Eno pledges commitment to growth of small businesses

Ini Billie, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has pledged his commitment to the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and workers’ welfare.

In his Christmas broadcast message to the state on Monday in Uyo, Eno said the government’s focus on SMEs is because it is the engine of economic growth.

He acknowledged commendations received for the payment of an additional one month’s salary to workers to make it 13 months, saying the government was committed to workers’ welfare.

“We will continue to pay special attention to our workers and also ensure that we create the enabling environment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, (SMEs) which is the engine of growth, in any economy to thrive.

“We will continue to pay down gratuities to our retired workers, and ensure that our children go to school, especially at the primary level in an atmosphere that fosters creativity, academic excellence, and social interactions, as exemplified by the features and facilities at the newly rebuilt Model Primary School at Christ the King School, on Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, which would be replicated in all local government areas. 

“We are doing the same, in the healthcare sector, with the soon-to-be commissioned model healthcare centre, located in Ikot Nkowk, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area,” he stated.

Eno called on the people to continue to live in peace and unity and avoid tendencies that seek to divide the state, adding that politics was long gone, and it was time for governance.

He urged the people to eschew every form of hatred, whipping non-existence schisms and demonizing its leaders and symbols of authority, and lend a helping hand to the less privileged during the festivities.

“From Ibibio to Annang lands, to Oro Nation, to Obolo, we are united and shaped by the language of love and unity. We are homogenous. Therefore, let no one throw a poisonous substance into our otherwise calm waters of unity and kindred spirit.

“We will continue to flow with the waves of love and amity and as you celebrate this day, please remember to reach out to those who may have fallen on the rough patches of life,” he said.