Barr. Kufre Udosen is the Honourable Special Adviser in charge of the Bureau of Political and Social Re-orientation, Akwa Ibom State.
He is a Maritime and Commercial Law Expert and grassroots politician.
In this interview with IBOM NATION CREW, he speaks on the crucial role government plays in creating an environment that fosters growth, well-being of the people, government’s core obligations to the people and Governor Umo Eno’s developmental strides. Excerpts:
How can governments create a viable environment for businesses to thrive for the benefit of the people
Thank you for that question. Governments the world over can create an enabling environment for its citizens and businesses to thrive by implementing policies and programmes that boost entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation. In Akwa Ibom State, we can talk about the peaceful and serene environment we have today. We can point to the youth entrepreneurship hubs and so many welfarist initiatives, like the monthly stipend for the elderly, Arise Compassionate Homes, peace, revamping of the health and education sectors, and lots more that His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD has provided for the citizens. With all these and more, the Akwa Ibom State Government under the visionary leadership of Pastor Umo Eno has enabled, through its policies, a viable environment for the citizens and businesses to blossom. With these and more, our governor has done well in terms of creating that enabling environment for the citizens to thrive in their respective fields of endeavours. It is important for the people to know this and therefore do away with the mentality that government should spoon-feed them. No. Such entitlement mentality should be done away with if we must move forward as a state and people. It is obligatory for government to provide security for the people, cater to their welfare and ensure that the people have a safe environment to carry out their day-to-day activities.
Do you think the governor has done enough from what you listed
When you say enough, it may seem you are foreclosing the possibility of more developmental strides from the Governor Umo Eno-led administration. Again, it may appear you are preempting him. The truth is that, under his leadership, he has brought innovation and creativity to governance. In fact, his quest to digitize government activities is well on course. Just the other day, he unveiled a 2,000 capacity per day Computer-based driven technology centre at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat. This centre, as His Excellency said, is to ensure efficiency and also ensure that those who gets employed in the civil service do so on merit and not through godfathers. What this means is that, the son and daughter of a nobody will have the opportunity of being employed without knowing anybody in government but by merit. So, this is part of a broad based policy of creating a competitive society where people, irrespective of social standing, get opportunities based on merit. I can also talk about the ARISE Employment Portal which is also another cutting-edge innovation under the current administration. All these are designed to benefit a larger spectrum of the society, ensuring that those who are qualified for jobs get them through clearly designed pathways and not by connection.
What can you say about this administration in the area of security
Of course, the administration of Pastor Umo Eno understands the importance of security. The governor knows that no matter how lofty his policies are, if security of life and property is not achieved, then there is a problem. So, in this respect, the governor has been very deliberate. Security in the marine sector has since been boosted through the procurement 14 gunboats for our security agents. The creation of the Ministry of Internal and Waterway Security is another bold step the governor has taken in bolstering the security architecture of the state. The Ibom Security Watch, a security outfit established by the governor, is tasked with the responsibility of providing security at the community level by providing information for security agencies, protect public facilities, secure the state’s waterways and lots more. Equally ongoing is a Security Command and Control Centre within the Arise Resort Park in the reclaimed gully erosion site on Dominic Utuk Avenue, that will boost real-time security response, further reinforcing the governor’s unwavering commitment to security of lives and property. So, in this regard, I can say with authority that the governor is on the right track. Again, don’t forget that this Arise Resort Park, beyond boosting the tourism potentials of the state, will also create employment opportunities for teeming Akwa Ibom citizens.
Do you think the governor has provided effective leadership since coming onboard as governor
My goodness! You don’t need a soothsayer or the gift of clairvoyance to know or see the excellent leadership Governor Umo Eno has provided. His leadership model is anchored on pragmatism, thoroughness and total commitment to the welfare of the people. The governor has led a people-centric administration, fostering unity, mending fences and brought a touch of human face to governance. His humility is exemplary. Akwa Ibom is blessed to have a leader in the mould of Pastor Umo Eno. He is a blessing to this generation.
Talking about bringing human face to governance and interest in the people, in what ways do you think the governor has been able to cater to the needs of the people
Thank you. Recall that recently, the governor concluded a tour to the ten federal constituencies of the state through the Townsquare Meeting. He used the opportunity to meet with the people, interact with them and find out what their needs are. And each federal constituency presented their NEEDS ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT to the Governor as requested. What this means is that, the governor does not want to undertake projects he thinks the people want, but he went to interface with them, interact and ask that they present what they want the government to do for them. That is honest leadership steeped in sincerity. The governor could have just embarked on any project without asking the people to suggest what they want. But because he wants to meet them at their points of needs, he went directly to them to going out their needs with the aim of including same in next year’s budget. This is a highly commendable feat, I must say.
What message do you have for Akwa Ibom people
For me, I will urge Akwa Ibom people to remain peaceful, law abiding and keep supporting Governor Umo Eno. The governor is a man of vision who is passionate about the development of the state. You can see the magic he is creating at the Arise Park; turning a wasteland into a huge investment hub. With the rains receding, road construction and other infrastructure development will kick into gear. Akwa Ibom people are lucky to have a man who thinks 24/7 of what he can do to better their lots. So, I will urge them to remain prayerful and be progressive minded in line with where the governor and the entire state stands today.