve the welfare of Akwa Ibom people at different fronts, especially in the areas of government – labour relations, humanitarian initiatives, youths empowerment, palliatives, agriculture, education, healthcare services, empowerment schemes and other capital projects executed, stressing that the State’s status as one of the most peaceful has attracted tourists and investors 

    “Let me also emphasize that we are a peaceful State and we have maintained this hard-won peace, over the years. I want to appeal, if at all, you will participate in the planned protest, (since youths from a number of States have opted out), to please do so peacefully. You must ensure that miscreants and hoodlums do not hijack your protest.

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    “The question, however remains:  Should the protest actually take place here, given our people-friendly disposition, our deep and abiding concerns for the welfare of our people, the workers in the public service, the care for the poor and the most vulnerable, our intentional concentration of resources to giving hope to the hopeless, and the Arise Compassionate Homes we have built.

    “We have paid over 22 billion Naira gratuities to the retired Primary Local Government and State Civil Service retirees, the 50 thousand given to the elderly in our Arise Elderly Care Initiative? 

    “Our free voucher programme through our Bulk Purchase Agency has  touched 314, 422 families in the state, the social transfers to the aged, physically challenged, chronically ill, widows has equally impacted and touched over two hundred thousand beneficiaries drawn from the Social Register.

    “In the area of labour-government relations, since we came in, we have paid over 22 billion Naira as gratuities to retired Civil Service workers, Primary School Teachers and Local Government workers. We have paid wage award for three months to cushion the effect of the high cost of living arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.

    “We paid the 13 month salary tagged  ’Enomber’ last December and about a month ago, had  paid 1.1 billion Naira as bonus to all public service workers to mark the ‘Public Service Week.’ We have commissioned 236 Grace Estate, as a fulfillment of government’s promise to provide low to middle-housing needs for our civil service workers. 150 of those units are to be given free through raffle draw after the payment of 50 Thousand Naira” Expression of Interest”. I am informed that, the programme  is ongoing.

    “We have released 2023 promotion and increased the pensions of those who retired before 2012. We have approved the release of the outstanding 7.7 percent Contributory Pension top contributors.  The conduct of all Service Examinations in preparation for the 2024 promotions have been approved,” he said.

    The Governor further enumerated other achievements to include; donation of 36 fully furnished two-bedroom bungalows equipped with solar powered borehole, solar electricity with a start-up  sum of  500 thousand given to each of the beneficiaries, a number he said has been increased to 164 homes in the second year, and 400 homes at the end of the first term.

    While enumerating many other strides of the State government, the State Chief Executive appealed to the youth and every Akwa Ibomites to join hands with government to further on its development initiatives for the good of all.

    In their separate remarks, the youth groups, students, market association and organised labour commended the Governor for his commitment to their welfare and the general development of the State and assured that they will not participate in the planned protest.

    Similarly, Mr. Harry Udoh who represented the Civil Societies commended the Governor’s efforts fir impacting every sectors of the society through palliatives, bursary, skill training and empowerment, prompt payment of salaries, and other entitlements to workers, and appealed for due diligence to ensure judicious distribution of the palliatives.

    Also speaking, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of the Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Ntenyin Solomon Etuk acknowledged that the Governor has been very intentional in his development efforts, adding that the protest was not necessary in Akwa Ibom and urged everyone to continue to support him for more dividends of democracy.

    On his part, the State commissioner of Police CP Waheed Ayilara said the police and other sister agencies were ready to provide the necessary protection to all including those whowish to protesters, while reeling off conditions they must meet to do so. He urged everyone to go about their legitimate businesses and to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

  • Gov Eno hosts NASS past, present members

    Gov Eno hosts NASS past, present members

    In an unprecedented show of unity and Pan Akwa Ibom spirit, National Assembly Members, past and present last night, at Government House Uyo, came together across party lines to pledge their commitment and support for the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno in his drive to move further the needle of development of our dear State.

    It was a night that political differences were buried and the passion of love, unity, faith in the Akwa Ibom exceptionalism were held aloft.

    The Governor was commended, for his humility, bipartisan disposition, unflinching dedication to alleviating the sufferings of the vulnerable and accent placed in opening up the rural areas, in his Arise Agenda.

