Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the completion of the over 40 new projects initiated across various sectors.
Speaking at the second Monthly Delivery Meeting in Uyo, Eno urged commissioners and delivery advisors to take their assignments seriously and ensure that the projects are delivered according to specifications and timelines.
“Let me add here that we are executing these projects without borrowing a kobo from any bank. While we may not foreclose the possibility in the future of borrowing to complete projects, I wish to state here that, through prudent management of resources, such as trimming the size of government and elimination of wastages, we are able to free up resources for us to undertake these audacious and impactful projects,” he said.
The governor, who had invited some stakeholders to be part of the meeting, said, “I am sure that with the presentations today, you will be convinced that truly, Akwa Ibom is rising and on the right trajectory—and by the time we finish our first term and our people reward us with a second term, we will indeed be the sub-national to beat in Nigeria.”
Appraising the different presentations, including the progress of work at the Industrial Park, Ewet Luxury Garden, Ibom City Bus, Ikot Ekpene Market, Ibom Hotel, Abuja, Ibom Sports Academy, rebranding of Ibom Paint, staff and pensioners verification exercise, and the proposed ARISE Shopping City, AKBC House, and others, he urged the delivery advisors not to relent in their efforts to meet the target deadlines.
The governor likened the delivery meeting to a situation room, as obtained in other climes, where critical developmental decisions are taken and deliverables and outcomes are tabled.
In his remark, Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, said the meeting was an experience for him, adding that having served in the State Executive Council and now the Senate, the development was novel and laudable.
He said the administration has a very good roadmap for the development of the state, adding, “We are proud of you, and we will continue to support you for eight years. You have the full support of Abuja for eight years.”
Also speaking, Ambassador Asam Asam SAN thanked the Governor for the invitation to be part of the meeting, saying it was “an opportunity to help us see what you are doing from inside. There is no one who would leave here without knowing that you are charting a good course.”
On his part, Senator Effiong Bob said he was delighted at the development and the decision to appoint delivery advisors, adding that he has no regrets about the decision to be the governor’s “guarantor”.
