By Henshaw NYONG, Uyo.
CHIEF Press Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, has commended Pastor Umo Eno for his compassionate leadership, emphasizing that the policies of the Cleric-turned governor are tailored for the benefit of the people.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday in Uyo, Udoh, the Best Overall Master’s Degree Graduate from Brooklyn City University of New York (CUNY), highlighted the successful implementation of the ARISE Agenda even as he described it as a transformative roadmap for the state.
His words: “The administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, has invested heavily in youth empowerment, human capacity development, and several other acts of compassion, which the entire world can see.”
He further revealed that the State Chief Executive had converted a proposed N2 billion loan scheme for market traders in Akwa Ibom into grants, stating that this decision was a clear demonstration of the Governor’s deep commitment to supporting the less privileged.
Flanked by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Anietie Usen, and the SSA on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, the CPS condemned what he described as “fifth columnists” who were bent on discrediting the Governor through false publications. He warned that such individuals would be exposed and held accountable.
“If God’s Grace has found you and His Excellency appoints you in his own magnanimity to contribute positively to the development of the State, please let’s do so faithfully and honestly,” Udoh said, urging all public officers to work in good faith.
In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State media consultant, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, highlighted the gargantuan achievements of Pastor Eno under the A.R.I.S.E. Agenda, focusing on Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security, and Education.
The former Commissioner for Information also announced the commencement of the second phase of the free food distribution exercise, noting that it now follows a more structured approach, with the Bulk Purchase Agency directly overseeing the distribution to vulnerable groups listed in the State’s Social Register.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, had commended Mr. Ekerete Udoh and his team for the media engagement, and pledged the continuous cooperation of the media as development partners in the state.
Etuk assured the CPS that journalists remain committed to fostering the growth of the State by reporting developments accurately and professionally.
The press briefing, which attracted a wide array of media personalities, had in attendance the new State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Edwin Ebiese; Press Secretary to the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Uduak Utip Ekong;
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Omen Bassey; Chairman, Federated Chapel of the NUJ, Comrade Nsibiet John and the Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers Akwa Ibom (COOPA), Mr. Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, alongside other media stakeholders.
