The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the release of an additional N2.3 billion for the payment of gratuities.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udo.
According to the statement, the latest release brings the total amount paid by the administration to about N80 billion in gratuities and other emoluments since Governor Eno assumed office on May 29, 2023.
It recalled that the governor inherited a backlog of N111 billion in unpaid gratuities and other emoluments dating back to 2012 upon taking office.
The statement noted that Eno had pledged during the 2023 electioneering campaign to ensure consistent releases of funds to clear the backlog, a promise the administration said he has continued to honour.
It added that the payment of gratuities reflects a core focus of the administration on social investment and compassionate governance, a commitment the governor highlighted in his inaugural address.
Highlighting other achievements, the statement said that nearly three years into the administration, 335 ARISE Compassionate Homes have been completed and handed over to beneficiaries. It added that the government remains on course to deliver 500 units within the governor’s first term.
The statement further noted that 50 elderly citizens receive a monthly stipend of N50,000 across the 368 wards under the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, while over 10,000 vulnerable residents are enrolled in the ARISE Medical Insurance Scheme, alongside ongoing projects across key sectors of the economy.
