Eno approves extra N2.3bn for payment of gratuities in Akwa Ibom

Governor Umo Eno has approved the release of an additional N2.3 billion for the payment of gratuities in Akwa Ibom State.

This has brought the total amount of money released to N80bn, out of the inherited backlog of N111bn.

Ekerette Udoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, who made this known in a statement made available to Businessday, said, “With the release of this amount, Governor Eno has so far paid about N80bn in gratuities and other emoluments since assuming office on May 29, 2023.”

It will be recalled that on assumption of office, the governor met a backlog of N111 billion in gratuities and other emoluments dating back to 2012.

Udoh said the approval for the release of the amount was in fulfilment of the governor’s campaign promise made in the 2023 campaign to “regularly release funds to pay the backlog, a promise he has been keeping with passion and intensity.”

According to him, the payment of gratuities highlights a key focus of his administration, which is social investment and a commitment to compassionate and altruistic pursuits.

He explained that the Governor had made this point clear in his inaugural address to be the voice and symbol of the vulnerable.

“Today, nearly three years after coming into office, 335 Arise Compassionate Homes have been built and handed over to beneficiaries, and he remains on track to fulfill the promise of building and delivering 500 units in his first term in office.

“Fifty elders continue to receive N50,000 monthly support on a rotational basis from all 368 wards in the state through the Arise Elderly Care Initiative, alongside over 10,000 of the most vulnerable who have been enrolled in the Arise Medical Insurance Scheme free of charge,” he stated.