A’Ibom Gov at retreat, tasks new appointees

AKWA Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, weekend tasked members of his newly constituted
22-man Executive Council to hit the ground running at a strategic retreat held in Lagos.

In his presentation at the retreat, which was meant to key the executive members into the agenda of his administration, Governor Emmanuel who congratulated the new appointees, said that despite the dwindling fortunes of the country, his government was thinking strategically in order to deliver on his campaign promises to the people.

Reviewing the economy, the Governor mentioned that according to the National Bureau of Statistics, the nation’s GDP stood at 509.9 billion (rebased) and a growth rate of 5.0%; while inflation stood at about 9%, crude oil hovered at about 57 US Dollars, as at July 2015.

Emmanuel who noted that the situation posed a great challenge in sustaining comfortable livelihood for the citizens of the country, said the scenario called for States to look inward in order to create the requisite economic buffer that will help sustain infrastructural and social services like education, healthcare and roads development.

He said his administration was determined to stimulate industrial development and Foreign Direct Investment, as well as encourage local participation and engagement that will create economic activities, which will translate into jobs and better livelihood for the people.

Already, according to the Governor, more than 20 foreign investors have indicated interest in coming to set up shops in Akwa Ibom State. This, in addition to other strategic efforts of his government, he said, will create more employment opportunities for Akwa Ibom people.

Governor Emmanuel, therefore, called for support from all citizens, stakeholders and partners in the new drive towards economic development and charged his executive members to take the driver seat in their portfolios, in order to stimulate concrete positive actions targeted at the realization of his agenda for the State.

In attendance at the retreat were the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Etekamba Umoren and the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien.