ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK , Uyo
Peace has finally returned to the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) after a protracted leadership crisis that lasted for years.
Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Iniobong Ekong, brokered the truce during a meeting with the warring factions in Uyo, the state capital
At the meeting which lasted for more than four hours, Ekong stressed that a strong and vibrant NASSI was key to the success of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on entrepreneurship and small business growth.
He expressed the hope that the peace would be sustained to enable the association benefit from the credit facilities intended to boost small businesses in the state.
Speaking also, the National President of NASSI, Solomon Vongfa commended the commissioner for being a “peacemaker” whose maturity and commitment restored harmony to the association.
In another development, tree planting has been described as a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges confronting the state.
Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Kufreabasi Edidem stated this during an open forum on environmental issues organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Uyo.
Edidem, who also chairs the House Committee on NDDC and Regional Development said tree planting was a simple but powerful practice that every citizen can embrace to restore ecological balance.
“We will continue to align with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to make laws that promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment,” he said.
“Everyone can cause a change from their little corner for a better environment.”
He commended Chairman of NDDC, Chiedu Evie, for inaugurating new projects across the region since assuming office, and applauded the commission’s effort in bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, civil society, communities, and schools to reawaken the culture of tree planting.
