Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has been commended for taking good governance to the grassroots in the state through the several development initiatives to open up rural communities in the State.

The Supervisory Counsellor for Social Development and Welfare in Etinan Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Umoh made the commendation in Uyo during a chat with newsmen on Thursday.

Hon. Umoh, praised the Governor for impacting on the people especially, the welfare of workers through timely release of their emoluments/pensions and gratuities, financial grants to entrepreneurs, scholarships and other packages to the elderly and downtrodden etc has endeared him to the people.

He said, the recent release of N4.755 Billion among other financial releases was another bold attempt in fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises to the electorate.

Hon. Umoh also noted that, his regular payment of gratuities, prioritization of welfare of civil servants in the state, and passionate commitment to the development of highly educated and skilled populace as a focal point of the Arise Agenda stands Governor Umo Eno out people – oriented leader.

According to him, “so far, the Governor has authorized immediate release of the sum of N4.755 Billion in pursuit of welfare of workers to cushion the effect of current economic hardship as the breakdown is shown below;

“N2.3 billion for payment of gratuities for retired state civil servants, primary school teachers, and local government workers.

“N1.1 billion as one – off payment for Wardrobe Allowance of 20, 345 public primary school, technical colleges,  and secondary school teachers.

“N1billion payment of bonuses N20, 000 each to 52, 000 public service workers, as announced by the Governor during the just concluded Public Service Week 2024”.

Others he said are, “the release of N79 million for the award of full scholarship to four indigenes studying Standard Pilot and Standard Air Traffic Control Courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State.

“N104 million for payment of 2024 primary school teachers’ Leave Grant and N172 million severance gratuity for Chairmen and Vice – Chairmen of local government councils from 2018 – 2022”.

On agriculture, he explained that, the governor is passionately pursuing agriculture under his ARISE agenda vigorously that is the reason, he declared work – free day for civil servants in the state to maximize 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month to farm towards increase in food production in addition to the Shanghai Farming in the 31 LGA,s in the state.

All these, are attempts by the governor to open up the rural communities and make life hunger – free.

Hon. Stanley Umoh, who represents Southern Iman Ward 1, in Etinan Local Government Council also thanked the political leader of Etinan, Isantim Kenneth Okon, Etinan Local Government Chairman, Hon. Uko Umoh and House of Representatives Member for Etinan, Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Paul Ekpo for their contributions in the development of the area, and called on the people to continue with their support to the governor to deliver good governance to the state.