Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State says the economic downturn in the country will soon fade out for a vibrant economy in view of the diversification policy that has witnessed investments in Agriculture and in the non- oil sector of the economy

Governor Emmanuel stated this when he worshipped at his country home church, United Evangelical Church (founded as Qua Iboe Church ) Ikot Idem Udo Superintendency, Awa- Iman in Onna Local Government Area of the state.

According to him “God has a purpose in the affairs of this country because the recession has challenged all to diversify investments to Agriculture, tourism, solid mineral and non Oil sectors of the economy for employment generation, wealth creation, food sufficiency and sustainability.”

He added “This administration is committed to providing a value chain in agro- businesses to enable farmers derive commensurate returns for their investment. Also the cooperative for outgrowers scheme is to ensure that the farm produce are bought at International price index”.

The Governor said ” three Garri processing plants will be innaugurated and put to use to reduce capital fight in the processing of the staple food” and called on the people to engage in agriculture for self sufficiency.

Mr Emmanuel urged the people to embrace the empowerment package of the state government in which three hundred thousand naira is doled out to women and traders on interest – free basis to enable them grow their businesses.

On the various road construction projects in the state, Mr Emmanuel explained that the projects were not abandoned as speculated and that the delay was caused by the on set of the rains , He therefore urged the contractors to take advantage of the dry season that is approaching to speed up the work and ensure early completion.

He said his desire to worship at his home church was to connect with his roots and address issues affecting his kith and kins.

Reverend Sunday Udoh who preached on the theme “Jesus the hope of the hopeless” said that when situations turn difficult and frustrating, Jesus always come to the rescue.

He took his text from the gosple of Luke Chapter 7 verses 11 to 17 and admonished that faith in Jesus turns around hopeless situations and that the economic situation in Nigeria would be addressed with hope through the saving grace of our Saviour – the Lord Jesus Christ .

The Cleric noted that God uses persons to bring about a change in bleak circumstances and cited the resurrection of the survivng son of a widow, the use of lepers to deliver Samarians from Syrian siege and assigning of Gideon to deliver Isreal from the coalition forces of Amalekites and Hittites in which case God intervened.

He said God brought Governor Emmanuel at a time like this to salvage the state from economic recession and launch the state into an Industrial hub in the country.

The service which was attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Barister Onofiok Luke, Secretary to the State Government, Sir Ettekamba Umoren, State Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Mr Frank Archibong, House of Assembly members for Onna, Obot Akara, Ukanafun, Oron State Constituencies and other personalities featured prayers for the country, state, the Governor and his cabinet.

Source: http://www.ibomreporters.com/gov-udom-to-commission-three-garri-processing-plants/