As Akwa Ibom State marks its 39th anniversary, indigenes and stakeholders from different walks of life have reflected on the State’s journey since 1987, celebrating its achievements while highlighting the challenges and opportunities ahead.
In their separate assessments, the contributors expressed gratitude to God for the peace, stability and progress recorded over the years, acknowledging the contributions of successive administrations, the resilience of the people and the sacrifices of the State’s founding fathers.
They described the anniversary as an opportunity to appreciate the collective efforts that have shaped Akwa Ibom’s development.
A recurring theme in their reflections is the development strides recorded under the administration of Governor Umo Eno, particularly in the area of infrastructure provision, healthcare, education, agriculture, human capital development, transportation, tourism and economic empowerment. While commending these efforts, the contributors called for greater investment in young people, industrialisation, the blue economy and other sectors capable of expanding economic opportunities. They also emphasised the need for unity and collective responsibility, urging Akwa Ibom people to put aside political differences and work together for the continued development and prosperity of the State.
This Vox Pop was compiled by our Lagos Correspondent, Abraham Akpabio. Read on…
Akparawa Otuekong Ubong Jackson
Coordinator, Lagos Chapter, Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative
In evaluating and assessing Akwa Ibom State in these three decades and nine years of existence, it is all about purposeful governance, visible progress and renewed hope, especially with the ongoing administration of Governor Umo Eno.
Nevertheless, the contributions of successive administrations have helped shape the State’s political and developmental landscape.
Candidly, it is with exceptional joy, immense pride and profound gratitude to see that the present administration in the State has done significantly well in positioning the State above its peers when it comes to development.
In reviewing the state of affairs of Akwa Ibom in the last 39 years, especially on the journey towards unity, peace, prosperity, innovations, cleanliness, worship and gratitude to God, Akwa Ibom is number one.
At this period of celebration, we should all continue to pray for and support Governor Umo Eno’s continuity in office, as he deserves to be appreciated for excellent performance and selfless service to God and humanity.
With over 10,000 members in Lagos State, I, on behalf of every one of the group, pray that this new chapter and new year of our State’s creation will inspire us to remain united and steadfast, to work together, and to build the Akwa Ibom of our dreams, a land of renewed hope, opportunities and shared prosperity.
Elder Samuel Usoro
President, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Indigenes (ISDI), Lagos
I am super proud as an indigene of one of the greatest, peaceful, secure and respected States in Nigeria.
Looking at Akwa Ibom at 39, indeed, we have good reasons to celebrate this monumental milestone, God’s goodness, blessings and faithfulness.
A day and period like this marks not just an anniversary, but a powerful affirmation of the collective will and vision of our founding fathers and those who have, in one way or the other, contributed to our success as a State.
Today, at 39, Akwa Ibom is on the right path and has witnessed great improvement under dedicated leaders who mean well for the people. Leadership in the State is characterized by a commitment to transformative governance and significant developmental strides across the State.
I am not saying that the journey has not been without shortcomings, especially limited industrialization and unemployment, which remain our concerns.
In all, the future is assured. We must all rise and join hands with the government by supporting the present administration to continue to build an egalitarian, more prosperous and productive State, economy and society.
May God continue to bless our land and people as we celebrate this 39th anniversary of our State creation.
Rev. Sam Ibanga
President, Akwa Ibom Pillars Empowerment Co-operative Association (AIPECA)
Thirty-nine years down the line, I can boldly and confidently say that Akwa Ibom State has developed deliberately, systematically, scientifically, and technologically.
It is 39 years of God’s faithfulness, peace, unity and progress in Akwa Ibom.
This is a moment to look ahead with renewed hope and a shared commitment to the continued development of our dear State.
As we celebrate, we should not forget to thank the founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the growth of the State, and to commend the present administration under the watch of Gov. Umo Eno for sustainability, commitment to building a peaceful and secure State, as well as his investments in all sectors of the economy in the State, which will surely secure a better future for our children.
While calling on the governor to ensure sustained investment in our young people and have the courage to transform our resources into opportunities, I strongly appeal to our people that all hands must be on the deck in building the State together as one people with one voice.
I earnestly pray that this 39th anniversary of our State creation will mark another beautiful chapter filled with greater achievements, peace and abundant blessings for us, and may Akwa Ibom continue to be a land of progress, unity and prosperity.
Cheers to more fruitful years of celebration.
Mr. Uwem Isaac
Public Affairs Analyst & Social Commentator
Akwa Ibom State, at 39 years of existence, is a milestone to be proud of and an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, diversity, God’s faithfulness and gratitude, as well as the enormous potential of the State.
Looking back at Akwa Ibom’s history since 1987, it is clear that development has been a gradual process involving different administrations and political eras.
Today, as we celebrate, there is a rebirth of Akwa Ibom with the current administration of our innovative, dynamic, indefatigable, digital and hardworking governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
I am happy today because the governor is not just laying the foundation for sustainable development; he is already building a system or model that will stand the test of time.
Today, he has brought a total paradigm shift in governance, as can be seen in the way he finished important abandoned projects and the way he is utilizing the State’s resources in critical sectors, more especially in health, education, transportation, tourism, among others.
