Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has disbursed funds to beneficiaries in the Phase 2 of the Akwa Ibom Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, AK-CARES Programme.
The disbursement which was part of events to mark the Governor’s one year in office took place today, Wednesday May 15 at Ibom Hall, Uyo with twelve communities and one thousand and fifty five (1,055) persons benefitting from execution of two micro projects and livelihood support respectively.
At the event, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno said the gesture was a comprehensive initiative put in place to address poverty, empower the citizens and lend support to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah stated that thirty two thousand (32,000) lives were touched in the first phase of the AK-CARES programme, and gave the assurance that government would continue to intervene and attract good governance to the people.
He outlined various interventions by government so far to include regular payment of gratuities up to the tune of seventeen billion naira, and payment of fifty thousand naira each to the elderly.
Others are establishment of Bulk Purchase Agency, construction of Arise homes, institution of medical outreach across the state, interest free loans to traders, and disbursement of four hundred million naira grant to graduates of Entrepreneurship Accelerated Programme.
Commissioner for Economic Development and Chairman State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Emem Bob said implementation of AK-CARES phase two commenced in January this year with distribution of 50:day old chicks, 6 bags of feeds, 200 juveniles, 5 bags of feeds to 900 farmers, 700 poultry farmers, 3 weaners, 1 He-goat, and 2 She-goats each to 1200 beneficiaries. Piglets, 20 tomato processing machines, and palm oil processing machines to two groups of ten beneficiaries, grading of 16 feeder roads, and construction of toilets at 10 wet markets with boreholes.
Mr. Bob explained that the disbursement was to enhance access to a better life, bolster food security services, and provide essential grants to households and businesses.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to the governor for approving the disbursement of funds for AK-CARES Phase two in fulfilment of his campaign promises.
He equally hailed the World Bank and the Federal Government for coming up with such a programme aimed at ameliorating the negative impact of COVID 19 pandemic on the citizens.
Mr. Bob urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the funds for proper implementation of the projects and resuscitation of their businesses crippled by COVID 19.
Goodwill messages were received from Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, Ministry of Trade and Investment, through the Permanent Secretary, Mr Oliver Udoukpo, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the FADAMA Coordinator, Mr. Richard Sam, Ministry of Finance through the Permanent Secretary, Mr Mark Umoh, Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien and the Secretary of Civil Society Organisation in Akwa Ibom, Barr. Christopher Ekpo.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Eduwem Raphael on behalf of others commended the state governor for partnering with donor agencies to bring succour to them.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques of eighteen million naira to twelve communities for two Micro Projects each, as well as 500,000 and 150,000 naira to boost individual businesses.
