Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has expressed his approval for the special committee responsible for overseeing the distribution of relief measures aimed at mitigating the impacts of the removal of fuel subsidies. He commended the committee for their proposed strategies and emphasized the importance of distributing these relief measures to the most economically disadvantaged individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations.
In a statement released to the press yesterday in Uyo, Eno shared his advice after formally receiving the committee’s report on Monday evening within the premises of the State Executive Council Chambers at the Government House in Uyo.
He revealed that the committee’s report included a recommended allocation of N10 billion for this purpose.
The governor assured that he and the members of the State Executive Council would thoroughly review the committee’s report. This careful examination would enable them to formulate the definitive stance and a comprehensive plan for implementing the relief measures across the state.
His words: “We have to sit down and review this in line with the present economic realities and what accrues to the State. That notwithstanding, we assure you of our willingness to do much more than you have recommended and continue to help our people in the short, medium and long term.
“What we have received so far from the federal government is N2 billion and 3000(units) 50kg bags of rice. We believe that the other ones will come. If the federal Government is donating N5 billion, the committee has recommended another five billion naira.
“So what we have here is ten billion as the estimates for the palliatives. I listened to you in terms of distribution of the palliatives and I love the modalities you have adopted. Please this must be across party lines. It is for Akwa Ibomites and residents of Akwa Ibom.
“All the people living here, whether they are indigenes or non indigenes so long as they reside in Akwa Ibom. I am happy that you have clearly mentioned that as part of your report. Please, this is not a PDP or APC thing. It is Akwa Ibom thing and we should ensure that we drive this down as we go to the villages to distribute the palliatives.”
As stated by the governor, there is an upcoming government initiative known as the “One Project per Local Government” program. This initiative has been designed with the intention of generating employment opportunities, revitalizing the economy, and boosting financial circulation within rural communities.
The governor elaborated on the initiative, outlining that it involves the assignment of projects to local contractors originating from the corresponding local government areas. These contractors would subsequently hire local residents to engage in the projects, thereby enhancing their productivity and contributing to the improvement of their overall quality of life.
“What we are thinking of doing beyond this is to formally launch a ‘One Local Government /One Project Initiative across the 31 local Government Areas. In the next one month, we want to ensure that we have one project in each LGA of our State.
“We want to ensure that our young people get to work in the local governments. We have a whole lot of projects to choose from, whether it is hospital or Model school, Water or any of the projects that we have listed in the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda to support rural development.
” We expect Chairmen of each Local Government and critical stakeholders in those LGs to work with us in the Exco and be able to identify the project within the framework of what we are doing now to ensure that we deliver projects to the local Governments by appointing contractors within that LGA that will also engage people within the Local governnment
“I think that is one of the creative palliatives that Government can provide by creating jobs and putting money in the pockets of the people “.
The Chairman of the Palliative Committee and the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, presented the committee’s report earlier and expressed gratitude to the Governor for initiating the establishment of a committee to develop strategies for the equitable distribution of relief measures throughout the state.
He provided assurance that the recommendations proposed by the committee would alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on all segments of the population.
He outlined both short-term and long-term recommendations and relief measures, including the distribution of food items to the most economically disadvantaged individuals at the village level. This distribution process would be overseen by a vigilant monitoring mechanism to ensure that the intended recipients receive the items. The establishment of committees at the local government level, consisting of Paramount Rulers, Village Heads, Labor Leaders, Student Representatives, and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), was also among the recommendations. Additionally, the distribution of seedlings and agrochemicals to farmers was suggested.
The report further included a proposal for a three-month financial assistance program for civil servants, approval of a four-day workweek for civil servants, reductions in transportation ticket costs for operators and market women, bursary payments to students, provisions of free medications for pregnant women, children, and the elderly, as well as the allocation of buses for employee transportation, development of economic access roads in rural regions, support for entrepreneurs, improvements in primary healthcare delivery systems, establishment of a micro health insurance scheme for civil servants, and the creation of a state fuel depot, among other recommendations.
