•Governor Umo Eno (right)
TONY UDOH, Uyo reporting
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investors and businesses to thrive.
Speaking at the official opening of Kaybi Beverage Industries Limited, producers of Kayora Premium Water, Eket, he commended the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olukayode Awosika for coming to invest in the state.
He said the state was constructing roads, and opening up the rural communities to enhance access, stressing that currently, there is no local government area without government presence through one project or the other.
Governor Eno noted that many years ago, the same premises used by the company, was used by Dr. Pepper, and expressed delight that another indigenous business was taking shape on the same facility through the efforts of a descendant, describing the development as a divine arrangement rather than a coincidence.
The governor said what was happening at the facility was a strong message on the power of vision, continuity and enterprise, adding that the investment will be adequately protected and positioned to make meaningful impact on the lives of the people.
Making reference to his experience in the hospitality industry, he observed that there remains a huge demand for quality water and assured the promoters of government’s support towards the successful growth of the business.
He expressed confidence that with the quality of individuals behind the project, the company would produce water that meets international standards, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting small and medium-scale businesses to thrive across the State.
In their separate remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Awosika, and the Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Ebi Awosika said the ARISE Agenda and its impact has greatly motivated their decision to invest in the state, and appreciated the governor for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
They disclosed that the company seeks to become a world class and leading beverage manufacturing company operating from Akwa Ibom State and serving the world.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akaniyene Tommey appreciated the governor for creating an enabling environment which has attracted and motivated people to invest in the state.
He noted that the facility, was formerly used by the producers of a popular beverage called Dr. Pepper, adding that a recent tour of the premises revealed that the business has transformed and has lifted many families out of poverty through employment and economic opportunities.
Hon. Tommey assured that the business is safe in Eket and that the local government will support the business to achieve its vision.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, HRM, Edidem E.C.D. Abia, appreciated the governor for honouring them with his presence to commission the facility and for his numerous life-touching projects in the area.
At the event were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakeneyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, and other government officials.
