𝐍𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 A 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐚p𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 – 𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐔𝐦𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐨

 

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno says the financial estimates involved in the construction of a Deep Seaport is capital intensive that no sub-national can single handedly finance a project of such magnitude without the support of the Federal Government and investors.

The Governor who stated this while speaking at the opening session of the Ministerial Briefing/End of Year Review on Monday said, assurances of maximum support and partnership towards the realization of the project from President Bola Tinubu is reassuring, while also submitting that investors to finance the project are also a key component.

According to the State Chief Executive, his administration considers the Ibom Deep Seaport as a critical investment project that must be done in view of its potential to reposition the state’s economy and create jobs and wealth for the people.

He observed that while it may seem progress of work is slow on the project, on the contrary, a lot is happening behind the scene which includes the construction of an access road by the government to the Port itself which is a key infrastructural component needed before the commencement of construction work.

The Governor noted that he is optimistic his administration will get all the necessary support and collaboration needed from the federal government as the President was favorably disposed to assisting the state in whatever way possible towards achieving the vision of the Deep Seaport, submitting that soon, there will be road shows around the world where the state will go out and market the economic viability of the Deep Seaport to potential international investors.

Pastor Umo Eno stressed that he refused to get any loan since coming into office as part of his strategic financial management of the state resources, but reiterated his resolve to seek the approval of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to get a loan if necessary for the actual construction work of the Seaport.

He called on the host communities to look at the larger picture and continue to maintain the peace as no investor will be willing to come and invest in an environment where both their lives and investments are not safe, hence the need for youths of host communities to consider the long term benefits the Seaport will have on not just the economy of the host communities but that of the state and country.

The Exco Ministerial Briefings/End of Year Review witnessed a presentation by the Chairman, Ibom Deep Seaport Implementation Committee, Mrs. Mfon Usoro who was the pioneer Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

 

 

Critical stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State have commended the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his excellent performance within his 18 months on the saddle.

They gave the commendation at the commencement of a 3 – day Exco Ministerial Briefing/End of Year Review, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

In their separate remarks, Ambassador Assam Assam SAN, Uwemedimo Nwoko SAN, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Aniekan Akpan, Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Sunny James, State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Amos Etuk, Otuekong Franklin Isong, Mr. Harry Udoh, and others observed with delight that the Governor has been excellent in his approach to governance.

They made reference to the different development strides including the ARISE Park, a ravine reclamation/conversion to wealth -generation venture; the different road projects, rural development, pothole interventions, model primary healthcare centers, model primary schools, and many others.

They particularly commended the Governor for his inclusive governance model, transparency, accountability, and for keeping to his campaign promises, and assured of continuous support to enable him fully actualise on the ARISE Agenda.

In his address, Governor Umo Eno, said the meeting was an avenue to have a self examination and critical thinking that will help the State to consolidate on its strides.

According to him, “We came into office in an overwhelming victory. Eighteen months after, I believe it is time we should sit together and look critically on what we have been able to achieve together as a Government.

“We will be here for these three days to take stock, to see the things we have done right and to consolidate on them, to see the things we should do right and to learn to do them right. It is not really an examination, either is it a score card; It is an opportunity for us as a Government to learn.

“We have done everything we can to run a people-centric government. We have tried to be accountable, we have tried to show transparency, we have brought to bare prudence in management of our State’s resources to inspire faith, and ownership and trust in governance as a force for good.

“We have in the last eighteen months concentrated on those things that will help our people. We have, as much as possible, run away from things that would not add value to our State and people.

Speaking on investing for the future, he said, “The money we have now should be invested on infrastructure that will bring us dividends. I believe that those of us that God has given the privilege to lead our State at this time, have the responsibility to ensure we lay that foundation correctly, and invest wisely.

“One of it actually, is the real estate market right now. But we will continue to promote small and medium enterprises. That is what we need right now and we are investing heavily in those areas,” he added.

He appreciated the stakeholders for being part of the briefing and assured everyone that the government under his leadership is determined to continuously ensure transparency, prudence, inclusivity, and diligence.