Akwa Ibom state Government has approved the renaming of the Ministry of Economic Development, as Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, with a directive for the posting of an additional Permanent Secretary to the Ministry.
The state commissioner of finance, Aniekan Umanah who disclosed this while briefing Government house correspondents shortly after the meeting, said moving forward, the Ministry of Budget shall have two Permanent Secretaries: one for general duties and another specifically for Budget, to help in aligning budgeting and planning within one warehouse to ensure effective development of the State.
According to him, Governor Eno who presided over the meeting, tasked the newly sworn in Commissioners and Special Advisers on dedication and committed service in their respective Ministries, to help drive further and deepen the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
He disclosed that Ministries, especially the new ones, were also tasked to study all the pillars and components of the ARISE Agenda for proper understanding and target setting, hence to develop plans and set targets in line with the tenets of the ARISE Agenda.
Umanah noted that the executive Council also particularly tasked the Ministry of Sports to ensure the development of sporting activities, such as school sports and the development of sports academy, in fulfillment of the Governor’s campaign promise to the people, stressing that Council also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Women Affairs to hit the ground running and ensure accountability and effective mobilization of the women fold who are the greatest cheerleaders of government.
The information boss also announced that council approved for a review of the thirty-five new projects the Governor has earmarked to be flagged off between now and May 29, 2025, adding that people with institutional knowledge of each of the projects will be appointed as Delivery Advisors to align the conceptualization and actualization, as well as create the needed synergy for the flow of the projects through the various timelines.
Government house correspondent Jane Uwa reports that the commissioner explained that Council also took note of the proposed March date to flag off the Maritime corridor in Oron, which will include the sure protection project, construction of Jetties, ferry terminal, warehouse development, industry cold room and recreational facilities to help those doing business in the area.