AKWA Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has restated his administration’s policy thrust on industrialisation, saying it would never be compromised, hence the deliberate efforts at provision of the needed infrastructures.

Speaking during his maiden press conference in Uyo, he explained that his commitment to industrialisation stemmed from his strong belief that such would create jobs for the unemployed youths of the state, thereby making them more useful to themselves and the state at large.

According to him, the state government had sought the approval of the Federal Government for a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the dualisation of the Calabar-Itu federal highway, noting that if granted, the project would open up the state to the South East and the northern part of the country.

This and other key infrastructures being put in place by the state in the last four months, the governor posited were aimed at showcasing the state as investment haven to investors.

“If this approval is granted, the state will open up links with states in the South East and the northern part of the country, thereby making it easier for investors and business men to have easy access to the planned Ibaka Sea Port and the international jetty at Uta Ewa in Ikot Abasi council area, among others.

“Contracts have been awarded and work is ongoing on 137 kilometers of roads of our administration. Work has also resumed on the dualisation of Eke-Ibeno road, urban renewal projects within Eket Township, construction of second runway at the Ibom International Airport.

“The thrust of this administration is based on industrialisation and so far, we have had ground-braking for car assembly plant in Itu. When completed, the plant would provide jobs to thousands of our unemployed youths.