AKSG Signs MOU With EU

Akwa Ibom State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with European Union (EU) for the execution of one hundred and thirty projects across the state, under the MPP9 Programme.
The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpbio stated that the Akwa Ibom State has decided to partner with the European Union (EU) under the micro-projects programme in the nine Niger Delta States (MPP9), because of the high performance recorded in the state during the MPP6 programme implementation from 2004 – 2007.
Represented by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Paul Ekpo, the Governor said that the present administration, right from inception in May, 2007, has provided abundant people-oriented projects in the area of infrastructural development in recognition of the fact that the facilities lie at the very hub of economic activity in any society.
He also said that negative impact of the current global economic crisis, has slightly reduced the revenue available to the state for the provision of life-transforming projects for the people.
This, he said, has necessitated the exploration of other sources of financing, including collaboration and partnership with viable donor agencies like the European Union.
In his address, the Minister of National Planning/Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, Dr, Shamsudeen Usman, said the programme is aimed at reducing poverty in the rural and sub-urban communities in the nine Niger Delta States.
He said the FGN/EU programme in the Niger Delta Region started with the MPP3 from 2001 – 2006 with Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta States participating. The success recorded, encouraged the extension of MPP6 to be implemented in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Imo and Ondo states between 2003 and 2008. the programme, he said, covered 1,921 micro projects at a cost of 40.6 million Euros.
The Minister, who was represented by Mr. Ibrahim Abubakar, said the MPP9 programme will run from 2008 to 2012, and at the end of the programme, about 1,200 additional micro-projects and increased access to infrastructural services and income-generating activities could have been created, according to the Minister.
The representative of the EU in Nigeria, Mr. Raman Reigada Granda, said the programme is funded by a grant of about 9.2 billion naira from the EU under the 9th European Development Fund, and managed by the National Planning Commission in partnership with the European Commission Delegation in Nigeria.
He stressed that the programme has been designed with a bottom-top approach, and aimed at encouraging reforms and active community participation. It will also facilitate the creation of income-generating activities, promote gender equity, community empowerment and most importantly, reflects the interest of the European Union for a peaceful Niger Delta region.
The Commissioner for Economic Development, Barr. Godwill A. Umoh, in his goodwill message at the occasion, expressed hope that during the MPP9 programme, 2009 – 2012, the EU will deepen its drive into the rural areas to provide robust, socio-economic, life transforming projects, as wall as the provision of basic infrastructure.
He commended the impressive performance recorded in Akwa Ibom State under the MPP6, saying that given the conducive environment prevalent in the state, the MPP9 programme would generate sustained and tremendous impact on the Akwa Ibom people.
In a vote of thanks, the Executive Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Dr. Eventus Edem, thanked the EU for partnering Akwa Ibom State on the MPP9 programme. He pledged the full support of the Local Government Chairmen to the implementation and sustainability of the programme.
The event, which was held at the EEMJM Hotel and Suites, Uyo had in attendance a cross-section of traditional rulers, Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders.