Akwa Ibom govt mutes summit on Agriculture, tourism, SME’s; other sectors of economy

Akwa Ibom State governor Pastor Umo Enoh has said that arrangements have reach advance stage to tackle issues in power, tourism and other critical sectors by his government.

He reiterated that the three major summits to be convened in the first quarter of 2025 is to fix power, boost tourism, Agriculture and rural development while strengthening other small and medium scale enterprises for economic growth of the state in 2025.

In statewide broadcast to herald the new year in the state, Eno assured the people of the continuous Agricultural revolution to achieve food sufficiency in the new year.

” We came with an agenda to engender an agricultural revolution, aimed at ensuring food security for our people.

“On that, I make bold to say that we are right on course. Let me thank you again for heeding our clarion call to return to the farm. From what I have seen and heard, we are very hopeful that in the course of this year, we will experience a bountiful harvest.

“The Ibom Model Farm, project is ongoing, the farm signposts our determined efforts to combine food sufficiency and tourism and in the process revolutionize our agricultural practices”.

Eno reiterated commitment to build rural roads, provides potable water, model primary health care facilities to stop rural – urban migration as one project per local government policy remains unchanged.

“Our commitment to expanding and maintaining infrastructure has been upheld. Within 19 months of assuming office, we have undertaken 157 road projects across the 31 Local Government Areas. This includes roads inherited from the previous administrations, many of which have been completed and commissioned. Additionally, we launched a zero-pothole campaign, transforming our state into a thriving construction hub.”

The governor explained that the state will continue on her peaceful ambience to attract investors

“Our State still remains an oasis of peace and tranquility. Many thanks to the robust collaborations with our security agencies, Let me also appreciate our youths for believing in our leadership and for shunning anti-peace tendencies.

“That is why we have created a stand-alone Ministry of Youth Development, separate from Sports to work with our youths to ensure that the future they aspire is made possible by tangible and concrete programmes we have initiated for them today. I trust and know they will continue to work with us to make that happen.” He said.

Again, during the Special Inter Denominational New Year Thanksgiving/Covenant Service held at the state International Worship Centre in uyo, the state capital, Eno explained that the summits which will focus on Power, Tourism, and Corporate Business will bring together Akwa Ibom indigene who are key players in the corporate world, both within and outside with the primary objective to intensify efforts through strategic partnerships to foster growth and progress in the State.

He said the summit on power will outline practical steps to achieve uninterrupted power supply which will rub off on other sectors of the economy.

Eno highlighted Akwa Ibom’s status as a tourism destination in Nigeria, stressing that, the importance of developing a tourism master plan to enhance the State’s tourism potential.

He emphasized the need to leverage the expertise of Akwa Ibom indigenes that excel in the corporate world, adding that the Corporate Business Summit will provide needed opportunity to identify, celebrate, and collaborate with these individuals to advance the State’s development agenda.

Eno, a seasoned entrepreneur reiterated his administration’s dedication to the ARISE Agenda. He affirmed plans to collaborate with stakeholders across the State to drive progress.

” There will be town hall meetings at the Federal Constituency level beginning from February.  Stakeholders in each constituency will work together and present unified positions that reflect the actual needs of their communities.

“During the town hall meetings, 62 Small and Medium-Scale Entrepreneurs (two from each Local Government Area) will be empowered with ₦5 million each, alongside other empowerment packages.” he said.