The Governor of Akwa Ibom state Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has appealed to the CBN to support the state in terms of monetary policy formulation by doing everything to bring down the cost of inflation in the country.
Eno made the appeal when he received the officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, led by the Director of Branch Operations Mrs Elizabeth Fasoranti, on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo.
He said their acknowledgement that they were very well received is part of sending the right signal to the world that the people of Akwa Ibom treat visitors well, give them respect that will endear them to come again.
“Actually, we are trying to build on the qualities that have made you to choose Uyo for the conference; to build on our tourism and hospitality potentials,” the Governor said, “The Beach in Ibeno and the Green River; the road that leads to the place is a bit bumpy but we are working towards opening it up as part of our strategic plans to boost tourism in our State.”
Eno continued, “That as people come to work, they can also find leisure,” saying that is what they have popularly call the “Happy Hour” because all worK without play makes jack a dull boy.”
Governor Eno who identified inflation as the bane of development said “That is why when people stop by to see us and ask for courtesies, we do everything to receive them.”
He used the occasion to explain that the prevailing inflation in the country has affected all aspects of life by stifling government as well as individual endeavours.
He told the CBN delegation that his government is working assiduously to transform the state to a tourist haven by consolidating on past administration’s strides in infrastructure and tourism.
Pastor Eno also announced government intention to construct the road leading to the Blue River to ease assessment of the tourist site.
Media Unit Government House, Uyo reports that the Director of Branch Operations Mrs Elizabeth Fasoranti, who commended the Governor for the warm reception, even as she nursed the hope of more fruitful engagements between government and the CBN.
Mrs Fasoranti said that that they were in Uyo for the 43rd Conference of the 37 Branch Comptrollers of CBN and decided to call on the Governor as a mark of courtesy to inform him of their stay in the state .
She said the good roads network, peaceful environment, hospitable nature of the people and healthy delicacies are some rare attributes that endear Akwa Ibom to the outside world.
According to her, the Uyo branch of the Apex Bank has undertaken renovation of primary school in Nsit Ubium, provision of portable water scheme in Ibesikpo and renovation of Ekemini Abasi orphanage in Abak as part of its Corporate Social Services in the state.
Mrs Fasoranti who acknowledged state government’s collaboration with the CBN branch over the years, pledged their readiness to partner government towards achieving greater success.
