GOVERNOR Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has explained that his administration was partnering with the Bank to further boost economic advancement plans of his A R.I.S.E Agenda.

According to a statement by the government House Press corps, Umo Eno made this known Friday, during a new year get-together organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s State Secretariat in Uyo.

Eno who reiterated his commitment to repositioning Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the State, disclosed that the Bank would commence full operations at the 21-Storey Dakkada Towers in the month of February urging the people to embrace the initiative.

His words: “The Bank of Industry is opening in Akwa Ibom. We have finished working, we’ve given them space, they have set up and by the grace of God, they will start operations in February. All that is to support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

“W are going to support them. We ‘ll make sure that we give them money to loan to our business operators at a single digit interest and once your business is viable and they can see, they’ll give you loan at 9percent.

“We have provided accomodations and a conducive environment so they can do their business and we’re going to support them.”

Governor Eno announced that the first batch of 400 youths who registered for training in various entrepreneurial skills at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Scheme, Ibom – LED were done with their training and have been empowered to start up their businesses.

He encouraged other youths to register with Ibom-LED for the second batch of training after which they will attract government‘s support and empowerment for their businesses, stressing that his government will only support youths who are ready to be