Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has performed the ground breaking of the Ibom International Market located in Ikot Ekpene, a facility aimed at fast-tracking economic prosperity of the people.
The event also marked the turning of sod for the construction of the Market, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, a major commercial hub of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking, Eno noted that the turning of sod for the International Market was not a mere flag off, but the laying of a foundation for prosperity.
“We are building an infrastructure of opportunity. We are creating a platform upon which our traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, and young people can build on their dreams.
“This market will not merely be a place where goods are bought and sold, it will be a place where ideas will meet opportunities, enterprise will meet investment, and hard work will meet prosperity.
“That is the Akwa Ibom we are building. An Akwa Ibom where our people would not merely consume wealth, but create wealth.An Akwa Ibom where our people are not defined by the scarcity of opportunities, but by the abundance of possibilities.
“An Akwa Ibom where our indigenous products can compete confidently in national, regional, and international markets,” he said.
The Governor said 39 projects have been commissioned within 30 days in September, the anniversary month of the State, adding that there are many more ongoing projects that will be commissioned until May 29, 2027.
He lauded the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District for their support, recalling that they were the first to endorse him, as well as President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for re-election.
Governor Eno urged the people to remain peaceful despite the persistent perpetration of mischief by naysayers.
“We came to work for our people. We came to deliver on our mandate. We came to show our people that governance can be felt at the grassroots level.
“We came to show that our people at the rural communities can have water and homes, we came to show that we can have good hospitals with health insurance, we came to prove that good governance is possible.
“We came so that the people can feel the impact of good and selfless governance and we have demonstrated it across the 31 local governments areas of this State, and there is need to continue,” the Governor added.
Welcoming the Governor to the event, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Aniefiok Nkom, commended him for keeping to his campaign promises, and for his numerous life-touching projects in the area.
He said the international market will change the narrative of the area and the state in general, and reassured of their support for the Governor’s re-election as well as all APC candidates.
Giving the overview of the project, the Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Iniobong Ekong disclosed that the market has 30 modern standard blocks comprising a total of 1,200 shops, with 40 shops per block for retail and commercial activities.
Ekong noted that among other numerous facilities, the market also boasts of warehouses, borehole water system, a Police post, cold rooms, restaurants, administrative block, abattoir, and internal roads.
