In a continued effort to honour his campaign promise, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved the disbursement of an additional ₦6,432,924,257.62 to cover gratuities and other entitlements for retired workers in the state. This allocation underscores his commitment to ensuring the welfare of retirees and civil servants.
A detailed breakdown of the funds reveals that ₦1 billion has been allocated for gratuities of retired primary school teachers under the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Additionally, ₦500 million is earmarked for gratuities of retired local government workers, while ₦2,220,524,257.62 will address the gratuities, pension arrears, and en-bloc payments for state civil service retirees. Furthermore, ₦597.4 million will cover the 2014 leave grants for local government workers, and ₦2.115 billion will be used for leave grants for state civil service workers. This latest release brings the total funds disbursed by Governor Eno in July and August to over ₦6.4 billion.
Since taking office a little over a year ago, Governor Eno has allocated more than ₦28 billion towards gratuities and other entitlements, reinforcing his administration’s focus on improving the material well-being of the people, particularly the most vulnerable.
Governor Eno’s commitment extends beyond financial support. His administration has constructed and handed over 36 fully-furnished two-bedroom bungalows under the Arise Compassionate Homes Initiative to the poorest and most vulnerable residents. An additional 164 units are currently under construction, with plans to deliver 200 units in his second year and 400 by the end of his first term. In a bid to support civil servants, 150 out of 236 units at the Grace Homes Estate will be distributed to civil servants from grades 1-8 through a raffle draw, free of charge.
Through the Arise Elderly Care Initiatives, ₦50,000 is distributed monthly to 600 elderly residents across the state’s 368 wards. The state government is also providing bursaries to students in public tertiary institutions, grants for students with disabilities, and continues to pay WAEC fees, resulting in a significant increase in the state’s pass rate.
The Governor’s humanitarian efforts are complemented by major capital projects. These include the completion of road infrastructure inherited from previous administrations, ongoing construction of new road projects, and the flood control tunnel on Atiku Abubakar Way, which was commissioned last May.
Additionally, the audacious Arise Park, developed on a formerly desolate and erosion-ravaged ravine, stands as a testament to the Governor’s vision for the state. Plans are also underway to acquire two brand new CRJ-900 series Bombardier jets for Ibom Air, expand its fleet and routes, and develop landmark projects such as the 19-storey Ibom Towers in Lagos and a 3-star Ibom Hotel in Abuja.
