Gov Eno to appoint advisors for optimal project delivery, converts N2bn traders’ loan to grants
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is set to create a delivery unit tasked with tracking his administration’s plans and promises to ensure timely implementation.
He also announced that the previously disclosed N2BN interest-free loan scheme for traders will now be converted to a grant.
Governor Eno made the announcement while addressing a Sunday worship service at Delightful Christian Church, Uyo. He explained that the unit will comprise delivery advisors and be headed by an Executive Assistant, who will work directly with the Governor.
The Governor emphasized that it is time for all hands to be on deck to achieve the administration’s aspirations, while calling for collaboration toward collective success.
“We have decided to appoint delivery advisors to accelerate the execution of our projects because there is a lot of work to do.
“We want to ensure that government promises are fulfilled, and we must employ what is recognized globally as delivery advisors. As a State, we need individuals who don’t engage in politics but focus solely on ensuring that our commitments are being followed through,” the Governor stated.
Criticizing the increasing dependence on handouts, Governor Eno reiterated the importance of hard work and innovation, describing reliance on freebies as an unsustainable practice that cannot foster prosperity.
He outlined several initiatives aimed at empowering youths and entrepreneurs for economic advancement.
These include the creation of an employment portal for youths to serve as a resource for government agencies and companies to recruit from, the establishment of a Bank of Industry branch in the State to provide Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs with access to loans at a single-digit interest rate, and the provision of a N2 billion grant for traders across the State’s markets, along with monthly financial support for the elderly.
The Governor further explained that the government will collaborate with market leaders across the State to nominate beneficiaries for the grant, with nominees verified as legitimate stall owners in their respective markets.
Governor Eno mentioned that he decided to worship at the church again, having previously attended a service there a few years ago when the late Sir Udo Ekpenyong, former State Chairman of the PDP, was alive. He expressed his joy that the church continues to offer the same level of spiritual fulfillment.
The General Overseer of Delightful Christian Church, Apostle Umana Ekpenyong, in his sermon titled “The Glory of the Latter House Shall Be Greater than the Former” (Haggai 2:1,9), stated that after God made the promise of future glory, He also commanded progress, emphasizing that the manifestation of the expected glory requires diligent effort.
