…As Gov. Eno embarks on Federal Constituencies Town-Hall Briefing
Dialogue in general is a process that involves mutual consultations in pursuit of common understanding through active and compassionate listening in order to discover similarities and understand differences in diverse perspective and points of view. The aim of dialogue is to overcome misunderstanding and dispel stereotypes in order to promote mutual understanding. With the giants strides of Governor Umo Eno in the implementation of the lofty programmes encapsulated in the Arise Agenda in all sectors of the State’s economy, there is serious needs for the Constituencies briefing, as it will offer the State Government an opportunity to inform the people about key achievements in different Local Government Areas that made up each Federal Constituency.
During the recently concluded Ministerial Briefing in the State, that held between 16th to 18th December, 2024, Governor Eno unfolded plans for Federal Constituencies tour in the new year on the first day of the Ministerial Briefing. The idea is to have a Town-Hall meeting twice a month across each of the 10 Federal Constituencies in Akwa Ibom State. With the one project per Local Government Area initiative of Governor Umo Eno, of which various Local Government Areas have had such Project completed in phase one, such as Construction of Model Schools and Model Healthcare Centres depending on the choices made by various Local Government Areas, aside the various road construction projects undertaken by this administration in various Local Government Areas. It therefore becomes pertinent for the State Government to embark on such monumental tour of the rural areas in a view to interacting with the beneficiaries of such Projects to have their feedback.
Recall that before the State Government embarked on one project per Local Government programme, critical stakeholders were invited from all the the 31 Local Government Areas for their input on what should be the project need of various Local Government Areas. It was after such meeting and the input from the stakeholders representing each of the Local Government Areas that the State Government kicked started the programme. I also gather from the right source that Local Government Areas who may not have their projects completed is not because of lack of funds to execute such Project, but due to the fact that they could not agree on a certain project they had wanted, and sometimes, where they are able to agree on a project, siting of such project often become a big issue, leading to unnecessary delay in execution of such Project. When we get to such Local Government Areas during the Federal Constituencies tour, I hope the stakeholders from the affected Local Government Areas will be very sincere and bold enough to tell their people the truth about what led to the delay in Project completion in such Local Government Areas.
On the other hand, I can tell you on good authority too that several other Local Government Areas have had their projects completed and even move to the second one. The administration of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is tilted towards the development of rural communities. The Governor himself have leave no stone unturned in ensuring that development get to the interior parts of our Communities. We are in our golden era of great possibilities. This is one administration that has been able to spread Government Project everywhere in less than two years. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State came prepared to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom State, instead of giving excuses. The Governor believes in results, which is the whole essence of good Governance; putting smiles on the faces of the citizens.
The Town-Hall meeting when carried out, it is believed will offer the State Government an opportunity to understand some perculiar challenges faced by different Local Government Areas, paving a chance for the Government to plan on ways of bringing succour to the people. This is a Government that listens to the yearnings of the people. Democracy itself is Government of the people, for the people and by the people. That is why our compassionate Governor, Pastor Umo Eno places very high premium on people. He is the people’s Governor.
The Town-Hall meeting will not be completed without corresponding empowerment of some businesses in each of the Local Government Area. The modalities of such empowerment for businesses were made very clear. Individuals with an existing businessess, employing up to ten workers and above were advised to upload a 2-Minutes video of their business premises and products to a dedicated link for assessment and selection. Two of such individuals who may have emerged successfully were to be given the sum of Five Million Naira only (#5,000,000.00) to support their businesses. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State is an entrepreneur friendly Governor. Earlier, the Governor has given out 2 Billion Naira grant to traders across the State. He has trained and empowered over 1200 men and women with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira each (500,000.00), through Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center, Ibom-led. About 200 men and women have been admitted at Dakkada Skill Acquisition Centre (DASAC), for a State Government sponsored Programme. The Governor has also deposit 2 Billion Naira in the Bank of Industry (BOI), to be given out to entrepreneurs in the State on single digit interest loan arrangements, just to encourage growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, said to be the engine room of a growing economy such as ours.
The Town-Hall meeting will be an avenue for various persons who may not have such opportunity in the past to meet with their Governor one on one, just like my weekly series “You and Your Governor”. I therefore call on all the indigenes of our dear State, to get ready for this great feast, as the dates, time, and venue shall be Unveiled soon across all the ten Federal Constituencies. May God bless our performing Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno.
Pst. Solomon Essiet (ACIA)
Writing from Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the Raffia City.
