Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the construction of the Ibom International Market in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic investment aimed at expanding economic opportunities and supporting the people of the state in their pursuit of prosperity and self-reliance.
The Governor performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the proposed site of the market in Ikot Ekpene, one of the major commercial nerve centers of Akwa Ibom State, where he stated that the project is a key component of his administration’s economic development blueprint under the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking at the event which attracted a large crowd of traders, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, Governor Eno said his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for business to thrive, while also ensuring that development is spread across all parts of the state and not concentrated in Uyo alone.
According to him, the Ibom International Market, when completed, will serve as a modern commercial hub that will accommodate thousands of traders, provide adequate facilities for buying and selling, enhance inter-state and intra-state commerce, and position Ikot Ekpene as a major trading destination in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria.
He explained that the market is designed to be more than just a trading center, as it will incorporate modern infrastructure such as warehouses, cold rooms, fire service station, adequate parking spaces, water supply, power supply, security facilities and good access roads that will make business activities seamless and attractive to investors from within and outside the state.
Governor Eno noted that the decision to site the international market in Ikot Ekpene was informed by the historical commercial importance of the town, which has for decades been known as a center of trade for agricultural produce, textiles, building materials and other commodities, attracting traders from neighboring Abia, Imo and Cross River States.
He assured the people that his administration will ensure timely completion of the project through proper supervision, accountability and partnership with competent contractors, stressing that the market is not a political project but an economic investment that will outlive his administration and benefit generations to come.
The Governor also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees in the state, disclosing that his administration has so far released a total of N100 billion towards the settlement of outstanding gratuities owed to retired workers in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the payment of gratuity arrears is a demonstration of his administration’s compassion and respect for senior citizens who dedicated their productive years to the service of the state, adding that it is morally wrong for retirees to suffer after serving the state meritoriously for decades.
According to Governor Eno, the payment of gratuities and the execution of projects like the Ibom International Market are all part of his deliberate efforts to fulfill the promises he made during his electioneering campaign and to establish a stronger, more resilient economic foundation for Akwa Ibom State.
He explained that under the ARISE Agenda, which is the economic blueprint of his administration focusing on Agricultural revolution, Rural development, Infrastructural maintenance, Security and Education advancement, deliberate steps are being taken to diversify the economy, create jobs, empower the youth and improve the living standard of the people.
The Governor further stated that his administration is working hard to attract private sector investment, boost internally generated revenue and reduce over-dependence on federal allocation, noting that projects like the international market will not only create direct jobs during construction but also provide sustainable livelihoods for thousands of families after completion.
Stakeholders who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony commended Governor Eno for his vision and people-oriented approach to governance, describing the Ibom International Market as a long-awaited project that will transform the economic landscape of Ikot Ekpene and its environs and bring development closer to the people.
They pledged their support and cooperation towards ensuring the successful completion of the project, assuring the Governor that the host community will provide the necessary peaceful atmosphere and will take ownership of the project to ensure its protection and proper utilization.
With the flag-off now completed, expectations are high among traders and residents that the Ibom International Market will soon become a reality, as the people of Ikot Ekpene and Akwa Ibom State at large look forward to the economic prosperity and commercial vibrancy that the project is expected to bring to the state.
