Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has assured the people that by the grace of God and their continued support, his administration would increase the tempo of governance in coming years in office.
Governor Eno who spoke while addressing the people at the Uyo Township Stadium on Wednesday on the occasion of his one year anniversary, expressed his commitment and willingness to the full implementiation of the state’s 2024 Budget, Christened the “Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion”.
His words, ” Let me say that what we have achieved together in the last one year gives us hope for what is going to happen in the next three years and beyond. As I begin my Second year in office, I am fully committed to implementing our 2024 Budget, which was duly passed by the State House of Assembly and signed into law by me. Christened the “Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion”.
“The 2024 Budget is completely linked to my Blueprint and is focused on delivering a variety of people-centric projects. In our Second Year in office, we plan by the Grace of the Almighty God and the support of all people both at home and the diaspora to increase the tempo of governance in the coming years,.
“We will be focusing on implementing projects in line with the five pillars of the ARISE agenda. In Agriculture, we will complete the Ibom Model Farm and Resort, in partnership with the Songhai Farms of Porto Novo, we will significantly increase food production and price stability of our staple foods among others.
” We plan to link up existing infrastructure to a full value chain and consolidate on existing policies and programmes. Rural Development will continue to be well funded. I have approved the next 31 projects in continuation of the one Local Government one project initiative to commence immediately.
“The next set of LGA/Ward projects will be executed and completed; as well as the next set of ARISE compassionate homes. We will continue to construct more strategic rural roads to give access to agricultural produce, improve the living conditions of our people via the provision of potable water, reconstruction of primary and secondary schools, and primary healthcare centers.
“In the area of Infrastructure, we will undertake the construction of, ARISE Shopping City, Uyo around Etoi before Ring Road 3, to be built like an outlet mall where certified licensees of global brands will be attracted to operate.
” Government will be active in the commercial property market in both in Lagos and Abuja respectively by converting our existing strategic facilities in those cities into commercial use for the benefit of our people. These planned investments in infrastructure will bring huge returns to our State and signpost our determination to play big in the thriving real estate business in those two major cities”
Governor noted that the Industrial Park would come alive with activation of different industries and provision of basic amenities, adding that he would also enhance security by through proactive measures including donating more operational vehicles and equipment to security agencies, needed to make the State unwelcome to criminal elements.
He disclosed his plans to commence work on Oron Beach to open up water transportation between Akwa Ibom and Calabar in Cross River State, adding , “We remain committed to our obligation with our flagship Airline Ibom Air. In July, we will receive the second A220-300 brand new Airbus to Ibom Air fleet.
“We will complete and put to use the Smart International Terminal Building Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) building and the Taxiway and we will build a complete Aviation ecosystem in Akwa Ibom State. Our State is ready for investors and we will continue to provide the enabling environment for business to thrive.
“We invite our diasporan citizens to partner with us in this effort. Our Industrial Park stands ready to lead in this drive. Let us be guided in the knowledge that life is dynamic and there are moments when changes must occur which is a standard practice in most human activities.
“By the grace of God and your continuous support, we will continue to roll our sleeves and work for you. That’s why you elected us”.
