.Declares Friday work-free to honour late First Lady
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has presented a ₦955 billion appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
During the presentation on Tuesday, Eno highlighted that the proposed budget represents a 3% increase from the revised ₦923.462 billion budget for 2024.
“Government has proposed a total budgetary outlay of ₦955.000 billion for the 2025 financial year, made up of ₦300 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦655 billion for capital expenditure,” the governor stated.
Dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation and Expansion,” the 2025 budget is based on an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, a production rate of 2.12 million barrels per day, and an estimated exchange rate of ₦1,400 to $1, aligning with national projections.
Key economic indicators for the budget include a projected 3.68% GDP growth rate and a national inflation rate of 32.8%. Governor Eno emphasized that the budget’s policy thrust would be anchored on the administration’s ARISE Agenda, focusing on poverty alleviation, wealth creation, agricultural revolution, and improved welfare for the people.
Key economic indicators for the budget include a projected 3.68% GDP growth rate and a national inflation rate of 32.8%. Governor Eno emphasized that the budget’s policy thrust would be anchored on the administration’s ARISE Agenda, focusing on poverty alleviation, wealth creation, agricultural revolution, and improved welfare for the people.
Expressing gratitude to the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, Governor Eno acknowledged the support and faith of the legislative arm in his administration. He also attributed the state’s achievements to divine providence despite limited resources and a challenging economic environment.
“We promise a faithful implementation of this Budget of Consolidation and Expansion for the general good of our people,” Eno said.
He called for the Assembly’s swift consideration and approval of the budget, noting that details would be provided by the Commissioner for Finance.
.Declares Friday work-free to honour late First Lady
However, The Akwa Ibom State Government has declared Friday, November 29, 2024, as a work-free day in honour of the late First Lady, Mrs Patience Eno.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, in Uyo, the state capital, on Wednesday, noted that the decision is to enable Akwa Ibomites and other well-wishers to pay their last respects to the departed First Lady.
The late First Lady passed away on September 26, 2024, after a brief sickness.
She will be laid to rest at the governor’s home town, Ikot Ekpene Udo, in the Nsik-Ibium Local Government Area of the state on November 29, 2024.
The statement read, “Further to the final home-going programme of our departed First Lady, Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Government, in consultation with the bereaved family, has declared Friday, November 29, 2024, a work-free day in honour of our dear mother.
“This is to enable Akwa-Ibomites to pay their last respect to our mother at her obsequies in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsik Ubuim Local Government Area of the state on that day.
“May the gentle soul of our departed First Lady find repose in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
