Gov Eno Hails MSMEs As Economic Backbone, Inaugurates 3E Arena

The Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has underscored the importance of investing in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as major growth drivers of any economy, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting small enterprises in line with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration.

Speaking at the commissioning of 3E Arena and Gardens, at Ibesikpo Asutan local government area weekend, the Governor said MSMEs are the economic backbone of every society, and urged independent entrepreneurs to align with the government’s vision of holistic development in the state.

He noted that the 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 commend the chairman of the Board of 3E Arena and Gardens, Edem Ekwo, for the initiative, recalling that he had a long standing relationship with the Ekwos, and described the  chairman as a father who mentored him early enough and 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 LGA, and Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium LGA. So I am not just here because I am a governor, because even if I was not the governor, I would have still been een here,” he said.

The governor who is a seasoned entrepreneur with special interest in the hospitality industry, advised staff members of the outfit to be diligent and committed to their duties, pointing out that, “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. Government supports and will continue to encourage MSMEs. So our being here today is to lay 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,” the governor stressed.

He directed his Chief of Protocol, Otobong Edemidiong, to list the facility as one of many such enterprises that the State would patronise from time to time.

Barr Ekwo, describing the commissioned events centre as “more than an architectural accomplishment which embodies enterprise, engagement, and excellence, and specifically 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 committed to tangible developments.

“Since assuming office, your administration has given practical expression to the ARISE Agenda through deliberate and measurable actions,” he noted.

Also speaking, Prof Ntiedo Umoren who, like the Governor and the Board Chairman, are the 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 them that they would support in driving the business and support the Governor in fully delivering on the ARISE Agenda.