In a significant move aimed at fulfilling his campaign promises, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved a fresh payment of N6.43 billion to settle workers’ gratuities and other entitlements in the state. This latest approval follows a similar expenditure just two months ago, further cementing Governor Eno’s commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants.
A statement released by the Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, on Wednesday, confirmed that the governor sanctioned this substantial sum to ensure that retirees receive their due benefits. The breakdown of the N6.43 billion includes:
– N1 billion for the gratuities of retired primary school teachers (SUBEB).
– N500 million for retired local government workers.
– N2.22 billion for state civil service retirees, covering gratuities, pension arrears, and backlog payments.
– N597.4 million for the 2014 leave grant for local government workers.
– N2.11 billion for the leave grant of state civil service workers.
This recent release brings the total amount disbursed by Governor Eno for gratuities and entitlements to over N28 billion since he assumed office just over a year ago.
Governor Eno’s administration has been characterized by a strong focus on improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom’s most vulnerable citizens. Through initiatives under the A-R-I-S-E Agenda, he has aimed to not only maintain the state’s rich infrastructural legacy but also to enhance the material well-being of its people, especially in rural areas.
One of the standout programs is the Arise Compassionate Homes Initiative, through which Governor Eno has already constructed and handed over 36 fully-furnished 2-bedroom bungalows to the state’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens, with 164 more units under construction. His administration plans to hand over 200 units in his second year and 400 units by the end of his first term.
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Additionally, the governor has allocated 150 out of 236 units at Grace Homes Estate to civil servants on grade levels 1-8, to be distributed free of charge through a raffle draw process.
Beyond housing, Governor Eno’s administration is making strides in other areas of welfare. The A-R-I-S-E Elderly Care Initiatives provides N50,000 monthly to 600 elderly citizens across the state, while students in public tertiary institutions continue to receive bursaries and grants. WAEC fees for all students are fully covered, leading to a significant increase in the state’s pass rate.
Governor Eno’s humanitarian efforts extend to food distribution through the Bulk Purchase Agency, directly aiding the most vulnerable. The governor has also expressed gratitude for the palliatives provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
On the infrastructure front, Governor Eno is pushing forward with ambitious capital projects. These include the completion of inherited road infrastructures, new road projects across the state, a major flood control tunnel on Atiku Abubakar Way, the transformative Arise Park, and the acquisition of two new CRJ-900 series Bombardier jets for Ibom Air. Plans are also underway for the construction of a 19-story Ibom Towers in Lagos and a 3-star Ibom Hotel in Abuja.
