No fewer than five communities in Akwa Ibom have benefited from the N50 million government micro project initiative, Mr Akan Okon, the Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, has said.
Okon spoke at the presentation of cheques to community leaders during a training programme for Community Project Management Committee members and stakeholders in Uyo.
According to him, the initiative is in collaboration with the World Bank to execute micro projects to enhance the development of communities in the state.
The beneficiaries are Nka Unwana Essien Enang in Etinan, Nka Esit Kiet in Ini, Renewed Life Vulnerable Group in Etinan, Like Minds Vulnerable Vroup in Oruk Anam and Mbiafun Ikot Abasi in Ini council areas of Akwa Ibom.
Okon said that the disbursed fund would help the benefiting communities to execute micro projects that would enhance the well-being of the people of Akwa Ibom.
He said that Gov Udom Emmanuel’s administration remained committed to transforming rural communities through life- touching micro projects.
“In Akwa Ibom State today, you have a governor that is very passionate about the development of the state. He believes that opportunity should be created for Akwa Ibom people to work and earn a living.” Okon said.
He urged stakeholders in benefiting communities to implement and execute their projects to attract more development to their respective communities.
“The way you implement this project in your various communities will serve as an encouragement for the state government and World Bank to do more.
“I want to implore all of you to make sure that the money released to you for the micro project is used for that purpose,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Ishmael Akpan, the General Manager, Akwa Ibom Agency for Community and Social Development, said that the training would enable stakeholders to have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage funds disbursed to them.
“The training is properly designed to guide the community people in their implementation process.
“Funding is made directly to the community people who utilise it in the execution of their micro projects prudently and in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said.
Akpan urged stakeholders to enlighten those at the grassroots on the need to participate in project implementation.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Justina Umoh of Like-minds Vulnerable Group, thanked the government for coming to the aid of the community.
“Now we are going to drink from a good source of water and there will be constant electricity supply. We say God bless you sir.
“I thank Governor Udom Emmanuel for allowing God to guide him into bringing development to our lives and community.
“I appreciate everybody here, including the World Bank; we say thank you. We are assuring you that the money given to us will not be diverted from the micro project,” Umoh said.(NAN)
