As a way of appreciating the elderly citizens for their contributions to the society, Akwa Ibom Government plans to build a centre for them in the state.
The State governor Umo Eno, who stated this during his New Year statewide broadcast on Monday, January 1, 2024, explained that the centre would accommodate a hospital, library, supermarkets and other facilities beneficial to them.
According to him, “We have concluded plans to build a centre for the elderly citizens in our state. This centre will house a hospital, library, supermarkets and other facilities for the use of our elders.
“I believe that we should take care of our elders while they still live and appreciate them for their huge contributions towards the development of our state.
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“We have also made plans to build an international market in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. We believe that this market will boost the economic activities in our state and will reduce production cost for most of our young entrepreneurs who often have to travel out to buy their raw materials. we are committed to ensuring that work commences on this project within the first half of this year.”
Governor Eno, while reeling out his scorecard for seven months on the saddle which cut across all sectors of the economy, said he has directed for operational audit of Ibom Power Plant.
He noted that the aim was to reposition the critical plant to yield the expected dividends for Akwa Ibom people.
“We believe strongly that with adequate power, our entrepreneurs in the state can do better and our economy will be better for it,” Eno added.
The governor also thanked the legislature and the judiciary for their support in ensuring that they work harmoniously and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people even as he encouraged them not to relent in giving their support.
On payment of gratuities to pensioners, he said ‘‘So far, we have paid over 12 Billion Naira in gratuities to retired state and Local Government workers and leave grants in fulfillment of my campaign promise to tackle the issue head-on.
‘‘We have equally spent over Five billion Naira to augment the Federal Government’s Palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal and ensure that the welfare of our people is enhanced. For us as a government, we will ensure that the welfare of our citizens is paramount.’’
Commenting on payment of money to contractors to return to projects sites, the governor said ‘‘In fulfillment of our campaign promises to complete ongoing projects initiated by the immediate past administration, we have released over Ten Billion Naira to get contractors back to various sites across the state. Works are ongoing at these project sites such as the Victor Attah International Airport Road Expansion and others located all over the state,’’ he assured.
