Contractors, Skill Labourers Praise Governor Eno For Contract Boom In Akwa Ibom

Contractors, skill labourers praise governor Eno for contract boom in Akwa Ibom…we now struggle to find skill labourers says private contractors.

Pastor Umo Eno’s infrastructure development is creating a buzz in Akwa Ibom State, with workers praising the Governor for a contract boom across the 31 local government areas of the State

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Eno’s administration has been focused on implementing the ARISE Agenda which envisions a vibrant, inclusive, diversified, and highly industrialized economy with lifelong opportunities for the improvement of social welfare conditions and broadly-shared prosperity.

Some skilled labourers in Uyo who spoke with journalists yesterday, praised Governor Eno’s administration for its commitment to infrastructural development which has led to a surge in projects across the state.

Narrating the dividends of the Governor’s infrastructural revolution in the state, Aniefiok Udoh, a skilled carpenter working at the site of the ongoing Ewet luxury estate in Uyo, said:

“Governor Eno’s administration has been a blessing to us. Before now, we used to stand at the labour market along four lanes without jobs, but since Governor Eno assumed office, we now move from one site to the other. We have never had it so good. The numerous construction projects have provided us with good paying jobs and steady income”.

Also speaking, Enobong Johnson, a skilled mason recounted his gains: “private contractors used to pay us between three and four thousand naira per day, but since we started working with Government contractors, we smile home with at least eight thousand naira every day. May God bless our dear Governor.”

Meanwhile, facts-finding tours to some construction sites within Uyo metropolis revealed that over 500 skilled labourers are currently engaged by Western Legacy, contractors handling the Ewet luxury garden while over 600 workers often spotted at the different departments of the ongoing Arise park handled by Buletin construction Nigeria Limited.

Similarly, over 1,000 skilled labourers were also spotted at the sites of the ongoing dualization project of Uyo village road, dualization of the new Ring road from Idoro road to Ibiono Ibom and at the Elderly Citizens center handled by Amitec Construction Limited, Hensek Integrated services and U & K Nigeria limited, respectively.

On the flip side of this development, the contract boom has also had an unintended consequence on non-government contractors who are now struggling to find skilled labourers.

Skill Labourers Praise Governor Eno

“Many of our skilled labourers have been lured away by government contracts.” Said Mr Ekpo, the MD of build box Nigeria, a private contractor.

“Government contractors seem to pay skilled labourers higher hence, we are finding it difficult to complete our projects on time, because of the shortage of skilled workers,” he added.

Without equivocation, there is no local government area in Akwa Ibom State today, that does not have at least one major road construction ongoing in addition to either a model primary school or a primary health center.

From the Arise Compassionate homes targeted at each of the 368 wards of the state, to other strategic housing development and aviation hub expansion, Akwa Ibom State can best be described as a construction site with Akwa Ibomites gainfully engaged as core professionals, skilled workers and suppliers of one building material or the other.

The contract boom in Akwa Ibom is a testament to Governor Eno’s commitment to infrastructural development and job creation.

As the state continues to experience growth and development, skilled labourers remain appreciative of the opportunities provided by Governor Eno’s administration, with several other projects still lined up for flag-off in view.

SSG Hosts Uyo Stakeholders, Seeks Continuous Support For Gov. Umo Eno

SSG hosts Uyo stakeholders, seeks continuous support for Gov. Umo Eno. In a decisive show of leadership, the Secretary to the State Government and Political Leader of Uyo Local Government Area, Prince Enobong Uwah, today, hosted in his residence, stakeholders from all the political Wards of Uyo local government area.

Addressing the gathering, the SSG lauded the Governor’s visionary leadership, citing unprecedented appointments of Uyo indigenes and various development projects. He called for continuous political engagement, emphasizing the importance of unity in advancing the progress of Uyo.

“I want to thank our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for all he has done for Uyo Local Government Area. We have witnessed significant improvements compared to previous governments, especially in the areas of human capital development and appointments given to our people,”.

He highlighted Governor Eno’s transparent approach to governance and urged his kinsmen qualified to handle government contracts to take advantage of the State procurement portal and bid for jobs.

“It is very important that we continue to support our Governor. He has initiated numerous projects and programmes, and we must actively participate, including registering on the official portal,” he said.

Speaking further, he reaffirmed the Governor’s adherence to budgetary provisions, stressing that next year’s budget will be crafted as the “people’s budget” to reflect the needs and aspirations of the citizens.

