DON’T GO FOR XMAS VACATION, GOV ENO WARNS CONTRACTORS

…INJECTS N50BN FOR ROADS PROJECTS

Governor Umo Eno has announced that he is ready to inject 50 Billion naira between now and December 2024 into ongoing public infrastructure in Akwa Ibom State to speed up completion of ongoing projects.

However, as a condition, the projects’ contractors must undertake not to embark on Christmas vacation this year, but to take advantage of the dry season to stay back and complete their assignments.

The Governor stated this while performing the ground breaking ceremony for the Aviation Village at the Victor Attah International Airport, VAIA, Uyo on Monday.

The Aviation Village to be competed in two phases, will host housing estates for aviation workers in the first phase while a Primary School, Shopping Mall and other recreation facilities will come in the second phase of the project.

Governor Eno said, “we are releasing 50 billion naira into the hands of contractors to make sure they don’t go on Christmas vacation and we will only pay contractors who will sign undertakings that they will stay back and complete their projects.”

He promised to put in place a project monitoring team to monitor the compliance of contractors with his directives, adding that with the poor weather in the State most time of the year, it was expedient they take advantage of the dry season.

“We are injecting over N220 billion into road projects in next year’s budget and we will make sure that Akwa Ibom is a construction site of major projects. 2025 will be a year of consolidation this government.”

Governor Eno emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing aviation infrastructure to ensure Akwa Ibom remains a leader in the sector.

“We are reaffirming our stance to make Akwa Ibom the aviation hub of Nigeria.”

He maintained his commitment towards sustaining key projects initiated by the previous administration, such as the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, the new terminal building, and the acquisition of additional aircraft.

“Today, by God’s grace, Ibom Air boasts a fleet of nine aircraft,” he stated.

The Governor highlighted the importance of Ibom Air’s success as Nigeria’s preferred airline, noting its role in positioning Akwa Ibom as a choice destination.

He said the Aviation Village’s first phase would include residential quarters for workers, scheduled for completion within 12 months, while the second phase would feature schools and other recreational facilities.

Commending RAS Premium Construction Limited for their swift mobilization and site preparation, he said, this site was once a bush, but you have transformed it.

“Your dedication is evident, and I encourage you to stay on-site because you won the bidding and you meet our conditions,”he added.

He further reiterated his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, announcing plans for a 13th-month salary and an N80,000 minimum wage once the ongoing workforce audit is concluded.

He said since most workers may have traveled for greener pastures outside the country, it was illogical for him to continue paying such people, hence his decision for an immediate workers’ authentication.

“Once the verification exercise is completed, we will pay the 80,000 naira we promised.”

On the recent sack of the Managing Director of Ibom Power Company, Engr. Meyen Etukudo, the Governor said, “I’m setting up a probe panel to investigate the activities of the power company, to ascertain why the power company is still running at a loss, and why the company is owing the gas supplier.

“Any investment of government that is not yielding profit, I’ll remove the MD, I don’t care the blackmail. We are determined, it is time that we must reap from our investments”, the Governor said.

“We cannot keep investing and investing the people’s money in projects that are not yielding results, that is not how I was raised”, Pastor Eno added.

The Governor received plaudits from various stakeholders at the event.

Describing Pastor Eno as an aviation-friendly leader, Dr. Iniobong Essien, Chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company, commended him for his unwavering support of the aviation sector.

Dr Essien said the aviation village project, is poised to revolutionize the sector and create a conducive environment for growth.

He said the innovative initiative is the first of its kind, and expressed optimism about the project’s timely completion.

Also speaking, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, Commissioner for Housing described the Governor as a man of peace and progress, noting that his dedication to developing the state’s infrastructure is commendable.

He said the Governor is effective propelling the Ministry of Housing to drive projects that transform communities and improve the lives of the people.

Speaking on behalf of the people of the host localities of Nsit Ntai, Uruan and Okobo, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpeyong, Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, expressing his excitement about Governor Umo Eno’s decision to embark on the aviation village.

He noted that it will not only provide employment opportunities for their people but also offer shelter.

Ekpeyong promised that they will collaborate closely with the contractors to ensure the project’s timely completion, which is poised to transform the state’s economy and improve lives.

Comrade Ukeme of the National Union of Air Employees expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Governor, acknowledging that today marks the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise.

He said, the Governor’s commitment to executing the aviation village project has instilled confidence in the workers, who have pledge their unwavering support due to his worker-friendly stance and exceptional leadership,he said.

The Managing Director of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, commended the Governor for conceptualizing the aviation village.

“The aviation village is poised to revolutionize the aviation sector, creating a conducive environment for growth and development and the Governor’s vision for Akwa Ibom State’s progress is evident in his dedication to supporting Ibom Air’s expansion plans”, said the CEO of Ibom Air.

Chief Gad the project contractor extended his heartfelt appreciation to Governor Eno for entrusting his company with a high-profile project.

In his remarks, one of the contractors handling the project, Chief Ganem Ras of Ras Premium Construction Services, pledged to deliver exceptional results, ensuring the project exceeds expectations in line with the Arise Agenda blueprint.

Speaking on behalf of the National Union of Air Transport Workers, Comrade Ukeme Etuk in his goodwill message, thanked the Governor for his unwavering support to workers, calling him a worker-friendly governor.

“We are grateful for today. It is the day that we have been waiting for. The Governor promised that he is going to do it. He has started it. And we believe that he is going to deliver it.

“He has been doing that. Anywhere he goes, we will go with him. We will give him the support, 2027 and beyond.

“Workers’ welfare is paramount to him. I remember when he came in, we met him in the Labour house. He said he is going to prioritize the payment of terminal benefit.

“He has done that. He has done beyond what we expected him to do. Just last year, he said he is going to give us a 13th-month salary and he did it last year. This year is going to do it again”, Comrade Etuk said.