As Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno is set to celebrate his 60th birthday, a foremost support group, Connect Initiative has concluded plans to empower 60 vulnerable Akwa Ibomites drawn from across the 31 Local Government Areas.
Connect Initiative, a socio-political group of entrepreneurs and professionals is marking the 60th birthday with empowerment in line with the compassionate disposition of the Governor.
The empowerment programme scheduled to hold in Uyo, the State capital on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 will witness the presentation of financial support to the beneficiaries.
A statement by the Connect Council noted that “knowing full well His Excellency’s modest and humble disposition, we totally agree with his decision not to throw any huge party when many of our people are struggling to meet their basic needs, which has led the state government to establish the Bulk Purchase Agency and introduce a Food Sufficiency Intervention Programme which involves the distribution of free staple foodstuff: rice, beans and garri.
“For us at Connect Initiative, we believe we should support this noble vision of giving a boost to people at the grassroots. We believe that by helping these people develop, the beneficiaries can gain the power to sustain their livelihoods, achieve self-sufficiency and also contribute their quota to the development of our dear state.
The statement further stated that “Governor Umo Eno has been in the forefront of efforts engendering business and economic growth with the creation of different initiatives including the establishment of the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom-LED) aimed at cutting down poverty figures and providing unique opportunities for youths interested in making a career of their talents, thus his idea of not feeding them fish but teaching them how to fish is commendable.”
Connect Initiative which was one of the groups that campaigned vigorously for Governor Umo Eno at the last gubernatorial election noted that in line with its pay-off line “connecting the dots,” it will henceforth be linking government’s programmes to the people at the grassroots with innovative and value-added projects that would have direct impact on the people.
