April 11, (THEWILL) – The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has instituted an interest-free loan to the tune of N200 million to cushion the effect of the prevailing economic hardship on non-indigenous traders engaging in different businesses in the state.
The governor unveiled the gesture, when he led the Muslim community in the state to an Iftar, at the Government House banquet hall, yesterday.
According to him, the gesture was in continuation of a tradition he had upheld long before he became the Governor of the state.
Led by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Council of Islamic Affairs (AKCIA) which comprises, the Chairman, League of Imams in the state, Imam Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, Sarakin Hausawa, Uyo, Alhaji Maruf Olobode Sani, Imam Ibrahim Okesina, Imam Bello Dahiru, the Governor expressed appreciation to the Muslim community for their support during his election, last year and for maintaining the harmonious relationship that has existed in the State.
“Last year, when we had this same meeting in Eket, and I said that, if by the Grace of God, and with your support we win the elections, that this year’s Iftar, will be done in Government House.
“We thank God that He answered our prayers.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Arewa Community for your support during the elections. It was a massive support. And so if someone did something profoundly significant for you, it’s always good to reach back and say thank you, which is what we are doing this evening.
“We hope to go round all the groups; the Yoruba community, the Igbos and Niger Delta to tell them thank you.
“It was a tough election, but you stood your ground and supported us.
“I remain eternally grateful and will always work to improve the living conditions of the poor, the vulnerable and those in the rural areas.
“We have a long history of living together, doing business together and trusting each other, and I would like to appeal now that the rains are here, and people are going back to the farms, that we continue to work together to ensure that the herders would conduct their business without destroying people’s farms because we want to grow more staple foods to feed everyone here. We are not saying, don’t do your business, but in the business world, we always say: You must mind how your business affects my business so we can all live harmoniously in peace and brotherhood as we have always done”, the Governor stated.
Announcing the N200m interest-free loan, the governor said that the same would go to the Arewa Community, the Yoruba Community; the Igbo and other Niger Delta communities.
The details of loans would be worked out shortly, the Governor had emphasised.
The Governor used the opportunity to appoint Mr Emmanuel Ogbole as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Non-Indigenes’ Affairs and Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya as the Special Assistant, Arewa Community.
He also announced that he will soon appoint Special Assistants for the Yoruba, Igbo and Niger Delta communities.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the League of Imams, Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq thanked the Governor for the love and cordial relationship that has existed with the Muslim community in the State.
“We are a people from diverse origins across Nigeria, all living here peacefully and securely in Akwa Ibom State under your leadership.
“We know some states are struggling with cases of insecurity. But here, we have enjoyed peace and Your Excellency, in continuing with the maintenance of peace had proactively come up with such a vision as represented by the Community Watch and the setting up of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, headed by a retired general of the Nigerian Army, Gen. Koko Essien rtd.
“We are proud of your visionary approach to governance, especially as it concerns the rural dwellers and we pray Allah should grant you more wisdom to carry on.
“Our gathering here today with you is not the first, second or third. You have graciously been breaking fast with us as a private citizen, a community leader and a statesman, year in, year out. It is, therefore, not surprising that you extended the same invitation for us to join you in Government House for this year’s Iftar.”
The Imam prayed for the Governor and his family, the State, the Exco and the people of the State.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the SSG, the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, the Director General of the Campaign Organisation and Government Business, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, the Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement ( MPM), Engr Uwem Okoko of Hensek integrated Services, Elder Aniekan Akpan, the Chairman of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince (Dr) Godwin Ntukude, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola, the Head of NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State Command, several Commissioners led by the Dean of Commissioners, Sir Monday Ebong Uko, among others.
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