In a bold move to revive state-owned enterprises and boost local production, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared a State of Emergency on the newly rehabilitated Ibom Paint Factory, formerly known as Peacock Paints, situated in Etinan Local Government Area.
The declaration was made on Wednesday, June 4, during the formal commissioning of the upgraded facility, which has undergone significant transformation under the current administration’s industrial revitalization agenda.
Leadership Overhaul and Strategic Appointment
As part of the strategic effort to ensure effective management and sustainability, Governor Eno announced the appointment of Hon. Ime Uwah, his Senior Special Assistant on Entrepreneurial Development, as the Sole Administrator of the paint factory. The governor emphasized that the facility’s previous underperformance stemmed largely from management inefficiencies and a lack of dedicated oversight.
“A few months ago, during a project review meeting, we discussed the possibility of reviving Ibom Paint. I asked Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob if it was feasible, and he confidently said, ‘Yes, we can.’ What this factory needed was focused and dynamic leadership, free from distractions and now, it has that,” the governor stated.
Economic Impact and Local Content Mandate
Governor Eno reiterated that the revitalized factory is already showing promising results under the stewardship of Hon. Uwah, who has managed the facility over the past three months. The governor expressed optimism that the plant would not only be self-sustaining but also serve as a key employer of labor for young people in the state.
“I have declared a State of Emergency on Ibom Paint. Honourable Ime Uwah is in charge, and he’s already delivering results. This facility will provide jobs for our youth, and we must ensure it remains active and productive,” he added.
In a significant policy directive, the governor mandated that all contractors executing government-funded projects in Akwa Ibom must henceforth use Ibom Paint products. This, he said, is aimed at promoting local content, boosting homegrown enterprise, and creating a multiplier effect across the value chain of the state’s economy.
Commendation for AKICORP and Assurance of Continued Support
Governor Eno also commended Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), for his instrumental role in reviving the factory. He praised Jacob for his "dedicated and passionate efforts in translating the government’s vision into reality.”
“We will continue to collaborate with AKICORP to ensure all state-owned businesses are efficiently managed and positioned for growth. Our administration is committed to industrialization and the revitalization of moribund public assets,” the governor assured.
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