By Our Correspondent
The Akwa Ibom State COVID 19 recovery and economic stimulus (Ak-cares) state steering committee has presented its scorecard on the second phase of the programme implementation in the state. The chairman of the Ak- cares state steering committee Mr Emem Bob Almond who is also the Commissioner for Economic development gave the score card during a one day stakeholders’ sensitization workshop on vetting and nomination procedures of the Ak-cares result area 3 for Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises (NMSEs) in Uyo senatorial district held at Edinan hotels in Uyo the Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday 8, 2024.
While addressing newsmen, civil society organisations and stakeholders on the scorecard so far for the program implementation for the second phase, Mr Emem Bob stated that the Ministry of Trade and investment through the bank of Industry has paid 231 beneficiaries a total of N31 million.
He also stated that 1950 beneficiaries were paid arrears of stipends for the months of December 2022 to April 2023 by the social transfer unit. He further stated that the Community and social development agency (CSDA) is currently verifying 1055 beneficiaries for payment of cash grant of N150, 000 each. He further stated that the first tranche of N18 million each to 11 communities to enable them execute two micro projects of their choice.
Explaining further, Mr Bob disclosed that FADAMA has successfully given out 20 tomato processing machines for two groups of 10 beneficiaries.
Earlier, while welcoming the stakeholders comprising entrepreneurs to the sensitization program, the commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr John James Etim hinted that the Ak-cares result area 3 is aimed at facilitating recovery and enhancing capabilities on NMSE’s in the state. According to him, Akwa Ibom State is focusing on providing employment and job creation grants to ailing NMSE’s.
While addressing stakeholders during the programme, the head of the implementation unit Mrs. Enobong Okponkpon charged the would be beneficiaries to ensure that the money they access from the Ak- cares programme is properly utilized to revive their businesses.
Present at the event were the permanent secretary, Ministry of Trade and investment, Mr Oliver Udoukpo who charged the participants to pay attention and ask questions where necessary during the workshop. Others were the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Economic development, Barrister Christopher Udoh. Also present at the event was the Chairman of the Centre for human right and accountability network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong, representatives of different delivery platforms, stakeholders, participants as well as resource persons.