Prince Uwah thereafter inaugurated a Needs Assessment Committee headed by Otuekong Ekerete Ekpenyong to collate and document the developmental needs of the Local Government ahead of Uyo Federal Constituency Town-hall meeting.

He further informed stakeholders that the next phase of Town Hall Meetings will be held in Oron Federal Constituency, followed by Uyo Federal Constituency, to ensure that all concerns are adequately addressed at a higher level of government.

Earlier while setting the tone for the gathering, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Monday Eyo emphasized that the stakeholders gathered at the instance of the SSG to deliberate on matters germane to the growth and development of Uyo.

He seized the oppourtunity to express gratitude to the Governor for “the various appointments given to our people.”

He noted that the Local Government has never had it so good, and expressed pride in the Governor’s people-oriented leadership style as well as the political leadership in Uyo.

The well-attended event featured goodwill messages from stakeholders who all appreciated the Governor for his inclusive leadership style, which is felt across party lines and urged the SSG to extend their gratitude to the Governor for staying true to his campaign promises and ensuring that development reaches every part of Uyo Local Government Area.

Umo Eno

In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area who is also the State Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo E. Udo, applauded the political leader for convening the meeting, describing it as a gathering of real politicians who make things happen in their respective units.

He commended the Governor for his achievements, particularly in the area of road construction, emphasizing that Governor Umo Eno is a leader who keeps his promises.

Other dignitaries at the meeting were; Executive Chairman, UCCDA, Hon. Anietie Eka, Member Representing Uyo in AKHA, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo; Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, Chairman, Ibom Hotel & Tourism, Mr. Charles Udoh, Immediate Past Commissioner for Trade & Investment, Dr. John James, Party Leadership, Governor’s Aides, Youth and Women Leaders among others.

Akwa Ibom Women Announced FormationoOf Socio-cultural, Socio-political Association, Pledged Solidarity, Commitment

Akwa Ibom women announced formation of socio-cultural, socio-political association, pledged solidarity, commitment. Ibeno Women in Akwa Ibom State Pledge Solidarity to Eunice Thomas’ Leadership.

A socio-cultural cum socio-political association, “Circle of Trust”, has formally announced its formation in Akwa Ibom State, while declaring Dr. Eunice Thomas as Grand Matron. Dr. Thomas — former Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Education respectively in Akwa Ibom State, is Non-Executive Director on the Board of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Speaking during a visit to the Director, Mrs. Magdalene Leo, president of CoT, disclosed that their choice of Dr. Thomas as grand matron is because of her impactful mentorship of women and young people, and time-tested credibility as a beacon of hope for Ibeno community.

The Forum further described her as a “friend of widows, not only in Ibeno land but across other local government areas of the state”, and a “woman who gives strength to those without strength”.

As stated by Mrs. Leo, parts of the Forum’s aims are to enhance rapid community development and fast track women empowerment. It will also seek ways to foster unity and love by preaching peaceful co-existence, as well as mobilizing women to play greater roles in politics and governance. To give it a solid footing, the president disclosed that plans are underway to have it registered with relevant authorities.

While soliciting her backing to enable it achieve its immediate and long term goals, the women pledged solidarity and commitment to her leadership which it hailed as “conscientious, empathic, honest and rewarding”.

In her remarks, the NNPCL Director lauded the women for their collective vision, opining that with unity and togetherness, the forum can achieve all its goals. She described their objectives as noble and praised their courage to find ways to break free from their limitations, encouraging them to always speak up and be heard.

Dr. Thomas who suggested that the group should explore non-subservient ways of generating revenue such as owning a cooperative society through which it can give out business loans, amongst others, donated a take off grant to the body for the initiative.

With the group having its own finances, it can make independent decisions on issues that affect their communities, the local government area, state, and country in general, she submitted.

She urged them to always align their ambitions and dreams with the plans of God. She also reminded them of the importance of building their home and maintaining family values, while pursuing communal development.

Akwa Ibom Women

“As women, we have to be the covering of our family, and we can do this through every day intercessory prayers”.

The former commissioner advised members of the forum to shun divisive tendencies and exist in love and forgiveness as these are the sure ways to win together.

She thanked the group for identifying with her efforts, and for their belief in her. She promised to continue to support women and empower them sustainably.

The group has Magdalene Leo as President; Anthonia Bassey — VP; Princess Wills — Secretary; Blessing Brown — Treasurer; Maureen Johnson — PRO, and Helen Itrechio — Adviser.