• Gov Umo Eno
By Idongesit Akpan
Governor Umo Eno has said that investing in 7.9 million Akwa Ibom indigenes would be one of the policy thrust and governance style of his administration, rather than allowing cash to concentrate in the hands of few individuals.
The governor said he would run the business of Akwa Ibom State with the private sector mindset to create jobs for the youths of the state.
Governor Eno stated this on Friday at a media parley with journalists, as part of activities marking the 36th anniversary celebration of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The governor said his administration was determined to prevent the recurrent expenditure of the state from being at par with the capital expenditure, adding that he would use the state’s savings to develop the rural areas as well as equip schools and hospitals.
To actualise his vision, Governor Eno said he would be working with the 31 local government chairmen in the state to select viable projects for each local government area.
“We are working with the 31 local government area chairmen on agricultural development. We will be using not less than 50 hectares of land per local government area for farming”.
The Governor disclosed that in his effort to reorganise the state, he had commenced the process of remodeling public primary schools to provide accommodation for teachers within the school premises, as well as uniforms, books and other necessary learning materials for effective teaching and learning.
While he appreciated the efforts of the press in publicizing the activities of the his administration since it began in May, this year, the governor cautioned journalists to be professional and unbiased in their news reportage in order to promote the state.
Earlier in his address, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, lauded the synergy between the state and the federal government and appealed for its sustenance to attract more development for Akwa Ibom.
Etuk, on behalf of the journalists, resolved to make the state a focal point in line with the “Arise Agenda” of Governor Eno.
He commended the governor for his financial support towards the auditorium project at the NUJ Press Centre, saying it would be a great delight to have the work completed in the shortest possible time.
Etuk also commended Governor Eno for appointing Mr Eketette Udoh as his Chief Press Secretary, and also lauded him for appointing two other seasoned journalists, Anietie Usen and Essien Ndueso as senior aides, as well as Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information, and he expressed hope that, more journalists would be appointed to assist in bringing government closer to the people.
