In a heartwarming gesture ahead of the festive season, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved an additional one-month basic salary for civil servants in December. The announcement was made during an enlarged State Executive Council Meeting held at the Governor’s Office in Uyo. The decision aims to bring joy to the hardworking civil servants during their Christmas break.
The approval was confirmed in a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ini Ememobong. Alongside this generous bonus, the government discussed key initiatives to enhance the state’s development. The Governor directed the reactivation of water works within Uyo metropolis and selected rural areas, emphasizing the importance of functional water facilities for the residents.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Finance presented the draft recurrent and capital estimates for the State Government for the year 2024, aligning with the policy thrust of supporting the execution of the A.R.I.S.E Agenda. The total budget, amounting to N840,632,409,990, was thoroughly deliberated and adopted by the Executive Council.
During the meeting, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, introduced software applications, including Geographic Information Systems (AKWAGIS), payment of bursary awards to undergraduates, and project monitoring and evaluation. These applications are designed to enhance the efficient administration of various programs, ensuring streamlined processes.
Governor Eno emphasized the importance of technology in plugging financial leakages within the governance system, urging the effective use of these tools. Moreover, the Executive Council expressed concerns about the hazardous operations of the Chinese company Golden Tripod Company, resolving to permanently close down the facility and allocate alternative land for their operations in the industrial estate at Itam.
In a bid to enforce local governance laws, the Executive Council directed the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to strictly ensure that all Principal Officers of Local Government Areas reside within their respective jurisdictions. This decision emphasizes the government’s commitment to efficient and accountable administration at the local level.
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