By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The proposed Akwa Ibom Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency, when brought into operation, would be key to sustenance of state government asset and avoid wasta of fund, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso has said.
Essien who stated this while playing host to the leadership of the state chapter of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, who visited him in Government House, Uyo yesterday, explained that the proposed agency is would work to take stock and see to the functionality of all Government assets, including buildings, equipment and land.
The SSA stated that, to ensure that the state’s assets are utilised and managed in order to ensure efficiency and avoid unnecessary spending, the proposed agency would set consistent rules for managing all state-owned things, except those already under private management.
The Governor’s aide who described journalists as strategic partners in the Akwa Ibom project, intimated them that the agency when on board, would further create an asset register that would track government assets effectively.
“If you are aware, the Governor is working tirelessly to ameliorate the current situation of food and other commodities crises in the State, and one of such ways is the proposed setting up of the Bulk Purchase Agency which is soon going to be passed by the House of Assembly.
“That bill seeks to enable Government buy in large quantities and sell at reduced rate for the people of the State, and also enables Government to off-take crops harvested in the State from farmers.”
He lauded the new chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Bassey Anthony, and his exco members for their commitment and support to the ARISE Agenda of the administration, adding that the he was willing to work with them to help publicize the lofty ideals and programmes of Governor Umo Eno.
Commending the Chief Press Secretary and head of the Governor’s Media Unit Mr Ekerete Udoh for his robust leadership role in the Unit, Ndueso urged members of the chapel to join in the campaign to encourage the people into agriculture, and other opportunities being initiated by Governor Eno.
Earlier the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Bassey Anthony had commended the Governor’s Aide for being one of their most dependable ally in government adding that they were very proud of his penchants to hardwork and dedication to duties.
Bassey reiterated his previous pledge to the CPS, saying the new leadership of the corrchapel was ready to work with the Governor’s media team, towards effectively promoting the growth of the state.
“We are not out to play adversarial roles in media coverage of Government but we will however be constructive in ensuring that Government fulfills its role of serving the people.” The chairman said.
Other members of the visiting team included the Vice Chairman, Isaiah Eka, Secretary, Udeme Utip, Assistant Secretary, Lovina Emole, Treasurer,Iniobong Ekponta, Financial secretary, Emeka Samuel and Auditor, Isaac Job.
