Akwa Ibom Govt. budgets N20b for Cottage Industries in 2011

Source: pointblanknews.com
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Godswill Akpabio



Godswill Akpabio
Akwa 1bom Government has allocated N20 billion in this year's budget for the establishment of cottage industries in the 31 local government areas in the state to address the problems of restiveness among youths in the Niger Delta and acute unemployment facing most people.

Chief (Dr.) Godswill O. Akpabio disclosed this Thursday night at a fund-raising dinner for his re-election in 2011 at the Le Meridien and Golf Resort, Nwaniba said this was part of his administration's policy to ginger the siting of a cottage industry in each local government area during his second term in office.  

Akpabio explained that this would be done through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in collaboration  with the private sector.

In addition, the Governor pledged to establish an Olympic-sized stadium, new airport terminal and construct the third Ring Road to an international standard.

He used the opportunity to debunk allegations of frosty relationship between him and the Deputy Governor, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, describing his deputy as an excellent gentleman and a hard worker. 

Akpabio explained that he decided to change his deputy for Nsima Ekere from the same local government area based on history and foundation.

Recalling that prior to the 2007 general elections, he had chosen Nsima Ekere as his deputy but he was compelled to drop him due to a truce reached by the erstwhile governor to produce the deputy governor, stating that ''Ekere stepped down with candour and grace''.

According to him, the present Deputy Governor has graciously accepted the change, noting ''I have worked with him closely. This change was done in consultation with the current Deputy Governor''.    

 
The Governor thanked the guests for responding to the invitation and for donating generously to his re-election, saying ''I am delighted to partner with you. I hope the government has struck the right bond of partnership in bringing you to this ceremony''.

The Chairman of the Occasion and Chief Launcher, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba described the governor as a person who has made Akwa Ibom people, a young man who has made South/South proud and a man who has empowered the downtrodden.

Chief Anabraba who called on people in the state to vote massively for Chief Godswill O. Akpabio during the April general elections announced a donation of N50 million from 50 friends.

The Director-General of Godswill Akpabio Campaign Organisation 2011, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga commended the people for donating towards the campaign project, and stressed the need for the people to vote for Jonathan/Akpabio during the forthcoming elections.

More than N400 million was realized during the fund-raising ceremony.