AKSG Signs 2010 UN Work Plan

The Akwa Ibom State Government has signed the workplan for the year 2010 United Nations activities in the state.

Performing the signing ceremony at the end of a consultative meeting for the production of the Untied Nations Development Assistance Framework 11 (UNDAF 11) and Medium Term Collaboration Framework (MCF), the Commissioner for Economic Development, Barr. Goddy Umoh, reiterated the State Government’s willingness to attract development through meaningful collaboration.

Barr Umoh, who was represented by his permanent secretary, Dr. Akpanim Ekpe, expressed thanks to the United Nations on the choice of Akwa Ibom as one of the benefiting states in the UNDAF 11 activities.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the exercise, the meeting agreed on four broad intervention/thematic areas for the period of collaboration, namely, Strengthening Governance and Accountability; Promotion of Production and Employment; Transformation of Social Delivery in Akwa Ibom State, delete and reduction in Risk, Conflict and Insecurity.

The communiqué further stated that the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) is an intervention that harmonizes and unify all UN system programmes into a single document, from where each agency draws its Country Programme Plans of Action.

The team leader, Mrs, Pelucy Ntambirweki, who signed on behalf of the United Nations, commended the State for its warm reception, hospitality and for participating in the programme.

In another development the State Government has restated its readiness to work with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) project in the state, through the provision of its, counterpart funding.

The Commissiner for Economic Development, Barr./ Goddy Umoh, made the pledge recently, during a visit by the IFAD Country Management Team in his office.

Barr. Umoh said the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabo, was concerned about the issue of counterpart funding, in order to assist interested bodies contribute to the socio-economic development of the State.

He promised that as soon as the necessary formalities were completed, the State would provide its counterpart funding in aid of the IFAD project.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the IFAD team, Chief Michael Ejemba, said the Country Management Team was responsible for five states namely; Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo and Rivers.

He said the country programme, which was expected to last for eight years, is in its fourth year, and is already operational in nine LGAs of Akwa Ibom State: viz. Ibiono Ibom, Ibesikpo/Asutan, Etinan, Mbo, Okobo, Eastern Obolo, Oruk Anam, Ini and Essien Udim.

Chief Ejemba noted that the basic goal of the IFAD Country Programme was poverty reduction, and reiterated his organization’s preparedness to contribute to the improvement of the economic well-being of Akwa Ibom people.

He used the occasion to appeal to the state government to fast-track the process of the counterpart funding, to enable the organization actualize its vision for the state.

The meeting, which was held at the prestigious Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, drew participants from seven United Nations agencies, as well as other key stakeholders.