GOV. UMO ENO DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN POWER SECTOR
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In pursuant of his all inclusive economic development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency in the power sector , with the aim of setting machineries in motion to ensure a more regular power supply in the state.
Speaking on the second day of the ongoing EXCO Ministerial briefing/end of year review taking place at the Banquet Hall, Government House Uyo, the Governor noted that power remains very critical in the drive to actualise each of the components of the ARISE Agenda.
He said power was critical to the success of all major projects especially the Aviation ecosystem, Seaport and medical corridor his administration is embarking on.
The Governor further said the State will hold a Power summit to enable a thorough review of the current state of affairs in the sector, and set modalities to ensure regular power supply in the State, aside setting up a Power Infrastructure committee to overseer affairs in the sector.
He said his vision is to deliver 24-hour power supply and use that to ignite the state’s economy.
He commended the Commissioner for Power, Engr Camillus Umoh, for engendering a paradigm shift in the workings of the Ibom Power Company, and expressed hope that the State would strive to achieve its goals in the sector.
On the Tourism Sector, following a presentation by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, the Governor disclosed plans to hold a tourism summit from where a comprehensive tourism roadmap for the State would be developed for implementation.
Governor Eno who is a fellow of the Nigerian Hotel & Catering Institute (NHCI), noted that there is a need for accreditation of hotels in the State, as well as orientation for hoteliers, their staff, tour guides and taxi service to prepare them for his lofty vision for the sector.
The Governor appreciated Sir Udoh, other Commissioners who made presentations , Sir Monday Uko of the Youth and Sport Ministry, Hon. Frank Archibong of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Offiong Offor of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Otuekong Raphael Bassey of the Ministry of Housing, as well as Prince Ikim, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, for their commitment to delivering the ARISE Agenda through their different ministries, agencies and for their intensive, robust briefings.
He revealed plans for the setting up of an agricultural equipment leasing company and a sports academy in the coming year.
In their separate remarks, critical stakeholders including Chief Nduese Essien, Chief Sunny Udom, both former members of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Peter Linus Umoh, former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, for hosting an unprecedented stakeholders briefing with transparency and accountability in governance as his watchwords.
In addition to managing state-owned assets, AKICORP is also charged with reviving dormant industries where the government has significant interests. Pastor Jacob noted that the organization actively collaborates with national and international agencies, including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), the Bank of Industry, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to foster economic growth and development.
He added that AKICORP is also preparing state-owned enterprises for market investments through public offers or private placements as part of the government’s exit strategy. This, he said, will ensure a sustainable economic framework for the state while positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for industrial and investment opportunities.
The Governor’s recent directives and AKICORP’s outlined goals underline the state government’s ambition to achieve economic self-sufficiency through strategic investment and industrial transformation.
SEE NUGGETS FROM AKSG EXCO MINISTERIAL BRIEFINGS/END OF YEAR REVIEW, DAY 3.
