Governor Emmanuel receives economic reconstruction committee’s report, sets implementation committee

The Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has received report of the state’s post COVID-19 economic reconstruction committee.

The post COVID-19 economic reconstruction committee chaired by Professor Akpan Ekpo, was set up a month ago by the governor, to recommend how the state can build a viable economy post coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Emmanuel received the 142 – page report from the committee secretary, Prof Emmanuel Onwioduokit at an event that took place at the EXCO Chamber, Tuesday, saying that, with the report, his administration has a new deal for the state.

He said he constituted the committee to make recommendations to prepare the state for the realities of a post COVID-19 economy, stressing that the recommendations made by the committee will be implemented.

“This will not be an academic exercise and will never be an academic exercise. Whenever things like this happen things change. If something not as impactful as COVID-19, the September 11 bombing, changed the face of aviation across the entire globe, I don’t see how things will remain the same after COVID-19.”

“Wth this (report), we should have a new deal for our people. Let me assure the committee that every bit of the recommendation given in this report will not be taken for granted”.

Emmanuel thanked members of the committee for contributing their knowledge to the service of the state finishing the job on time.

Secretary of the committee, Professor Emmanuel Onwioduokit, who represented the committee chairman, Prof Akpan Ekpo, said the committee has made more than 117 recommendations based on its terms of reference.

Among other things, the committee has recommended the creation of a reserve fund, an economic advisory council, social reorientation and strict anti-cultism policies and recapitalisation of the state government owned mortgage bank, Akwa Savings and Loans Limited.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmanuel has set up a five member committee for the implementation of the state economic reconstruction committee’s recommendations.

The committee has Prof Akpan Ekpo as chairman; Prof Emmanuel Onwioduokit as secretary; Dr Glory Edet, representative of state exco; Mr Ime Uwah, youths representative, and immediate past Vice Chairam of Exxon Mobil, Mr Udom Inoyo, as member.