Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has approved the release of N2 billion for the completion of the Skills Acquisition Centre at Ibeno community of the state being constructed by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, disclosed this at Ibeno during a courtesy visit on the paramount ruler of Ibeno Local Government and the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs, Owong Effiong Archianga.
According to a statement issued by the Director (Press) in the ministry, Mr. Marshall Gundu, the minister disclosed that the money was the community’s entitlement as compensation from Exxon Mobil, which the community former had requested that it should be channelled into the timely completion of the centre.
He advised the paramount ruler and his people to communicate their decision on that fund to the state governor to finalise the modalities for the disbursement of the fund for the timely completion of the project.
On completion, the skills acquisition centre is meant for the training of persons in oil and gas and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Responding to the demands of the paramount ruler, the minister said his ministry would try as much as possible to do what falls within its mandate for the benefit of the people of Ibeno community and Akwa Ibom State.
Usani said that the purpose of his visit to the state was to find out the situation of things as regards projects of the ministry with a view to determine the ones to be given attention for release of funds for timely completion.
The minister appreciated the paramount ruler and his people for the warm reception and observed that Ibeno people are patient, peaceful, united and believe in a united Nigeria, adding that those values should be sustained.
While inspecting the skills acquisition centre, the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola had noted that there were structural defects in two of the buildings, which should be corrected before the continuation of work on the two structures.
However, Usani appreciated the progress of work at the centre but advised that the noticed structural defects in the two buildings should be effected.
