By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has reiterated his commitment to patronoze local contractors with proven track record of performance in fulfillment of his campaign promises to the people.
Eno who made this known yesterday while flagging off the construction of the 1.1km Spring Road with outfall drains in Ikot Ekpene said the state government was determined to encouraged indigenous contractors who have delivered quality services to the state.
The Governor charged youths across the state to sharpen their skills and showcase expertise for government patronage adding that his administration is ready to support youths to rise to greatness in their endeavours.
He cited the case of the Chief Executive Officer of U&K Limited, Engr. Ukeme Peters, who has excelled in the construction business after being groomed by another indigenous contractor Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Services.
“What we are trying to do is to show the capacity of our youths. I would like to thank his mentor, Engr. Uwem Okoko. I told him during the campaigns that I want to produce more HENSEKs in Akwa Ibom State.
“Engr. Ukeme is one of his mentees. We have tested him in small things and he has shown his capacity in perform.
“I want the youths of Akwa Ibom to know that if we find them capable of doing anything positive that could contribute to our development we will use them to do those things.
“I think that is the message we are trying to send. It is not enough for youths to indulge in begging. It is necessary for our youths to have handwork so that we can recommend and engage them positively when we need their services.
He directed upcoming local contractors to register with the state Ministry of Works and assured that assured that contractors with proven track record of service delivery would be patronised to underscore his campaign promise of raising more indigenous vendors to handle projects and checkmate capital flight.
Eno said that tested hands in project execution would be engaged in the execution of community based projects undertaken by his administration as everybody cannot be accommodated in government through appointment .
He lauded the professionalism demonstrated by Peters in project execution and assured him of another contract if the Spring road construction is completed in five months as scheduled.
He warned the company to adhere to project specification as his office has set up set up a Monitoring And Evaluation Committee to evaluate projects and report to him directly to ensure delivery of quality jobs for the citizenry.
