Udom Emmanuel’s unrelenting industrialisation push

If there is one governor who is visionary, strategic, calm, unassuming, confident and desirous to bring about transformation starting from his state that is Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State. Without making noise over it, the governor is implementing a well-structured strategic development plan to lift Akwa Ibom State and its people from the cesspit of underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, low industrial development, poverty and unemployment. By his strides, the governor understands that these are among the critical issues plaguing Akwa Ibom in particular and Nigeria in general. It is, therefore, not surprising that Akwa Ibom State is now ranking among the leading states in Nigeria in terms of development strides.
 
It is appropriate, on the occasion of the sixth anniversary of Governor Udom’s administration, to reflect on what he is doing, the high points of his stewardship. What has the governor done to lift the state and its people from poverty and underdevelopment? To what extent has the Governor worked to set Akwa Ibom apart?  What landmark projects has he accomplished to leverage the state and its people?
 
There is no doubt that things will begin to change in the country if each governor could take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of his state and act accordingly with vision as Governor Udom has done. All over Nigeria, the problems are the same bordering on crass underdevelopment manifesting in lack of basic social amenities and filthy environment as if that is the acceptable norm.

The Palm Kernel Processing Limited is located in Ukanafun LGA. The plant was commissioned by Governor Udom on February 5, 2019. The Governor dived into Ufani Palm Processing Factory following his realisation that palm oil is a lucrative but much neglected high revenue spinner.
 
The Dakkada Cottage Industries located in Itam Industrial Layout in Itu is providing shared business facilities to a number of manufacturing outfits. These include Plastic, Toothpick, Pencils and Toilet Tissue factories.
 
There is also the Ibom Industrial Park/Jetty at Ikot Abasi coastal area of the state with the Landing Jetty in Onna. Furthermore, Governor Udom delved into developing the Ibom Deep Seaport (IDSP), to take advantage of the coastal marine endowment of the state. The port is a key component of the state’s economic empowerment plans and is designed to provide solution to Nigeria’s perennial port congestion in Lagos.