    The State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi who until her election on the joint ticket, was the Senator represented Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, in a tone setting commended the Governor for putting  together the parley after the Easter Service of Songs where a number of past and present National Assembly members joined  in singing praises to the Lord. 

    “I remember telling the Governor, that your people (past and present members of the National Assembly) have been desiring to meet with you and you responded instantly that you will see them. 

    “You were emphatic that it should not be just a PDP affair, but all great Akwaibomites who had served our dear State across party lines, which speaks to your spirit of inclusivity. And so here we are, all 68 of us except one, who recently passed on, coming to break bread of unity with you. 

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    “This night is one of history and we thank you for making this happen.”

    Governor Eno, was deeply appreciative for the show of unity. “No matter the party we belong to, the fact still remains that we are one Akwa Ibom State. 

    “We can, as we are doing tonight, come together and look at things that unite us rather than those that seperate us. 

    “Knowledge I must emphasize is not embedded in one party alone. We should criticize constructively and shun politics of bitterness and character assassination.

    “I would like to thank you for this great gathering of unity and love. Let me specifically thank the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum (Gas) who is also a former National Assembly member, whom I had paid a courtesy visit to, in his office last week and told him Akwa Ibom has the largest deposit of gas and that we should collaborate and work to advance our collective development. 

    “Later this week, we will be undertaking a ground -breaking ceremony of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Depot at the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, in Ibeno and next month, we will do same at Ibaka Gas hub.

    “Let me emphasize here that, the people that will be employed there, will not be based on party affiliations but qualified Akwaibomites. That’s the spirit I bring to governance.

    “The Senate President, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, is also a great leader from our dear State, a former Governor, and I respect him and I thank him for his pledge to work together with us, to bring development to our dear State.

    “I have said it severally that I will support and work harmoniously with the President and Commander -in -Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and I will continue to support him. 

    “I was elected to bring development to our state and not to fight those in constituted authority.”

    The night featured stirring goodwill speeches such as those from the Honourable Minister of Petroleum, Gas, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who said “this is a show of purposeful Government, the first time this is happening, and this is because you, our dear Governor, have a purpose for this State

    “As a representative at the Federal level. I bring you greetings from the President of Nigeria and also the mandate of the Senate President to be here with the team. 

    “The Senate President is solidly behind you at the national level and you have the backing of the National Assembly.

    “In other words, you will not have issues of Abuja Front, you are the best and luckiest Governor. This is not a government of APC or PDP, this is a Government of Akwa Ibom State for Akwa Ibom people. By the time you finish your term, you will take Akwa Ibom to another level and it will be a challenge for whosever that will take it up from you to meet that level of development”

    Others who spoke glowingly of the night of unity, which also featured the cutting of Unity Cake, were Distinguished Senators Ita Enang, Helen Esuene, Ekong Sampson, Effiong Bob, Rt. Hon, Unyime Idem and the Director General of the Campaign Organization, H.E. Chief Assam Assam, SAN who all celebrated the spirit of unity and togetherness that the night represented.

    It was a great evening to see former political gladiators sitting together to break bread and set their sights on politics of development as opposed to politics of zero-sum game. 

    All past and present members of the National Assembly except a few who were out of the country and had sent in their apologies, were all in attendance. 

    Also in attendance were top government officials, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, other State Exco members, International President of Maintain Peace Movement, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Services, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, the Political Adviser to the Governor, and other critical Stakeholders.

  • Gov Eno authorises release of additional N1.4bn gratuities 

    Gov Eno authorises release of additional N1.4bn gratuities 

    In fulfillment of his campaign promise, Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno has authorised the immediate release of 1.4 billion Naira for further payment of gratuities. 

    In a statement, it said: “The breakdown of the payment is as follows: 900 million Naira for retired State Civil servants and 500million Naira for retired primary school teachers.

    “The release of the additional 1.4 billion Naira brings the total amount of gratuities paid so far by the Governor, ten months after his inauguration to 16.1 billion Naira.

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     “Even though it is an acknowledged fact that gratuities are entitlements, but the courage to consistently release funds for the payment, further demonstrates the people- centric approach to governance by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno. 

    “This gesture, will undoubtedly help our retirees cushion the harsh effects of the current economic situation in the country.”

  • Boat mishap: Gov Eno offers compensation to late make-up artist’s family

    Boat mishap: Gov Eno offers compensation to late make-up artist’s family

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late make-up artist, Abigail Frederick, who died alongside Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, in a boat mishap in Anambra State.

