Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has directed the State Investment Corporation, AKICORP to ensure immediate revitalisation of the moribund State-owned paint company, Ibom Paints, formerly known as Peacock Paints.
The Governor also disclosed plans to establish Ibom Oil Mineral Exploration Company to identify marginal fields and enhance active participation of the State in the oil and gas industry.
The Governor made these known during Day 3 and concluding events of the EXCO Ministerial Briefing/ End of Year review.
Gov. Eno explained that Akwa Ibom is rich in oil and other mineral resources, and therefore, must strive to have its rightful place in the oil and gas industry.
The Governor who is a seasoned entrepreneur noted that given the ready market for paint in the State, especially through the various projects of government, there was urgent need to revitalise the state-owned paints company , create job opportunities and revenue for the State.
Similarly, the Governor also disclosed plans to officially launch the Akwa Ibom Geographical Information System( AkwaGIS) Agency, under the Ministry of Lands and Town Planing to help in the ongoing process of digital land administration, Certificate of Occupancy and other land maters.
He noted that as a proponent of running government as a business, the 3 - day EXCO Ministerial briefing/end of year review was basically to look at the achievements in the past year, get some appraisal from the stakeholders and also learn from their inputs.
He commended the stakeholders for their participation, contributions and encouraging words, and assured everyone that the State under his leadership, will continue to run a transparent and an all inclusive government that is open to ideas with the determination to deliver on the ARISE Agenda for a better Akwa Ibom State.
"Let me on behalf of Government and people of our dear State thank all of you our stakeholders, elders, traditional rulers, CSOs, organized Labour and others for helping us review the last year and shaping our future.