Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has disclosed plans to establish a bulk purchase agency to checkmate the ever-increasing food prices, regulate the price of foodstuffs, and keep them within the reach of its citizens.
Governor Eno made the announcement during the Nigerian Unity Conference 2024, tagged “That We May Be One,” organised by the 10th Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
He said a bill to establish the Bulk Purchase Agency will be sent to the House of Assembly to convey legal status to the board and enable it to intervene and stem skyrocketing food prices in the state, adding that it will partner with the market associations to check food prices and encourage local producers to boost their productivity.
“By the grace of God, I am sending a bill to the House of Assembly to establish the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency. We feel that we need to intervene because of the prices of some staple foods, and we will do that intervention through the agency that will bulk purchase our staple foods and work with some market people.
“The agency will help bring in the food produce to enable us to control the price. We will also encourage our local producers. So our people can afford to buy food at controlled prices,” he stated.
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Governor Eno further announced the flagging-off of the construction of strategic roads across the three senatorial districts in the next two weeks.
The governor, who began his address with a song of gratitude to God, thanked the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for galvanising the young people and for their investment in the educational and health sectors.
He said, “I thank the church for supporting Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. They have invested heavily in our educational and health systems. They have helped galvanise our young people. I am proud of them and the work they have been doing. I thank you for hosting this conference in Akwa Ibom State. It could have been anywhere, and we celebrate you.
“I thank God for the support you gave to me during my campaigns and election period,” the governor added.
He thanked the Christian community for their support during the election and pledged his determination to continue to run an accountable, transparent, and all-inclusive government, adding that he would work harder to improve the health and educational systems in the state.
“We are committed to bettering our educational system and working on improving our primary health care system. From the end of this month, we will begin to commission some primary healthcare facilities.
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“In the next few weeks, we will be rolling out a full security architecture for our state. We will introduce new patrol vehicles to keep our people safe day and night.
“I once again thank God for the church and for partnering with us, as evident in the crusade organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). We have supported them by providing a free medical programme. The event is ongoing at Unity Park on Udo Udoma Avenue. I thank you,” he said.
Earlier, the Bishop and Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, Bishop Dr. Ricky D. Helton, thanked the Governor for honouring the church by attending the event.
Bishop Ricky, who appreciated God for the growth of the church, said that he was gladdened by the fact that the governor is a pastor and supports the church wholeheartedly.
He assured the governor of continuous support in prayers and prayed that God would continue to protect him and grant him wisdom to deliver on his mandate.
