Why we focus on economic status of Akwa Ibom, by Udom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, at the weekend, declared that his administration’s commitment to industrialisation was yielding positive results, noting that such efforts will soon change the state from a civil service state to private sector economy.

He said the recently approved Ibom Deep Seaport and the $1.4b Fertilizer and Ammonia Plant would change the economic status of the state.

The governor stated this in his Easter broadcast yesterday, pointing out that with the recent approval and commencement of Federal Government approved Oil and Gas Free Zone and ongoing construction of the Sterling Petrochemical Plant at Eastern Obollo, the state would transit its status as a civil service state.

Udom, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving those industrial projects, said the construction work on the Ibom Deep Seaport would commence soon.

“In the recent past, we have been blessed with life-changing projects such as Sterling Petrochemical Plant in Eastern Obolo, where construction has reached advanced stage.

“About two months ago, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the licence for the construction of Ibom Deep Seaport and work will soon commence on the project. These are huge achievements for our state,” he said.

He added that the Ibom Deep Seaport would open up the economic fortunes of the state, create employment and wealth opportunities for the people and open up the state as a major maritime hub.

The governor charged all Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of political leanings, to support the Fertilizer and Ammonia Plant because of its capacity to change the economic fortunes of the state.

“About three weeks ago, God also blessed us as we signed a $1.4b Fertilizer and Ammonia plant with our Moroccan counterparts. The plant will again create huge employment and other supply chain activities for our people, which will transform us from a civil service state to an industrial one. These are achievements that should gladden the hearts of every Akwa Ibom person irrespective of political affiliations,” he said.

He reminded the people that the essence of Easter would be lost if the resurrection of Jesus Christ was not allowed to illuminate their souls through love and sacrifice for one another.

“Let the fishermen in Mbo, Okobo, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno love one another. Let the farmers in the rice plantations at Ini, Ikono, Ika, Onna and Nsit Ibom love one another.

“Let the civil servants and public servants, politicians in all political parties, members of all denominations, preachers of all faiths love one another,” he urged.