Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D, says plans are afoot to create a sinking fund for intentional savings by the State Government to cater for unforeseen project needs.
The governor stated this while declaring open an expanded State Executive Council Session to deliberate on the 2025 Appropriation Estimates, saying it was dedicated to analyzing, distilling, and condensing all matters relating to the 2025 Appropriation Bill across all Ministries and Departmental Agencies (MDAs).
“I am suggesting as part of our budget, the budget department must deliberately create a sinking fund, where we will intentionally begin compulsory savings for projects that we may not foresee immediately and for the next generation.”
He said the session is “profoundly significant and bears true testament to our passionate commitment to fostering continually the culture of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the state Budgets.”
The Governor maintained that the three-day expanded exco session came after the exco members had gone to defend their proposed Estimates at the Ministry of Economic Development, in line with statutory requirements.
“In the course of the next three days, we will critically consider the proposals contained in your respective budget presentations to ensure that your proposals are in line with the expectations of the Arise Agenda and that their implementation will go above average to reflect the yearnings of our people as clearly outlined in the Arise Agenda.
“In my considered opinion, Estimates of the Appropriation Bill to be presented for consideration by the State House of Assembly should have the full buy-in of the leadership of the Executive Arm”. He explained.
According to him, it was counter-productive for Government Ministries and Agencies to defend their budgets, relying on age-long provisions that may not reflect the Executive’s vision.
Pastor Eno who insisted that he came to serve the people, vowed to ensure that every kobo spent must be such that will meet the expectations of his ARISE Blueprint, and expressed optimism that, “at the end of this exercise, we should be able to have a unified, focused, efficient, and lean Budget Estimates which we would then send to the House of Assembly for their kind consideration and approval”.
Governor Eno used the opportunity to appreciate the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, for conferring on him, an award as the 2024 Media Friendly Governor of the Year.
The Governor said it was his media team that has performed well on their assigned tasks, saying, “This award speaks to what they are doing.”
“I don’t think it is me as a person, these are the organs that project what we do. If we have been adjudged to have done well, it is the Press Team generally, the Media Team, that have done well.
He dedicated the award to the Akwa Ibom media community for projecting his programmes and projects and commended the State Council of the NUJ under the leadership of Comrade Amos Etuk, for their partnering role in supporting his administration.
Recall that the National leadership of NUJ, at the 3rd NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition event at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, honoured Governor Eno, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as Nigeria’s “ Most Media- Friendly Governor.”
The Governor had also announced plans to inaugurate the State Inter-Labour Committee to monitor employment opportunities and ensure transparency and fairness in the process of employment.
Governor Umo Eno who had earlier unvailed the ARISE Youth Employment portal, said that the State Inter-Labour committee will ensure that all Companies operating in Akwa Ibom will show transparency in the employment of Akwa Ibom indigenes in their various organizations.
“This portal will give you all of the skills you need. You can go there, you can select who you want, then you can now call them for an interview,” he added.
The Governor commended his SSA on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, for the great job he did in interpreting his vision of job creation.
Among those who presented Goodwill messages at the event were the State Chief Judge of the state, His Lordship Hon. Justice Ekaete Obot, the State ALGON Chairman, who is also the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Services, representing the private sector, and the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien.
