March 01, (THEWILL) – The proposed Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency, when brought into operation, will fix and maintain assets owned by the state government including buildings, roads, equipment and land among others, Senior Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso has explained.
Essien explained yesterday while playing host to the new leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council in Government House, Uyo.
Ndueso insisted that Governor Umo Eno means well for the people, explaining that the proposed asset management agency is different from the existing Akwa Ibom Roads and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency because it sets to take stock and see to the functionality of all Government assets, including buildings, equipment and land.
Dr Ndueso stated that to ensure that the state’s assets are utilised and managed to ensure efficiency and avoid unnecessary spending, the proposed agency will set consistent rules for managing all state-owned things, except those already under private management.
The Governor’s aide who described the journalists as strategic partners in the Akwa Ibom project, intimated to them that the agency, when on board, will further create an asset register that meets international standards which will help track all government assets effectively.
He lauded the new chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Bassey Anthony, and his exco members for their commitment and support to the ARISE Agenda of the administration, adding that he was willing to work with them to help publicize the lofty ideals and programmes of Governor Umo Eno.
“If you are aware, the Governor is working tirelessly to alleviate the current situation of food and other commodities crises in the State, and one of such ways is the proposed setting up of the Bulk Purchase Agency which is soon going to be passed by the House of Assembly.
“That bill seeks to enable the Government to buy in large quantities and sell at a reduced rate for the people of the State, and also enables the Government to off-take crops harvested in the State from farmers.”
Commending the Chief Press Secretary and head of the Governor’s Media Unit Mr Ekerete Udoh for his robust leadership role in the Unit, Dr Ndueso urged the journalists to join in the campaign to encourage the people into agriculture, and other opportunities being initiated by Governor Eno.
Earlier the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Bassey Anthony had commended Dr Essien Ndueso for being one of their most dependable allies in government adding that they were very proud of his penchants for hardwork and dedication to duties.
He reiterated his previous pledge to the CPS, saying the new leadership of the chapel was ready to work with the Governor’s media team, towards effectively promoting the growth of the state.
“We are not out to play adversarial roles in media coverage of the Government but we will be constructive in ensuring that the Government fulfils its role of serving the people.”
Members of the visiting team were the Chairman of the Chapel, Bassey Anthony, Vice Chairman, Isaiah Eka, Udeme Utip, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Lovina Emole, Treasurer, Iniobong Ekponta, financial secretary, Emeka Ogenyi, Isaac Job.
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