Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued an Executive Order to initiate the commercial utilization of the state government-owned private jet as a strategic move to reduce governance costs significantly. During a prolonged State Executive Council meeting, the Governor instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, to implement this cost-cutting measure to curtail irregular expenses amid the prevailing economic challenges in the state.
The Bombardier model jet, acquired during the tenure of former Governor Godswill Akpabio, is set to transition from a government asset to a revenue-generating venture. Speaking to journalists after the SEC meeting, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, emphasized the decision’s necessity to optimize the jet’s utility in more viable and lucrative ventures while addressing the heightened costs associated with maintenance due to the volatile exchange rate.
The State Executive Council also deliberated on various issues, including a report on proposed dialysis and renal centers presented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Augustine Umoh. The report outlined the sites, buildings, and equipment required for the health facilities, which are expected to be established across the 10 federal constituencies of the state.
Additionally, updates on the state’s Social Register, educational materials production for public primary schools, ongoing reforms at the state investment agency, AKICORP, and the Akwa Ibom-United Kingdom Education Exchange Programme were discussed and approved during the summit.
Furthermore, the Executive Council ratified recommendations from the Finance and General Purposes Committee regarding the release of funds for additional works at the airport and ongoing road contracts in the state, highlighting the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in Akwa Ibom.
IMAGE: Punch
