Akwa Ibom State Government says it has arrested vendors involved in fraudulent activities during the kiosks validation exercise.
This was a fallout of Governor Umo Eno’s dissatisfaction with reports of illegal resale of kiosks and other vices related to the program and had challenged the organizing ministry to unearth such culprits.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Charles Udoh, disclosed on Wednesday that some vendors were apprehended for offenses such as multiple online registrations, reselling of kiosks at exorbitant prices, data inconsistencies during verification, and name mismatches.
In his words, “The kiosks confiscated from these culprits will be reassigned to deserving vendors who were unfairly deprived of this government initiative”.
While addressing vendors at Unity Park, Uyo, Udoh warned others against exploiting the system and urged those who purchased kiosks above the approved rates—₦100,000 or ₦30,000 per open space—to report to ministry officials for assistance and possible action by security operatives.
Udoh further expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his generosity in providing opportunities for the people and emphasized the administration’s commitment to fostering transparency and fairness.
Recall that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, while declaring open the Christmas unplugged season 2.0, advised business operators in the state to use the opportunity to advance their businesses.
The Governor also used the occasion to encouraged business operators to embrace peace, unity, and goodwill as the state begins the Christmas Unplugged Season 2.0 celebration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Unity Park, Uyo, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah, emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and economic opportunities during the festive season.
“This is a celebration; we don’t want any form of violence. Let us enjoy this season of love and goodwill together in peace,” he said, noting that security measures had been put in place to ensure a safe celebration.
Governor Eno also encouraged vendors and artists participating in the event to leverage the platform to grow their businesses, emphasizing that the experience and networks gained were as important as the profits made.
In addition to business opportunities, Christmas unplugged season 2.0, organized by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Culture and Tourism which will run for 30 days, features music, cultural displays, and exhibitions aimed at provided the state the opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage as 31 Local Government Areas of the state are taking turns to showcase their heritage.
|SituationReport|
