“We will send our widows, 10 per Local Government, to Israel
for a special thanksgiving pilgrimage, all expenses paid.” Governor Udom
Emmanuel said this on Friday February 5th as he received Akwa Ibom
women at the State Government House Lodge, in Uyo.
The women had organized their own version of celebration for
the Supreme Court judgment of last week that affirmed Deacon Udom Emmanuel as
Governor of Akwa Ibom State: a victory carnival that took off from the Uyo
Sports stadium and climaxed at the Government House. They were received by the
Governor, his wife, the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly and commissioners
at the Government House.
Overwhelmed by the celebrations, the Governor announced that God
had impressed on his heart for each Local Government Area to give him 10 widows
who are verified indigent, so he could send them to Israel in the all-expense-paid
pilgrimage. He said the Commissioner for Women Affairs will assist them to get
international passports, and the Government will work with the Pilgrimage board
for them to have Visas.
The Governor also notified the Women that he had perfected
plans to assist them in accessing Federal Government SME facilities. “I have been
told that many of our women did not benefit from the Small and Medium
Enterprise facility.” He said. He hinted that he had discussed with the CBN
Governor, who is in contact with the State Commissioner for Finance to the end
that subsequent schemes will favour Akwa Ibom women more. “I will be personally
involved in the next one”, he added.
The Agriculture sector, which has been on the Governor’s lip
every so often, was not missed this time too. “While the price of Crude oil is falling, it
would interest you to know that the price of Cocoa is rising.” He said, and
then he made them a vow; “Just put a seed in the soil and I’d do the rest for
you”.
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