Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in line with the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking at the commissioning of 3E Arena and Gardens, at Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, the Governor said MSMEs are the economic backbone of every society.
He said MSMEs drive economic development by creating jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to poverty reduction, adding that with entrepreneurial efforts like 3E Arena, the unemployment rate would be reduced to the barest minimum.
He commended the Chairman of the board of 3E Arena and Gardens, Barr Edem Ekwo, for the initiative, noting that he has a long-standing relationship with the Ekwos, and described the Board Chairman as a father who mentored him early enough and has shaped his administrative abilities.
“I am glad to be here. I have known the Ekwos way back; we share a boundary, and again development has also overlapped, so that we don’t even know the boundaries between Nduo Eduo in Eket and Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. So I am not just here because I am a Governor, because even if I were not the Governor, I would have still been here,” he said.
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The Governor, who is a seasoned entrepreneur with a special interest in the hospitality industry, advised staff members of the outfit to be diligent and committed to their duties, saying, “What would make this place sell would be the attitude of staff. This is a hospitality outfit, and a lot depends on the staff.
“Your sincerity matters. Please don’t be in a hurry to make personal money. Encourage people to come here, and be diligent in your duties. The government supports and will continue to encourage MSMEs. So our being here today is to lend credence to hard work.
“We will continue to support MSMEs to ensure that they integrate and provide jobs for Akwa Ibom people. We will continue to support you as we also support other businesses in the State,” he said.
He directed his Chief of Protocol, Hon Otobong Edemidiong, to list the facility as one of the many such that the State would patronise from time to time.
Earlier, Barr Ekwo had said the commissioned events centre is more than an architectural accomplishment, which embodies enterprise, engagement, and excellence and is designed to bring people together across social, cultural, spiritual, and economic lines.
He commended the Governor for honouring the event, saying that his presence reflected his philosophy of leadership – accessible, people – focused, and commitment to tangible development.
Barr Ekwo also commended the Governor for his leadership disposition, saying, “Since assuming office, your administration has given practical expression to the ARISE Agenda through deliberate and measurable actions.
Also speaking, Prof Ntiedo Umoren, who, like the Governor and the Board Chairman, is an old boy of St Francis Secondary School, Eket, commended Barr Ekwo for the courage to venture into business.
He also appreciated the Governor for honouring one of their own, and assured that they will support in driving the business, and support the Governor to fully deliver on the ARISE Agenda.
