Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has earmarked N800 million to empower non-indigenous communities comprising Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, and other Niger Delta residents, amongst others.
Governor Eno also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity, ensuring that all residents, regardless of ethnic background, feel valued and empowered to contribute to the state’s growth and development.
The governor stated this while addressing members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo World-wide, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, at the Igbo Unity Day Celebration held at Ibom Hall arena, Uyo, the state capital.
Eno noted the fact that some of their members were born in Akwa Ibom, and having established their businesses in the state as well, should be treated as part and parcel of the state.
He commended the leadership of the Igbo community for engineering unity amongst themselves, and for embracing peace and unity which has become the hallmark of the current administration, stressing that with unity, a lot could be achieved for their overall good.
The governor, who himself was born in Enugu State, also commended the Igbos for their entrepreneurial spirit which he described as impressive and exemplary.
“The Igbo people here are part of our social fabric; they have added value to our community through their remarkable spirit of industry and brotherhood,” he stated.
He emphasised that, “Akwa Ibom State is fast becoming a melting pot where various cultures and tribes come together in a symphony of love, unity, and peaceful co-existence.”
According to him, the state has been able to achieve the feat because of the government’s intentional pursuit of peace, security, and hospitality, which the State now represents nationally.
The governor pledged to continue to partner the Igbo community as well as all non-indigenous communities to sustain the existing harmonious relationship, as long as they live in peace, obey the laws of the land, and do not involve in criminality.
President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state, Hon. Kayceey Chidiadi, commended Governor Eno for his visionary and impactful leadership, stressing that the peaceful and unifying attributes of the governor has permeated their forum and is responsible for the peace and unity in the community which had eluded them for many years.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for appointing their members into his government, admitting that such privilege has never been extended to them since the creation of the state.
Chidiadi assured the governor that the Igbo community was united in support of his re-election as well as that of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio.
