Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged residents of the state to embrace peace, love and unity in the interest of sustainable development.
Eno made the call on Monday in a state broadcast marking the 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom’s creation.
He said that the dreams of the state’s founding fathers could not be realized in an atmosphere of disunity and lack of love.
“As we celebrate 37 years of the creation of our state we should embrace peace, remain united, and treat one another with love, mutual respect and compassion.
“As a government, we are working hard to enthrone prosperity. Let us face these challenging times together and arise in glory as one people brought together by God,” he said.
The governor, urged Akwa Ibom people not to be separated by politics or ethnicity, saying,” let love bind us and shape our daily engagements with one another.”
Eno said that his administration was making efforts towards implementing programmes that would cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.
He said that efforts were ongoing to attract investors who would partner the state to set up Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) depots to reduce the cost of transportation.
“It does not make sense to buy CNG buses that will not have refilling depots, doing so will defeat the purpose of the initiative,” he said.
The governor warned petrol marketers selling products above the approved pump prices to desist or face the full resistance of the state government.
He said that a task force would soon be constituted to monitor irregularities being perpetrated by filling stations in the state.
Speaking on the Ibom Deep Sea Port project, Eno said that construction of access roads and other facilities were underway to make the environment conducive for investment.
“We are working tirelessly to woo investors to key into this great investment.
“We have awarded the contract for the construction of security fence and other infrastructure at the Ibom Industrial Park project.
“This project will provide employment opportunities for thousands of our youths and also drive entrepreneurial spirit in our people,” he said.
He further said that work would soon begin on the 19-Storey Ibom Towers project and the Ibom three-star Hotel project in Abuja.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to govern the state with love, and to utilise resources for the good of the people prudently. (NAN)
