Governor Umo Eno has called for constitutional framework, strong political will and sincerity of purpose to enable oil producing communities benefit from derivation funds.
The call was made during a presentation of seminar paper in partial fulfilment of requirements for the award of PhD by the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
In his seminar presentation titled, “Natural Resources Governance and Socio-economic Development of Oil Producing Communities in Akwa Ibom State, the governor reasoned that only constitutional framework, strong political will and sincerity on the part of those implementing policies at the national level will make traditional rulers, youth associations, community development associations, and individuals to be beneficiaries of derivation funds to the oil producing States.
Governor Eno noted that he had finished his course work some years ago but could not proceed with the other requirements for the award of a PhD due to his political engagements; that having finished his seminar presentation, he was ready to complete entire process.
The Governor commended his department and faculty lecturers as well as the University of Uyo community for the opportunity to have his first degree, masters and currently completing his PhD, and assured that he will remain a good ambassador of the institution through the policies and programmes of the State under his leadership.
He also commended the university for standing for the truth especially in the course of the electioneering when people had peddled falsehood and other vile campaigns of blackmail and subterfuge.
Addressing a cross -section of students at the University of Uyo Permanent site shortly after his PhD Seminar presentation, the Governor noted that it was good to prepare and wait for opportunities as opportunity may never wait for anyone.
He noted that while it was good enough to chant “build the youth” the youths must also devise means of “building” themselves to fit into today’s very competitive society.
The Governor appreciated the students for coming to receive him and assured that educational advancement remains a priority in his administration’s blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.
He stated that under his administration, bursary will be paid yearly to Akwa Ibom Students as well as other educational support where necessary.
The governor is PhD student in the department of Political Science in the Faculty of Social Science, University of Uyo Akwa Ibom state.
