A socio-cultural organisation, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI), has called for transparent implementation of Governor Umo Eno’s N31 billion economic empowerment fund.

This is contained in a statement by Idongesit Ikono, the organisation’s International Public Relations Officer in Uyo, on Tuesday.

Recall that Mr Eno recently released N31 billion to empower youths, women, traders, farmers, transport operators and petty traders across the state.

Mr Ikono urged the implementation committee to be strict and committed to realising the essence of the programme.

“We expect the implementation to be guided strictly by merit, fairness and equity. It should ensure that genuine beneficiaries are identified through an open and verifiable process.

“It is our expectation that the process will be completely away from partisan politics, favouritism and undue influence,” he said.

The MMI spokesman said that the allocation of N1 billion to each LGA underscored the Eno-led government’s ‘unprecedented commitment’ to grassroots development, social inclusion and shared prosperity.

He described the release of the fund by the governor as a practical demonstration of purposeful leadership and commitment to the people’s wellbeing.

“As an organisation, we are happy that the empowerment programme also targets skills acquisition for youths and women.

“With an estimated 165,912 beneficiaries, this intervention can deepen entrepreneurship, stimulate local enterprise, enhance agricultural productivity, and create sustainable employment,” he said.

Mr Ikono said that the intervention would inject fresh momentum into the state’s economy, strengthen small businesses, and expand agricultural production.

He urged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with a deep sense of responsibility and not see it as an opportunity to share from public funds.

The spokesperson expressed the organisation’s commitment to supporting policies and programmes that promote the welfare of Akwa Ibomh State people. 

(NAN)