CLO Special Purpose Committee Inaugurated:
AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY THE STATE CHAIRMAN OF THE CIVIL LIBERTIES ORGANISATION (CLO), AKWA IBOM BRANCH, OTUEKONG FRANKLYN ISONG, AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE CLO SPECIAL PURPOSE COMMITTEE ON WEDNESDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY, 2022, AT D’ANGELO HOTEL, NO. 1 EKPE NKEREUWEM CLOSE, EWET HOUSING ESTATE, UYO.
Protocol,
As part of our strategic intervention and commitment to the promotion of good governance, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Akwa Ibom Branch, is undertaking a holistic interrogation of the challenges besetting three key sectors of the economy of Akwa Ibom State with a view to prescribing solutions. These key sectors are: Agriculture, Health and Education.
This current endeavour is CLO’s follow-up action to the One-Day RoundTable organised by the CLO, Akwa Ibom Branch, at Watbridge Hotel, Uyo, on Thursday, 16th September, 2021.
The CLO is, therefore, pleased to welcome you to the inauguration of the 27-member panel of eminent persons drawn from a broad spectrum of society that it constituted to undertake this project within a two-month timeline.
The Report and recommendations of this panel of eminent persons will set the agenda for 2023 as they will be handed to the 2023 governorship aspirants of all the political parties in Akwa Ibom State for incorporation into their manifestoes.
CLO recognises that the three sectors (Agriculture, Health and Education) constitute the core of the economic development of Akwa Ibom State in the 21st Century. It is, therefore, important that the next administration in the State from the outset of 29th May, 2023 be well equipped to redress the challenges of, and revamp, the key thematic areas for the optimal benefit of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The work of the Panel being inaugurated today will provide the framework for a Debate planned by CLO for governorship candidates in the 2023 general election in Akwa Ibom State.
It is my immense pleasure to inaugurate the following eminent persons as members of the Panel:
- Prof. Trenchard Ibia – Chairman
- Dr. Aniekeme Uwah – Co-Chairman
- Mr. Etim Etim – Secretary
- Barr. Christopher Ekpo – co Secretary
- Prof. Christopher Ekong
- Prof. Des Wilson
- Prof. Ini Akpabio
- Prof. Etok Ekanem
- Prof. Uduak Okon
- Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Akanimo Edet
- Pastor Ita Udoh
- Mr. Juwe Ikechukwu
- Barr. Aniekan Akpan
- Mrs. Regina Askia (Diaspora)
- Comrade Nsemeke Udoakpan
- Barr. Eyibio Okon
- Barr. Godknows Njoku
- Barr. Innocent Idemudia
- Rev. David Essien
- Rev. Fr. Cletus Etim
- Comrade Eridiong Obong
- Citizen Matthew Okono
- Mr. Asteroid Bassey
- Ms. Imaobong Akpan Akpan
- Mr. Vincent Aluu
- Dr. Ekem John
- Mr. Utitofon Jeremiah
The Terms of Reference of the Panel are:
- To undertake a diagnostic study of the three sectors mentioned above in Akwa Ibom State.
- To make recommendations to the next administration on how best the government can revamp education in the State and make it relevant to our people in the 21st century.
- To recommend ways to stimulate agricultural production and make food sufficiency a priority in the State, as well as ways to stimulate employment in agriculture and recommend ways that farmers in Akwa Ibom can key into the funding programs of the federal government such as the Anchor Borrowers Scheme Program.
- To visit and interact with the Management of key Hospitals in the State and obtain firsthand information on the problems of healthcare in Akwa Ibom.
- To talk to other healthcare providers and professionals in the Health sector like the Health Management Organisation (the Health insurance companies) and obtain firsthand information on how to improve access to healthcare.
- To undertake further research on how best to bring medical services in the most affordable way to Akwa Ibom people.
- To develop a blueprint that will assist the next administration make improvements in these three key sectors of the State within the first one year of the administration.
Once again, I congratulate members of this all important Committee for making history of being chosen by the CLO to undertake this arduous assignment for the State and for humanity.
I thank you for accepting to render this service ex gratia for the betterment of our society.
Thank you all, and God bless!
