A’Ibom Explains Role of Proposed State Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The proposed Akwa Ibom State Infrastructure and Assets Management Agency, when operational, will fix and maintain assets owned by the state government, including buildings, roads, equipment, land, among others.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr. Essien Ndueso, stated this while playing host to the leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council at the Government House, Uyo.

Insisting that the state Governor, Umo Eno, means well for the people, he explained that the proposed asset management agency is different from the existing Akwa Ibom Roads and Other Infrastructure Maintenance Agency “because it sets to take stock and see to the functionality of all government assets, including buildings, equipment and land.”

Ndueso stated that to ensure the state’s assets are utilised and managed in order to ensure efficiency and avoid unnecessary spending, the proposed agency will set consistent rules for managing all state-owned things, except those already under private management.

The governor’s aide, who described  journalists as strategic partners in the Akwa Ibom project, said the agency, when on board, would further create an asset register that meets international standards which will help track all government assets effectively.

He lauded the new chairman of the Chapel, Bassey Anthony, and his Exco members for their commitment and support for the ARISE Agenda of the administration, adding that the he was willing to work with them to help publicize the lofty ideals and programmes of Governor Eno.

 He said: “If you are aware, the governor is working tirelessly to ameliorate the current situation of food and other commodities crises in the state, and one of such ways is the proposed setting up of the Bulk Purchase Agency which will soon be passed by the House of Assembly.

“That bill seeks to enable the government buy in large quantities and sell at reduced rate for the people of the state, and also enables government to off-take crops harvested in the state from farmers.”

Commending the Chief Press Secretary and head of the governor’s media unit, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, for his robust leadership role in the unit,  Ndueso urged the journalists to join in the campaign to encourage the people into agriculture and other opportunities being initiated by Governor Eno.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Bassey Anthony, had commended Mr. Essien Ndueso, for being one of their most dependable ally in government, adding that they are very proud of his penchants to hard work and dedication to duties.

He reiterated his pledge to the CPS, saying the new leadership of the correspondent chapel was ready to work with the governor’s media team towards effectively promoting the growth of the state.