From John Silas, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa-Ibom State has disclosed plans to establish a Bulk Purchase Agency to checkmate the ever increasing food prices, regulate price of foodstuff, and keep it within the reach of its citizenry.
Governor Eno made the announcement during the Nigeria Unity Conference 2024 tagged: “That We May be One,” organised by the 10th Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
He said a bill to establish the Bulk Purchase Agency will be sent to the House of Assembly to convey legal status to the board and enable it intervene and stem skyrocketing food prices in the state, adding that it will partner with the market associations to check food prices and encourage local producers to boost their productivity.
“By the grace of God, I am sending a bill to the House of Assembly to establish Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency. We feel that we need to intervene because of the prices of some staple food, and we will do that intervention through the agency that will bulk purchase our staple food and work with some market people.
“The agency will help bring in the food produce to enable us control the price. We will also encourage our local producers. So our people can afford to buy food at controlled prices,” he stated.
Governor Eno further announced the flagging-off of the construction of strategic roads across the three -Senatorial Districts in the next two weeks.
“In the next few weeks, we will be rolling out a full security architecture for our state. We will introduce new patrol vehicles to keep our people safe day and night,” he said.
Earlier, the Bishop and Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, Bishop Dr. Ricky D. Helton, thanked the Governor for honouring the church by attending the event.
Bishop Ricky who appreciated God for the growth of the church, said that he was gladdened by the fact that the governor, is a pastor and supports the church wholeheartedly.
