The governor of Akwa Ibom state Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has emphasized the need for the youths to have handwork so that they can be recommended and engaged positively when his administration needs their services.
Governor Eno who hinted that his administration is planning to use indigenous contractors for the development of the state infrastructure, also pointed out that not every one can have appointments in Government.
Eno gave the hint while Flagging off 1.1km spring road project with 0.875km Outfall Drain, at the General Hospital Junction, Ikot Ekpene, North-northwest Senatorial District, South South Nigeria.
While tasking youths across the state to sharpen their skills and showcase their expertise for government patronage, Eno said. “What we are trying to do is to show the capacity of our youths.”
“I want the youths of Akwa Ibom to know that if we find them capable of doing anything positive that could contribute to our development we will use them to do those things,” he said.
“I think that is the message we are trying to send. It is not enough for youths to indulge in begging.”
“As we go round to community and rural based projects,” the Governor said. “we need those young people and it is important for them to go to the Ministry of Works to get registered.”
“Show us the samples of small things you have done and we will encourage you to do much more. Not every one can have appointments in Government,” he reiterated.
Pastor Eno who emphatically said that when his administration finds youth worthy that it will use him positively and it will give him something to do also told them that they can be an employer of labour.
“As it is today, you can imagine the number of persons this man will employ. He has given me three months, but I am giving him five months. I want to promise you, if we commission this road by end of January next year on that spot, I will give you another job. Please put in your best and follow the standard.”
He recalled his discussion with Engr. Uwem Okoko when he told him during the campaigns that he wants to produce more HENSEKs one of the indigenous construction companies in Akwa Ibom State.
He said it is the father of them all as far as Akwa Ibom is concerned but he insisted that his governmment needs to produce younger people.
Informing the people that selection of projects for execution is based on felt need and benefits to the greater number of the people. The governor said, “When we select projects, we don’t do it because we know anybody. We just look for the places that are affected and where it can touch the lives of the people. So we thank God that we are here today.”
The State Chief Executive warned companies undertaking various projects against compromising the Committee, saying that he would not hesitate to dissolve the Committee when the integrity is questionable and asked the construction firms to stop wrongful termination of drains to avoid erosion and water log experienced in some areas.
The government house press unit reported that the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, regretted the collapse of culverts on the Spring road which predisposed the area to erosion, Promising that the intervention will divert the water from Control post, Abak road to a low point passing through the outfall drain of 0.875km.
On her part, the Principal of Goretti Girls school, Dr Mrs. Eno Ekere, narrated how the construction of the road has brought succour to the school community.
And while describing the governor as a caring father, promise keeper, she said the school has been through untold hardship over time due the poor state of the road.