Gov. Umo Eno laying the foundation stone.
…charges youths to be responsible, productive
By Anietie Akpan
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the construction of the State Judiciary Village with a view to giving judicial officers a convenient accommodation to enhance their job delivery.
Flagging off the estate located along Idongesit Nkanga Avenue (Ring Road III) in Uyo, the Governor described the Judiciary Village project as a product of his administration’s inclusive governance.
“This village speaks to our faith in inclusive governance. The Judiciary plays a critical role in advancing the development of our people and our dear State,” he remarked.
The Governor acknowledged the seamless and robust relationship his administration has with the Judiciary to enable them serve the people better.
“For two years, we have had and have continued to have a robust collaborations with the Judiciary in our determined efforts to provide the dividends of democracy in line with our governance blueprint –the ARISE Agenda, for our people.
“Even though we respect the time-tested principles of separation of powers, but on the issue of growth and shared prosperity of our dear State, the deepening of our peace, unity, and the promotion of inclusive governance, we are all on the same page,” he explained.
According to the Governor, the Judiciary complex is his administration’s special way of ensuring that the State judicial officers live in an environment that is safe and secure to help them execute their prescribed constitutional roles of interpreting the law and ensuring that the people live in an ordered and law-abiding society without fear.
“They didn’t ask for it, but we felt we needed to do it. It is not only Judiciary quarters that we are building. Two days ago, I had the privilege of commissioning the first of the 31 Local Government Council Chairmen’s residences, which commenced at Eket. Work will now start in the remaining 30 Local Government Areas.
“Our belief is that for the Local Government Chairmen to function effectively, and be responsive to the need of the people that they are elected to serve, they must live with the people. You can’t be the village head of a particular village for instance, and decide to live in another village to oversee the affairs of your people and the village. You must live with your people.”
Pastor Eno announced plans to flag off the Legislative quarters and another one for State Executive Council members, saying that the gesture is to underscore the priority given to the welfare of all the partners in the Akwa Ibom Project.
The Governor used the occasion to call on the youths in the State to take advantage of the ongoing building of over 400 houses in the State to better their lot.
“Apply and be part of the building of these facilities, be it the Medical Village, the Aviation Village, the Judiciary village, the Council Chairmen’s quarters, the Arise Resort, or the International Convention Centre and Hotels. These works are everywhere for the engagement and empowerment of our youths. Let our youths be responsible and productive to build themselves through all these opportunities,” he urged.
He stated that his administration is committed to changing the narrative on youth development, adding that there are data to show the number of youths empowered through business grants, entrepreneurial development, trade and agricultural grants as well as equipment supports.
He cautioned the youths to avoid fomenting trouble in the State in the name of fighting for their groups as the Government will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone in any guise trying to deprive the State of its inherent peace.
“We are here to help serve our people. I am ready to support those who are ready to work. I am ready to ensure that we support our young people to work. So, endeavour to go to the portal to register and apply for what you are qualified for and interested in, and we will surely oblige you after our evaluation processes.
“Kindly take advantage of the job opportunities that we are creating for our people. So, I call on members of our support groups and all other qualified people to take advantage of these opportunities. We will not be allocating jobs on the basis of political party or group affiliations. We are running a united Akwa Ibom, and we are giving equal opportunity to everybody.
“Today’s flag off marks our first major task that I am executing on the first day that begins our third year in office. In the coming days and weeks, we will keep flagging off projects across sectors, and put the building blocks on our march to preparing our State beyond oil through strategic investments in tourism and digital economy.
The State Chief Executive warned the people against encroaching on government lands or building on unapproved lands or water ways as such buildings will be brought down by Government without any compensation.
“It is your responsibility to do a search on the property that you want to buy. Please, don’t buy or build on any land without getting your proper approvals.
He appreciated the people of Ifa Ikot Okpon for securing the land for the government, and implored the judicial officers against allowing non judiciary officers to have accomodation in the estate, as the buildings are specifically meant for them and not for any other individuals.
Earlier, the Chairman, Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh, thanked Governor Eno for his understanding of the role of the Judiciary in safeguarding the nation’s democracy and for considering them in the list of beneficiaries of his good governance.
He appreciated the Governor for his vision to provide a befitting residence to enhance efficiency and productivity in their jobs, stating that the gesture will impact positively in the welfare and productivity of the Judges.
Expressing the sentiments of the Judiciary, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ekaette Obot appreciated the Governor for his passionate vision for the Judiciary and the Judges in her time, describing the Governor as a promise keeper.
She congratulated the Governor on his second anniversary in office, describing him as a father to every Akwa Ibom person, irrespective of tongue, tribe, party affiliation, religious or social status.
She thanked the host community, Ifa Ikot Okpon, for willingly and sacrificially providing the land for the project to help actualize vision of the Governor for the State.
The flag off ceremony was witnessed by members of the State’s Executive Council, business moguls, members of the political class, traditional rulers, and the general public.
