Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has approved the release of N4.7 billion for the payment of gratuities to retirees, bonuses and wardrobe allowance for civil servants.
Mr Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.
Udoh said that the approval was a bold move by the governor towards fulfilling his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom people.
Giving a breakdown of the approval, Udoh said that N2.3 billion would be used to pay the gratuities of retired civil servants in the state.
He further said N1.1 billion would be used for wardrobe allowances to public school teachers while N1 billion would be used for the payment of bonuses to public service workers.
The governor’s Spokesman further said that Eno had released the sum of N79 million for the award of scholarships to four Akwa Ibom indigenes recently admitted to study Standard Pilot and Standard Air Traffic Control courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria.
“Also, N104 million has been released as part payment of the 2024 primary school teachers’ leave grant, and N172 million as a severance package for chairmen and vice-chairmen of local government councils who served between 2018 and 2022,” he said.
The chief press secretary said that the governor remained committed towards impacting positively on the people through the ARISE Agenda.
“The governor believes strongly in promoting the wellbeing of both retirees and the current workforce.
“The current move is part of the government’s efforts to cushion the effect of the economic situation. It is a testimony of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.(NAN)
By Sunday Bassey
