Babatunji Wusu –
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has pledged to revive the people’s spirit of entrepreneurship in order to strengthen the state’s economy.
Eno made this statement on Monday during his 2024 new year’s broadcast to the Akwa Ibom people in Uyo. The governor declared that in order to bring prosperity and progress closer to the people, his administration is still dedicated to helping indigenous business owners.
“The Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Center (Ibom-LED) is a champion of this vision, and we are committed to igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in our people.”
“To far, we have successfully held the inaugural Made in Akwa Ibom Trade Fair, where 400 registered participants received grants totaling N500,000 to advance their enterprises.
“Among the many wonderful things the center is doing, we have also established and put into operation the Ibom-LED Tailoring & Shoe Making Hub.
“In keeping with our pledge to assist our native business owners.
“We have made sure that our youths at the Shoe and Fabric Hub located at the Ibom – LED Center handle all contracts for the manufacturing of school uniforms and shoes for our students as well as uniforms and boots for the men of the Ibom Community Watch.
Eno urged everyone to take advantage of the initiatives started by the center.
Eno stated that in order to increase the state’s internally generated revenue, the tourism industry would continue to receive sufficient attention in 2024. He also mentioned that there were plans to build a park to provide kids somewhere to play, especially on the weekends.
“Under our leadership, the tourism industry will continue to experience significant growth.
“We built a 20,000-seat amphitheater that was utilized for the just finished Christmas Carol and will be utilized for other social, cultural, and even religious events in the state.
“A theme park will be established at Unity Park to offer recreational activities to our kids.”
“We’ll also renovate our tourism attractions, like the Women War Museum, The Bridge of No Return, and Lord Lugard’s Amalgamation House, among others.
“Plans to construct a Center for the Elderly Citizens in our state have been completed. For the sake of our elderly population, this center will have a hospital, library, grocers, and other amenities.
He said, “I think we should honor our elders for their enormous contributions to the development of our state and take care of them while they are still living.”
Eno continued, saying that in order to stimulate the economy and lessen the burden on aspiring business owners who must travel outside the state in search of raw materials, his administration planned to construct an international market in Ikot Ekpene in 2024.
In order to make the state a tranquil area in which to live and conduct business, the governor urged all Akwa Ibom citizens to work together with the government.
