The Akwa Ibom State Government has pledged its readiness to sustain its existing collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to boost economic development in the State.
Governor Umo Eno stated this when he received the USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, Melissa Jones.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor commended USAID for its efforts in promoting inclusive economic growth, nutrition, security, and accountable governance in Nigeria, stressing the need for continued partnership between the agency and the state government.
“We value all the contributions made by the agency. The Governor is very grateful, and has said that he is ready to continue partnering with USAID to ensure that the work you are doing is well felt in the State.
He however urged the agency to involve the State more in the development of its work plan to ensure continued alignment between its projects and the ARISE Agenda.
“USAID should involve the State more in the development of its work plan. We want to be more, especially, when you are doing your work plan, so that it will tie to the ARISE Agenda.
“If we work together in the development of your work plan, it will make more impactful on the people”, he said.
While highlighting some of his administration’s achievements in agriculture, health, education, security and other sectors, the State Chief Executive said partnership with USAID will further boost economic development in Akwa Ibom State and improve the lives of its citizens.
“To get our people back to the farms, we have declared the first and third Fridays of every month work-free, farm days. So far, our people have heeded the clarion call and have returned to the farms. Work is ongoing at great speed at the Ibom model farm, a farm that we envision to be an improved version of the Songhai farms in Port Novo, Benin Republic.
Earlier, the USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, Melissa Jones, expressed her Agency’s commitment to supporting the state government’s efforts in advancing primary healthcare, nutrition, and economic development.
Jones who disclosed that the Agency has spent about $8bn in Nigeria to address HIV infection, described Akwa Ibom as an important partner to USAID’s work in Nigeria, particularly in addressing issues affecting women, children, and families,
Present during the visit were the Commissioners for Health; Agriculture; Women Affairs and Economic Development, Prof. Augustine Umoh, Dr. Offiong Offor, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Mr. Emem Bob, respectively; Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mrs Uduakobong Inam, Permanent Secretaries, amongst others.