Akwa Ibom state Governor Pastor Umo Eno has said that small-scale businesses will be encouraged in the new year while more attention will be given to worker’s welfare in the state.
In a statewide broadcast to mark Christmas Day celebration in the state, Eno emphasized that the Christmas celebration is not an avenue to reel out his scorecard adding that achievements recorded in the last seven months of his administration will be captured in the new year broadcast.
“This speech is not one to reel off my Scorecard in my New Year’s Day Broadcast to you my dear people, I will present what we have collectively achieved together in the last seven months, and what we hope to achieve in the New Year.
“We will continue to pay special attention to our workers and also ensure that we create the enabling environment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, (SMEs) which is the engine of growth, in any economy to thrive.”
Eno explained that the administration will continue to tackle what he described as important kitchen table issues which affect families.
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He said priorities will be given to workers’ welfare as 13-month salary popularly jubilated by civil servants in the state as “Eno Mber ” adding that gratuities to retired workers will be paid consistently.
“Our children will continue to go to school, especially at the primary level in an atmosphere that fosters creativity, academic excellence and social interactions, as exemplified by the features and facilities at the newly rebuilt Model Primary School at Christ the King School, on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, which would be replicated in all local government areas.
” We are doing the same, in the healthcare sector, with the soon-to-be commissioned model healthcare centre, located in Ikot Nkowk, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
He therefore charged the people to continue to live in peace, and unity and eschew divisive tendencies and warned the people of the state to avoid hatred among the ethnic groups within the state.
“We should bury and throw into the trash can, the cards of hatred, of whipping non-existence schisms and of demonizing our leaders and symbols of authority. From Ibibio to Annang lands, to Oro Nation, to Obolo, we are united and shaped by the language of love and unity. We are homogenous.
“Therefore, let no one throw a poisonous substance into our otherwise calm waters of unity and kindred spirit.
” We will continue to flow with the waves of love and amity and as you celebrate this day, please remember to reach out to those who may have fallen on the rough patches of life.
“Don’t just give hand-outs, give them a hand to get up and let us together ARISE and work to extend the frontiers of the Golden Era of our collective growth, development and progress,” he said.