    The governor also offered some compensation to the bereaved family.

    In a statement on Instagram, the chief press secretary to the governor, Ekerete Udoh, disclosed that Eno showed concern for the grieving family.

    The statement read: “The compensation Governor Eno offered Abigail’s family includes automatic employment to the elder sister, directed a renovation of the family house to modern standard, and promised assistance to the undergraduate sisters who are at the University of Uyo.

    “Living to his billing as the epitome of compassion, Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, this afternoon drove straight to the family compound of the late Nollywood make-up artist. Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area, where he consoled the bereaved family.

    “Showing deep emotions, Governor Eno sat with the grieving family members and told them he felt their pain. This is deeply unfortunate, for a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her Youth Service just last year and decided to pursue her passion.

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    “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 that her life ended the way it did.

    The statement further read: “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. I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives.

    “Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. The government will be with the family and support them.”

    “The governor thereafter gave 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.

    “The governor also assured of the 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.”

  • Gov Eno releases N2.7B for gratuities, leave grant

    Gov Eno releases N2.7B for gratuities, leave grant

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has authorized the release of additional 2.7 billion Naira for the payment of gratuities to retired workers and leave grant for primary school teachers.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh disclosed that: “The breakdown of the payment is as follows: N725 million for 2023 Leave Grant for primary school teachers; N500 million for the payment of gratuity for primary school teachers; N500 million for the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and; N975 million for the payment of gratuity for retired State civil servants.

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    “With the release of these funds today, Governor Umo Eno, since coming to office nine months ago, has paid a total of 14.7 billion Naira in gratuities and leave grants for retired workers in the state.

    “He had previously authorized the release of 12 billion Naira for the same purpose- a truly huge achievement.

    “The payment of the gratuities and Leave Grant, coming at a time of harsh economic times affecting the nation, is indeed a welcome development and is expected to bring huge relief for the retired and serving workers, and ring true the generally held definition of Governor Eno, as a people- centric leader.”

  • Supreme Court Victory: Gov Eno announces thanksgiving for Feb. 11

    Supreme Court Victory: Gov Eno announces thanksgiving for Feb. 11

    Following his victory at the Supreme Court, Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno has attended the first Government House Prayer Service for the year, 2024.

    A statement b​y the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh said: “The service was held at the Government House Chapel, with the theme as “The Most High Ruleth” drawn from Daniel 4:17.”

    Speaking at the end of the service, Governor Eno gave God the glory for confounding and disappointing the devices of the crafty and for proving that He, alone rules in the hearts of men.”

    “From January 30, 2022, when God led my worthy predecessor H.E., Udom Emmanuel to unveil me as his preferred successor, all hell was broke loose.

    “A number of people said my candidature was dead on arrival. We were confronted with 26 court cases, with eight making it to the Supreme Court.

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    “Fast forward to today, all those cases were thrown out for lacking in merit, the most current, being the Supreme Court judgement last week that affirmed the mandate our people had given me to be the Governor of this blessed land.

    “Because God rules in the heart of men, it was the counsel of God that prevailed.

    “We give Him all the glory. In every race, there must be a David.

    “Some had boasted and wrote us off, but God rules in the heart of men.”

    To show his gratitude to God and the collective joy of the people of the State Governor Eno, declared February 8, 9 and 10 to be used for State-wide crusade. The three- day event, will be capped off on February 11, 2024 when an official Thanksgiving Day will be marked with the theme “My case is different”.

    The Governor also used the occasion to again thank the First Lady of Nigeria Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, CON, for her deep spirit of altruism through the Renewed Hope Initiative where 250 elderly citizens in the State were recently given 100 thousand naira each.

    It would be recalled that Governor Eno had last Sunday, launched the Arise Initiative for the Elderly, to support and extend the seed of goodness earlier planted by the wife of the President.

    “The programme will provide 50 thousand naira to 500 elders across the 31 local government areas as a way to bring governance closer to the people and show them gratitude for all they have done for our dear state, while alive.”

    The initiative is going to be managed by the Office of the First Lady of the state, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

    The Governor again reemphasized the need to uphold transparency in the selection process and tasked the Transition Chairmen to ensure that the programme gets to those it was intended for.