We join our colleagues and well-wishers within and outside AKS to congratulate the Government and people of AKS , particularly His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel, for the landmark strides taken so far to develop the State and improve the well-being of the indigenes.
Akwa Ibom State has come a long way since creation on 23rd August, 1987. With ten (10) governors in its 33 years existence, including the current Governor, H.E. Udom Emmanuel who commenced work in May 2015, the state has earned its place among the top 5 performing states in Nigeria (nigerianinfopedia.com, 2020). Today we can boast of significant strides in major economic sectors including industry and enterprise development, rural and riverine development, human capacity development, infrastructure, agriculture, security and healthcare. The State is among the least affected by the COVID-19 pandemic or the myraid of security issues currently confronting other states of the Federation.
Notable achievements in the state include an international airport, the only State-owned airline in Nigeria – Ibom Air; an international stadium, an impressive network of metropolitan and rural roads as well as a world class international sea port – Ibaka – in the works. It is significant that the State was adjudged the 2nd most attractive market for FDI by the NBS, and won the Best performing State in the South-South award of the World Bank in 2019.
It is on record that the Government of Udom Emmanuel has taken industrialization of the State as a priority with the 2020 budget tagged ‘Budget of Industrialization for Poverty Alleviation’, backing this up with over 20 projects including Syringe manufacturing, digital electric Metering, Plywood and Timber factory, Rice mills, Fertilizer factory, Coconut oil, Industrial Park, Oil palm processing, Ceramics, etc., in keeping with his target of ensuring that majority of consumables will be produced in the state by 2023. Thus, the Governor has continued to show commitment to his determination to take the ship of State away from the ‘sheltered shore … sailing small boats … (but go out into the) … deep … where the big ships float’. This gives us the confidence that the dodged challenges of insufficient employment are being tackled headlong and can be overcome.
We, The League of Akwa Ibom Professionals, National Headquarters, Abuja, pledge our commitment to continue supporting the aspirations of the people of AKS, and the realization of the projects and programs of the Government led by H.E. Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Congratulations, H.E. Governor Udom Emmanuel on AKS @ 33!
Long Live Akwa (Abasi) Ibom State, beyond 33!
Enobong UMOESSIEN, PhD. President, League of Akwa Ibom Professionals, National Headquarters, Abuja
