The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has called for collaboration with the members of the Fourth Estate during a Media briefing held on the 28th of May 2024 at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo.
Governor Eno who marked his first one year in office on the 29th of May, briefed the Akwa Ibom State Union of Journalist (NUJ) and Members of the Confederation of Online Publishers Association (COOPA) on his major achievements, one after.
The Governor, who was excited by his achievements and the support he has enjoyed from the media and Akwa Ibom people who voted him into office, said that he is challenged to do more.
Responding to questions on what the Government is doing to assist Schools owned by Churches, Gov Eno, through his Commissioner for Education, Hon. (Mrs.) Idongesit Etiebet, reinstated the Government's commitment to ensure that education in Akwa Ibom State remains free, with WAEC and NECO fees being fully paid for. She also said that schools which were not captured will be taken over by the government once the churches handover them.
Reacting to the question on what the Government is doing about the abandoned Ndon Eyo-Ikot-Akpatek-Ikwe-Odio Road, earlier awarded to VKS after seven years, Governor Eno unsatisfied with the explanation offered by his Works Commissioner, Professor Eno Ibanga, called for the termination of the contract with VKS and ask for a proper reassessment to be done to ascertain the level of work done and pledge to reward the contract as soon as the assessment is done.
In Internal Security, the Governor reinstated his avowed commitment to make the state unsaved and ungovernable for every criminal and its syndicates through the creation of a new Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways Management and the creation of an Internal Security outfit known as Ibom Security Watch. He briefed the journalists on his success so far, which includes, the purchase of 14 gunboats, Toyota Hilux Trucks and State-of-the-Art gadgets to aid the security in their operation.
Governor Eno, however, said that security is everybody's business and should not be left for the security operatives alone. He called for more collaboration and synergy between the people and the government for them to safeguard lives and properties.
On the Government intentions to revive the State-owned Television Station, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC), the Governor through his Commissioner for Information, Barr. Ini Ememobong reeled out challenges and the plans the Government is making to fully make AKBC functional.
The Governor also adds that his government will do all it can to make sure that AKBC is fully digitalized and being watched on major cable networks like DSTV.
The Chief Executive officer of the state also spoke on the ARISE Compassionate homes which the government has built and delivered to the deserving individuals. He also mentioned his achievements in Agriculture and Bulk Purchase Agency which has deliberately delivered food to over 400,000 persons in the state and the disbursement of 18 billion Naira grants to Entrepreneurs from Ibom Led. Payment of gratuities to retirees and payment of bursaries to students in all Tertiary institutions and many more.
Other Ministries who presented Governments plans to the media, were the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
Governor Eno who acknowledged the media as one of the agents of development, called for their continual support and engagement, which he said he will be briefing them on quarterly bases.
Appraising Governor Umo Eno's milestone achievement in Infrastructural development, peaceful coherent across political divide, the Chairman of NUJ, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Mr. Amos Etuk, gleefully, thanked the Governor for his achievements under one year in office. He pleaded for a greater partnership with the government as long as he is intentionally serving the people of Akwa Ibom State.
Mr. Etuk sought the Governor's support to complete the Model Conference Hall at the NUJ Center.
©Abasiubong Tom
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