…Unveils AKSG Procurement Portal
By AmanamHillary Umo-Udofia and Charles Akpan.
In a significant move to bolster economic growth and support local entrepreneurs, Governor Umo Eno today inaugurated the ARISE Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme at the Uyo Township Stadium.
This initiative is a pivotal component of the broader ARISE Empowerment Programme, which aims to distribute over ₦5.1 billion in grants and equipment to farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs across the state with the ARISE Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme designed to assist 2,000 operators of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by providing equipment support and the distribution of 77 brand new mini buses and 31 brand new vehicles.
During the launch event which also witnessed the presentation of special awards, Governor Eno emphasized the importance of empowering local businesses to achieve sustainable development. He stated that the scheme is a deliberate approach to empower real and verifiable entrepreneurs, aiming to enhance the state’s economy through strategic investments in agriculture and MSMEs.
According to Governor Eno, “We are gathered this afternoon to continue our push to stimulate our economy through medium small scale enterprises. It is universally acknowledged that medium and small scale enterprises are the driving forces for the creation of a thriving middle class”
“I always say that the best legacy we ought to have after we might have by the grace of God finish our stewardship in full circle will be the number of lives we have positively impacted through Entrepreneurial support schemes, humanitarian interventions and other kitchen-table issues that will directly affect the lives of the people”
“We must continue to support the efforts of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in repositioning our economy and as we can see the economy is taking a turn for the best and we as a State have to play our part by encouraging the middle class to be able to get money at ease, have grants, support their businesses so that our families and our homes can continue to grow”.
“Following the successful outing we had at the Town-hall, I call it town square because that was more than a hall. We didn’t want to start selecting people to attend and those who must attend. In the days gone by, people used to gather in village square to receive announcements, so we now turn to town square. We have empowered about 178 Farmers that received a total grant of 111million Naira apart from the seed money that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture will give them”
“In Abak, petty traders and business owners were empowered with 5million naira each across the Federal Constituency, 198 craftsmen are now being provided at that federal Constituency with Empowerments”
He further unveiled a new procurement portal aimed at assisting contractors and builders to apply online for State jobs, urging indigenous contractors to visit the procurement portal as there are over 400 houses to be constructed this year starting from the Commissioner’s quarters, legislative and judiciary quarters as well as medical Village and Aviation quarters.
“We need people with cognate experience. when you apply, download your profile, tell us what you’ve done before, we will verify and then we will prequalify you to bid for this job”, Governor Eno added.
Earlier in an overview of the empowerment scheme, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. Ubong Inyang and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Enterprise Development, Mr. Ime Uwa described the scheme as a deliberate approach to empower genuine entrepreneurs while the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong on his part said the new procurement portal was borne out of His Excellency’s directive during the last Delivery Advisory meeting that henceforth every contract and procurement biddings are transparent.
Responding on behalf of the recipients of special awards and recognition, Dr. Joseph Peter Akpan who received the ARISE Academic Excellence award to study a Masters Degree oversees expressed deep gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for the honor bestowed upon them. He commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship, empowerment, and economic development in Akwa Ibom State.
Goodwill messages were received from the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and DG of Government Business, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, who all lauded Governor Umo Eno for providing guidance for budding entrepreneurs and supporting existing ones to expand. initiatives like the ARISE Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme, pledging the continuous support of Akwa Ibom people.
