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No fewer than five communities in Akwa Ibom State have benefited from World Bank-assisted micro projects worth N50 million to enhance community development in the state.
The Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Akan Okon, revealed this during the presentation of cheques to community leaders at a two-day training programme of Community Project Management Committee and Stakeholders in Uyo.
The five communities include Nka Unwana Essien Enang in Etinan, Nka Esit Kiet in Ini, Renewed Life Vulnerable Group, Etinan,
Like Minds Vulnerable Group in Oruk Anam and Mbiafun Ikot Abasi in Ini.
According to him, the fund will help the communities to execute micro projects that would enhance the well-being of Akwa Ibom people, as it is the state government’s determination to transform rural communities through life-touching micro projects.
“This event is very important, and it is my expectation that all of you would take this training serious.
“In Akwa Ibom State today, you have a governor that is very passionate about the development of the state. He believes that opportunity should be created for Akwa Ibom people to work and earn a living.
“The way you implement this project in your various communities would encourage the state government and World Bank to do more. I want to emplore all of you to make sure that the money released to you for the micro project is used for that purpose,” he said.
The commissioner urged stakeholders of the benefiting communities to ensure that execute the projects to attract more development to their respective communities.
Earlier, the General Manager, Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development, Ishmael Akpan, said that the training would enable stakeholders of the benefiting communities to have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the disbursed funds during implementation of the micro projects.
“The training is properly designed, packaged and will be carefully handled by qualified and experienced personnel to effectively inform and guide the community people in their implementation process.
Funding is made directly to the community people who utilise it in the execution of their micro projects prudently and in a transparent and accountable manner,” he said.
Akpan urged stakeholders to enlighten those at the grassroots on the need to participate in the project implementation.