Akwa Ibom Commissioner tasks women on resourcefulness

Finance Commissioner, Akan Okon flanked by his wife Queen, receiving the Award of Excellence by the President of Iban Nnung Udo Inyang Development Association, Itu

 

 

Women have been  urged to take advantage of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprises funds underway to better their lot in the society.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon gave the charge at a civic reception in his honor by Itu women under the platform of Iban  Nnung Udo Inyang Development Association, at Government Primary School ,Mbiatok Itam, Itu Local Government Area.

He explained that the CBN funds is the intervention effort of the  federal government in partnership with States to strengthen the  entrepreneurial capacity  in the country which would in turn create jobs and boost the economy, adding that 60% of the funds are earmarked to support women entrepreneurship ,and assured of enabling framework for eligible applicants to access the funds.

Flanked by his wife, Queen, Mr. Akan Okon lauded the proactive initiative of Mbiatok women for expressing  oneness in the course of championing the actualization of their collective dreams and aspirations ,and for also registering their union with the State government. He enjoined other well meaning groups to emulate the gesture and also register so as to derive maximum benefit from government.

Acknowledging that women have become key players in decision making and governance in the State through the instrumentality of Governor Godswill Akpabio, and wife, Ekaete Unoma, the Finance Boss charged them to use their numerical strength in the forthcoming election to herald the continuity and consolidation of good leadership in the State, and the country.

The Commissioner expressed delight for the honor accorded him by his people which he described as a driving force for his success and promised to continue to place their interest as a priority.

In an address, the Secretary of Iban Nnung Udo Inyang Development Association, Mrs Cecilia Atakpa , stated that the day was set aside by the women to honor their worthy son, Akan Okon who has made them proud having distinguished himself as an astute Banker, Financial expert, and Public Servant.

Describing the Commissioner as an epitome of humility and selflessness, lover of peace and progress, Mrs Atakpa appreciated Governor Akpabio for giving their son the platform to serve in that capacity, and pledged unwavering loyalty and support.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of Award of Excellence to Mr. Akan Okon, launching of N5 million Empowerment fund by the women, and presentation of gift items to each of the ten wards in Itu LGA by the Commissioner, who also donated the sum of N2 million to support the women program, a gesture supported by Senator Anietie Okon with N1 million.

The event attracted eminent sons and daughters of Itu LGA, friends and associates ,among whom were the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Mr. Godwin Ekpo, Prof. Ekong Ekpo, Retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ekaete Okon, PDP Flagbearers for the Federal and State Assembly, Dr. Henry Archibong,  and Mr. Idongesit Ituen respectively ,among others.