Wednesday 28 May 2014

“I will provide 50,000 jobs annually if elected governor” - Sen. Helen Esuene

“I will provide 50,000 jobs annually if elected governor” -  Sen. Helen Esuene
Senator Helen Esuene, a strong contender in the Akwa Ibom Gubernatorial race come 2015 has vowed to create at least 50,000 jobs annually for the teaming unemployed youths of the State if elected as Governor.

Speaking to newsmen in Eket on Thursday, the distinguished Senator representing Eket (Akwa Ibom South) Senatorial District in the red chambers of the National Assembly said that her promise to create jobs will be made possible through her industrialization policy and the establishment of trading clusters in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.

The Senator, who pundits describe as a possible successor to Governor Akpabio said further that the trading clusters will be built to encourage both skills acquisition and service delivery.
“Since it is almost impossible for government anywhere in the world to provide jobs for all of its people, we shall create the enabling environment through provision of facilities to our people to enable them start their own businesses”, she said, adding that industrialization will also play a prominent role in her employment plan.

“If elected, my administration will review the circumstances that led to the collapse and or abandonment of some industries in the State with a view to reviving them through the public private partnership (PPP)”.

“The collaboration of foreign investors would be sought to revive these industries while efforts will be made to take advantage of the enormous oil and gas endowments of the State to go into Petroleum related investments”, Senator Esuene said.

On how optimistic she is to emerge as the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State, she said that there is an unanimity of political opinion that her public and community service records put her in a good stead as a front runner in the governorship race, adding that her hard earned antecedents of 18 years unbroken, dedicated and meritorious service to fatherland makes her the most preferred over others who are presently campaigning for the hilltop mansion come 2015.

Esuene who  is the Chairman Senate Committee on Women and Youth Matters pointed out that the most Akwa Ibom people acknowledge the fact that she comes from a  heritage known to offer quality service to mankind, stressing that no one can deny the fact that her late husband, the late Brigadier General Udoakagha Jacob Esuene established an enviable model of governance in the then South Eastern State, a feat only equaled in distinction and impact by the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State, over 30 years after, by Obong Godswill Akpabio.

When asked if Chief Godswill Akpabio had given her the go ahead to aspire to the position of the next governor of the state, she said, “he has given me the go ahead. I discussed with him, he is not carrying me along right now”.

She disclosed that her desire to lead the State was further fired by the clear fact of her familiarity with the socio-political and economic terrain in the state, a prerequisite for good governance.

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