•Governor Umo Eno
Governor Umo Eno has breathed a new life into the State-owned paint factory located in Ikot Ekan, Etinan LGA, formerly known as Peacock and rebranded it as Ibom Paints.
In his commitment to furthering the projects of his predecessors, the moribund Peacock Paints company has returned to the market as Ibom Paints.
This development followed a three month timeline given to the Akwa Ibom Investment Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to revitalize the moribund company to create jobs for the teeming youths.
The rebranded paint was presented to the State Governor by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mr. Ime Uwah, at the second Monthly Delivery Meeting of the state held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
The governor commended the team led by Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob for meeting up the timeline of three months to revitalize the company.
He said the Ibom Paint already has a ready market given the numerous projects of the State Government ranging from the estates, road pavements and compassionate homes.
The governor who has remained the number one brand promoter of all the State’s products, called on all handlers of different projects in the State to patronize the Ibom Paint.
He commended the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong who had reportedly patronized the brand for the painting of the ongoing Chairman’s resident in Eket Local Government Area.
The governor however, advised the team to develop a good business plan that would enable the company to be self sustaining.
Recall that at the State Executive Council Ministerial Briefing and End-of-Year Review held between December 16 to December 18, 2024, the Governor had mandated AKICORP to ensure that the company is revitalised.
At the second Monthly Delivery Meeting, the governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the over 40 new and impactful projects initiated across various sectors in the State.
He urged Commissioners and Delivery Advisors to take their assignments seriously and ensure that the projects are delivered according to specification and timelines.
“Let me add here that we are executing these projects without borrowing a kobo from any bank. While we may not foreclose the possibility in the future of borrowing to complete projects, but I wish to state here that, through prudent management of resources, such as trimming the size of government and elimination of wastages, we are able to free up resources for us to undertake these audacious and impactful projects.”
The governor who had invited some stakeholders to be part of the meeting, as part of his strict adherence to the spirit of inclusivity, said “I am sure that with the presentations today, you will be convinced that truly, Akwa Ibom is rising and on the right trajectory- and by the time we finish our first term, and our people reward us with a second term, we will indeed be the sub-national to beat in Nigeria.”
Appraising the different presentations including the progress of work at the Industrial Park, Ewet Luxury Garden, Ibom City Bus, Ikot Ekpene Market, Ibom Hotel, Abuja, Ibom Sports Academy, rebranding of Ibom Paint, staff and pensioners verification exercise and the proposed ARISE Shopping City, AKBC House, and others, he urged the delivery advisors not to relent in their efforts to meet the target deadlines.
The Governor likened the delivery meeting to a situation room, as obtained in other climes – where critical developmental decisions are taken and deliverables and outcomes tabled.
He appreciated the stakeholders present for taking part in the meeting.
In his remark, Senator Ekong Sampson representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly and Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development said the meeting was an experience for him, adding that having served in the State Executive Council and now Senate, the development was novel and laudable.
He said the administration has a very good road map for development of the State, adding “We are proud of you and we will continue to support you for eight years. You have the full support of Abuja for eight years.”
Also speaking, Ambassador Asam Asam SAN, appreciated the Governor for the invitation to be part of the meeting, saying it was “an opportunity to help us see what you are doing from inside. There is no one who would leave here without knowing that you are charting a good course.”
On his part, Senator Effiong Bob said he was delighted at the development, and the decision to appoint Delivery Advisors, adding that he has no regrets for the decision to be the Governor’s “guarantor.”
Also at the meeting were the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Aniekan Akpan, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council, Delivery Advisors, Board Chairmen and Heads of agencies.
