2027: Coffie Pledges Massive Support For Small, Medium Scale Enterprises
The governorship candidate of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state Engr. Emem Coffie has pledged stronger support for small and medium-scale enterprises, including access to affordable credit for traders and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses in the state once elected as governor in 2027.
Engr . Coffie who who described Akwa Ibom as a state blessed with abundant human and mineral resources also proposed the establishment of cottage industries across the state’s local government areas to create employment, process locally available raw materials and increase the incomes of residents.
Addressing Journalists on Sunday in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital,the Guber candidate who said opportunities abound in the state identified palm oil processing and the production of briquettes from palm kernel waste as money spinner which he said could provide a foundation for small-scale industrial development.
He advocated for a return to what he described as Akwa Ibom’s original development master plan, arguing that successive administrations should build on projects initiated by previous governments rather than abandon them when political leadership changes.
He cited the deep seaport, science park, airport, road network and power plants among projects as laudable projects associated with the state’s long-term development plans which must be followed to completion.
According to him, Akwa Ibom needs to revisit its original development priorities and pursue projects capable of creating sustainable economic opportunities for its people.
He highlighted that road construction, while important, could not by itself solve unemployment and poverty without industries and businesses capable of providing jobs and sustainable incomes.
“Road construction is interesting but road construction does not put food on the table of people,” he said.
Coffie said his proposed development agenda, “A New Drive Back to the Genesis,” would focus on human capital development, industrialisation, skills acquisition and support for small businesses
“When I say Genesis, let’s go back to that master plan and start to execute it all over again,” he said, outlining his vision of a development strategy centred on creating opportunities for residents to acquire skills, secure jobs and build sustainable livelihoods.
He appealed to Akwa Ibom people to support and cast thier votes for him to take the state and her people to a higher pedestal in all sectors for a greater Akwa Ibom State.
