AKSG Plans 5 New Cottage Industries (Posted: January 8, 2010)

By Essien Ndueso
S/A to AKS Commissioner for Information
08039529226

At least, five cottage industries are to be set up in Akwa Ibom State before the end of this year. Disclosing this yesterday(Thursday) at the Le-Meridien Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Uyo, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, Dr. Emem Wills said government was working assiduously to ensure the establishment of the industries before the end of 2010.

Dr. Wills who spoke at an interactive/ stakeholders� session held between members of the state executive council and the fact finding Akwa Ibom diaspora team, disclosed that Governor Akpabio had mandated his ministry to workout modalities for the setting up of the cottage industries before the end of the year.

Dr Emem Wills said this is borne out of the Governor�s determination to change the socio-economic condition of the state from its current civil service status, to an industrial hub, adding that the committee earlier mandated by the government to study the ailing industries in the state with a view of reactivating them was on course.

Briefing the team on the activities of government in relation to industrialization, the commissioner said the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state was a major step and a bold initiative of the Godswill Akpabio administration in attracting both foreign and local investments to the state. Citing the power project, roads, airport, Tropicana entertainment centre currently being executed by the state government, the Commerce and Industry boss noted that the critical infrastructure vigorously pursued by the government where major factors that will trigger investments.

Calling on the indigenes of the state in the Diaspora to come in and establish industrial concerns in the state; He assured them of government�s readiness to provide them with enabling environment to operate.

Dr. Wills also announced plans by government to assist over 100 small and medium scale enterprises in the state saying that adequate budgetary provisions have been made in this year�s budget for the purpose.

The event moderated by the State Information and Social Re-Orientation Commissioner, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, also had in attendance Mr. Eno Akpan, the Commissioner for Environment, Mrs. Eunice Thomas, Women Affairs and Social welfare, Mr. John Harry Youths and Sport, and Mr. Godswill Umoh, Economic Development who all took time to explain to the team the programmes and activities of their various minisries aimed at moving the state forward.

Mr. Aniekan Umanah announced plans by the government to reactivate the AKBC AM station at Abak, adding that government intends to upgrade the station to a status of a community radio operating on the FM(Frequency Modulation) band.

On the flood situation usually experienced in parts of the state capital in the rainy season, Mr. Eno Akpan announced that the flood problem usually experienced at Uruan Street will be a thing of the past by April this year as the contractor, Marlum Nig Limited, is mandated to execute the erosion control project on that axis.

Earlier, the team through its leader, Barr. Ikiddeh lauded the efforts of government in transforming the state and pledged to communicate with other indigenes abroad on the developments in the State.