By Sam Akanimo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State says his administration is not leaving any stone unturned in its quest to further lift hundreds of thousands more out of acute poverty through the instrumentality of his AK-Cares initiative.
Towards achieving that ambition,
Governor Eno says he has paid N18.2 billion in gratuities to the retired state civil servants, retired primary school teachers and retired local government workers.
The governor pointed these facts out in the account of his stewardship in the past one year on the saddle as the first citizen of Akwa Ibom.
This is coming as the former Deputy Governor of the state, Patrick Ekpotu, an engineer, is calling for massive support for the Eno administration.
Ekpotu, who was the first deputy to the then governor, Goodwill Akpabio, before he was replaced with Nsima Ekere, said Eno recorded “well acknowledged” successes within 12 months.
According to him, the Eno success is an indication of what to expect in the years ahead. Ekpotu was speaking on the sideline of the first anniversary celebration of Governor Eno in Uyo.
“Every good seed always produces its kind a hundred fold. And it is same for any evil seed. While the good seed proliferates, no matter the discouragement given it, the evil seed wanes through time, and degenerates in quality and quantity, even in the face of the most generous encouragement given it.
“Having previously witnessed a little of both sides, the state could be said to be lucky to have one whose first step has come very well acknowledged as a clear and definite direction”, he said.
He noted that for a government to succeed, the head must have the capacity to explore new opportunities, unlock the hidden potentials of citizens, show love to his people instead of self, and be a man of peace
“These attributes remain Governor Eno’s winning streaks.When you listen to the appeal of any statement Eno makes, you conclude that he is rare in scholarship.
“You see the picture of a man who is easy in style, and both mild and wise in reasoning and in judgment. But I see him beyond these: He’s also a man of peace, and that is one criteria for policies to succeed and development to take root.
“He has done well to stabilize the state and close the ranks of hate, turning same into rocks of love where everyone across divides, political and otherwise, have run into for comfort. This has enabled him concentrate on development issues”, the ex-deputy governor said.
Ekpotu observed that the governor’s first 12 months of satisfactory outing represents the template of what we should expect in many more months ahead, and called on the citizens of the state to encourage him, “by giving him support, by sticking with him, by swimming and sinking with him, and by rising and falling with him.”
He cautioned that any departure from this could be “another wild goose chase, and another expedition into the familiar rituals of trial and error.”
“There are three things in life, which, when they come to you and go, they never come back. Apart from the spoken word, the next is a shot arrow. But the most delicate is the slightest opportunity. We must be cautious not to let the promises held by the successes of the governor’s first 12 months slip from us.”
Ekpotu, who attended the event in company with his wife, Mbosowo, said he was not surprised to see that Eno has succeeded, noting that he had long known him to be a “successful business man, an entrepreneur and a pastor who was different in his approach at God’s work.”
“I once was special guest at a conference in his church sometimes in 2010 or so, and you could feel the difference in approach, in statements made and faith professed. I could see a man who was just doing God’s work and not given to the material benefits therefrom. I knew he will go far.”
“May the success so far recorded not speak to him that the set height has been attained. May it rather be an encouragement to break more grounds, do more, and become a stepping stone for more achievements and far greater heights”, he added.
However, Governor Eno has reassured the electorate of his unwaivering commitment to the well-being of retired public servants and the most vulnerable members of society.
This significant disbursement
of the N18.2 billion gratuities to beneficiaries, has brought joy and relief to retired state civil servants, primary school teachers, and local government workers who have served the state with dedication and distinction.
Governor Eno’s administration recognises the invaluable contributions of these public servants and is determined to ensure that they enjoy a comfortable and dignified retirement.
In addition to supporting retirees, his administration has also launched the AK-Cares initiative; a comprehensive program which is providing critical support to vulnerable members of the society, including the poor, widows, and orphans.
This support includes economic empowerment programs, healthcare services, and educational opportunities, all designed to help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.
By prioritising the welfare of retirees and the most vulnerable members of society, Governor Eno’s administration is demonstrating its commitment to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.
As the administration continues to implement its vision for a prosperous and sustainable future, it is clear that the well-being of all citizens will remain at the forefront of its priorities.
