Akwa Ibom gov sets up economic committee over COVID-19

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, has constituted a 20-man committee to consider effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s economy.

In a statement signed by Emmanuel Ekuwem, secretary to the state government, Emmanuel asked the committee to think of how the state could cope in the event of economic meltdown.

“The current economic challenges, occasioned by COVID-19, have thrown an inexorable necessity on us as a people and Akwa Ibom State has risen to this challenge,” the statement read.

“To this end, His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed that a POST-COVID-19 ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION COMMITTEE be constituted of the following eminent persons.”

Those on the committee are Akpan Ekpo, former director-general of West African Institute For Financial & Economic Management (chairman), Emmanuel Onwioduokit, head of department of economics, University of Uyo (secretary).

Other members include Mary Uduk, acting director-general, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bassey Inwang, president, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom chapter; Samuel Archibont, League of Akwa Ibom Business Association (LABUSA) and Lordswill Umani, president, Akwa Ibom Business Community (AIBC).

Others are Effiong Afiakurue, former executive director, NCDMB chairman/CEO of Rootcare Pharmacy; Nseyen Ebong, Uyo Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines & Agriculture (UYOCCIMA), Udom Inoyo, executive vice chairman, ExxonMobil, Inyang Inyang, managing consultant, NobleHouse Consulting and Vincent Anigbogu, Institue for National Transformation.

Also on the committee are Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman, Zinox Technologies; Hilary Akpan, executive director, NNPC/NAPIM; Ime Uwah, senior special assistant to the governor on marketing and brand management; Umo Eno, executive director, Agricultural Investments (AKICORP), Glory Edet, commissioner for agric and women affairs; Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, commissioner for works; Akan Okon, commissioner for economic development & Ibom Deep Sea Port; Linus Nkan, commissioner for finance and Ukpong Akpabio, commissioner for trade & investment

The statement reveals that the committee will be inaugurated at 12 noon on May 1, 2020.