Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State, has declared that local governments in the state cannot afford to neglect projects that have a good socioeconomic impact on the socioeconomic well-being of people at the local level.
Eno made this statement on Saturday during the Eket Local Government distributed N50 million in small business awards and the Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative to 500 recipients in Akwa Ibom state.
He also commissioned the 5,000-capacity Eket City Hall and laid the foundation stone for the ultra-modern Eket Legislative Complex.
The Akwa Ibom state governor, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong, Eno expressed his excitement over the landmark achievements, describing them as in line with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
The Akwa Ibom state Governor said “I am excited to be in Eket. This one is a landmark project. Whenever you see this picture anywhere, you will know that this is Eket. Speakers have said that this is the hall for the senatorial district. It is not just a hall for the senatorial district, the state can also use the hall.”
Archibong added, “His Excellency the Governor, who has sent me to represent him at this event, will be in this hall very soon, and I am sure he will add to what has been done here.
“This three-pronged event of the disbursement of N50 million, the first of its kind in any local government in Nigeria; the foundation stone laying of the legislative chamber; and, of course, the commissioning of this magnificent edifice are the ones that will go down in the annals of the history of this land.
“And I make bold to say that this is ARISE Agenda at work in the local government. His Excellency is desirous of seeing more life-touching projects dot the landscape of every local government area in the state.”
Mr. Akaniyene Tommey, the Chairman of Eket Local Government, also stated that the initiatives were intended to support Eno’s revolutionary ARISE Agenda.
He said, “The edifice is more than just a building; it is a symbol of unity and progress. With a seating capacity of 5,000, complemented by offices and a mini-conference hall, the facility is designed to serve as a premier hub for major events, conferences and social gatherings.
“Beyond its cultural and economic significance, it will be a key driver of our internally generated revenue and create numerous employment opportunities.
“The Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative SmallBiz Grant of N50 million to 500 entrepreneurs is a clear demonstration of our resolve to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as the backbone of our local economy, just like His Excellency, Pst Umo Eno, has prioritised empowering SMEs.”
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