•Governor Umo Eno (C)
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared a state of emergency on the revamped Ibom Paint, formerly known as Peacock Paints.
The governor made the declaration at the commissioning of the company’s revamped manufacturing facility located in Etinan Local Government Area.
He appointed his Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneural Development, Mr. Ime Uwah, as the Sole Administrator of the company, while commending him for his commitment to the restructuring and overhauling process.
The governor commended the managing director, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, for his passionate effort, which, according to him, has translated the government’s vision of revamping the company into reality.
“A few months ago, during one of our project review meetings, the issue of the resuscitation of Ibom Paint came up, I remember asking for a commitment from Pastor Imoabasi Jacob on whether we can really resuscitate this place. He came back and said, “yes we can,” and this time, like everyone has said, permanently.
“What this place needed or required is what it now has, dynamic management, devoid of too many distractions.
“I have declared a state of emergency on Ibom Paint, and the sole administrator is Honourable Ime Uwah. He is the one that will run this factory. He has produced results in the last three months. This place will engage our young people, and so it is important we keep it alive,” he said.
Governor Eno directed all state government project handlers to patronise Ibom Paint, adding that the company has a ready market given the numerous ongoing and soon to be flagged off projects in the state.
He assured that government under his leadership will continue to partner with AKICORP to ensure that all state-owned enterprises begin to function optimally.
Governor Eno urged youths to support the development and take advantage of the numerous available opportunities for their individual good and the state in general.
Earlier, while giving an overview of the company, Pastor Jacob appreciated the governor for the opportunity to embark on revamping the company, adding that what used to be called Peacock Paints has been completely taken over by the state government which now has a 100 per cent shareholding.
He said prior to the overhaul, the facility was a monumental waste, stressing that the event was not just a commissioning but a celebration of resilience and visionary leadership by the governor who, he said, has given life to the dead and abandoned facility.
He noted that the company is certified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, and has put in place an Enterprise Resource Planning model to ensure proper integration and management of various aspects of the company, especially in the areas of finance, human resources, manufacturing, supply chain and sales.
He further said the solid structure put in place is to make Ibom Paints sustainable and profit-making.
In their separate remarks, the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, Obong Paul Ekpo, the Political leader of Etinan LGA, Isantim Kenneth Okon, member representing Etinan State Constituency, Hon. Uduak Ekpo Ufot, Etinan Local Government Chairman, Hon Uko Umo, and Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. Ubong Inyang, appreciated the governor for revamping the company and the numerous projects sited in the area, and assured him of their continuous support for the company to grow.
On his part, the newly- appointed Sole Administrator, Uwah, also appreciated the governor for the opportunity to be part of the making of history, and assured that his team will put in their best to ensure the sustainability of the revamped company.