I appeal to him to continue his good works and do more in the area of human capital development.
Let me use this opportunity to call on all Akwa Ibomites, irrespective of their political persuasion and religious beliefs, to join hands in the task of lifting the State to greater heights.
Akparawa Mike Essien
Freight Forwarder & President, Itu Local Government Area Community, Lagos
To me, Akwa Ibom has experienced remarkable transformation and significant strides.
The State government is very right with the theme of this year’s anniversary, “Gratitude.”
Akwa Ibom at 39 calls for gratitude to God for sustenance, love, mercies and grace.
As we celebrate, let us lift our voices in praise and gratitude to God for His blessings and in prayer for the continued growth and prosperity of our dear State.
The present administration of Gov. Umo Eno, in particular, has really added value to governance in the State.
I have watched with pride as his policies have driven economic growth, fostered more peace and created tangible opportunities for young people, women, etc.
I urge the governor to continue to invest more in education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure and human capital, for these are the pillars upon which our future must stand.
He should, with the collective efforts of the State’s stakeholders, push for the realization of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, for business to boom.
Our people should put politics aside and face reality and work together for the interest of all. The governor needs support and encouragement; we should all stand with him till the end.
May God continue to bless Akwa Ibom, protect our people and crown our efforts with success.
Mrs. Eme Bassey
SA to the Akwa Ibom Governor (Lagos Liaison)
Thirty-nine years ago, a path was cleared. Today, the path has become a highway of opportunities.
With all that has happened in our dear State today, we have abundant reasons to say, indeed, the creation was justified.
Akwa Ibom at 39 is leading the way in governance, with remarkable progress in the State economy, and this growth reflects the resilience and unity of our people.
From all indications, I am very proud of how far we have come as a people. Despite all odds, we stand tall through our achievements and strides from one administration to the next.
Still pondering on our journey so far as a State and people, I am again overwhelmed with thanksgiving to God for bringing us this far as one united body.
Let me point out here that I deeply appreciate the leadership of the governor under whose support and guidance, we have continued to forge ahead to build a sustainable and progressive future for all.
As we celebrate, let us all take time out to say a prayer for Akwa Ibom State as we mark this historical day and look forward to better, achievable and sustainable development and economic growth in our State.
Akparawa Emmanuel Edet Willie
ICT Expert
Gradually and assuredly, Akwa Ibom is building a formidable profile of a progressive and development-oriented State that is poised for inclusive prosperity for all.
There has been a tremendous shift in the 39 years of existence of Akwa Ibom State.
Interestingly, I share the same birthday, September 23, with our dear State, Akwa Ibom.
God is faithful to us as a State and people.
In terms of physical and economic development, our State has moved on progressively.
Politically, the State is now an important factor in Nigeria’s political enterprise. In many areas of human capital indices, we have excelled.
Let me, at this point, applaud the present administration of Gov. Umo Eno for being focused on infrastructural development and prudent in spending the State’s monthly allocations.
As we progress, I urge our people to give their utmost support and encouragement to the governor and his administration, as well as adopt a ‘Dakkada’—rise-up mindset.
Let us collectively rise up and contribute to the development of Akwa Ibom. It starts with a change of mindset.
Progressively, I pray for a quantum leap for the State to be able to supercede where we are currently.
Comrade Unyime Alexander
President, Ika Peoples’ Forum, Lagos
Thirty-nine years is a significant period in the life of any individual, institution or State.
For Akwa Ibom State, it is a celebration of transformation and eventful years. Although successive administrations did their best, it is pertinent to look at the current leadership of the State and assess its achievements.
Frankly speaking, Akwa Ibom has accepted the development efforts of Gov. Umo. Secondly, his visionary leadership is gradually moving the State towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
I know the governor will remain focused and keep forging ahead, while our people should remain united in love and work together, speak with one voice, support and encourage one another for the overall development of our beloved State.
It is my earnest prayer that the Almighty God will continue to give our governor divine wisdom, good health and the grace to achieve the goals he has set for the State.
Barr. Silas Udoh
Chairman, Akwa Ibom Lawyers Forum, Lagos.
Looking at the State’s journey in the past 39 years of its existence, especially in terms of political transitions, economic transformations and social evolution, Akwa Ibom has been fully revolutionized.
This is as a result of the commitment and sacrifices made by both past and present leaders, and mostly, the current administration of Governor Umo Eno, under whose administration visible investments in infrastructure, security coordination, healthcare revitalization and digital governance continue to reposition the State for sustainable development.
This anniversary, to me, offers us the opportunity to give thanks to God and to recommit ourselves to the ideals upon which our State was created.
As we look ahead, I am confident that our dear State will continue to grow in peace, progress and prosperity for generations to come.
We should not allow politics to divide us or create enmity with one another as campaigns have begun.
We should remain united in love, support the efforts of our government, pray for our leaders, protect our State’s reputation, promote its values and look to the future with renewed hope and determination.
Dr. Edet Ambang
President, Akwa Ibom State Community (AKISCOM), Lagos
Writing
At 39, I can actually look back with satisfaction and considerable pride at the level of transformation that has taken place in Akwa IBOM.
It has a growing reputation and advancement in all aspects and sectors, including human capital development.
Indeed, things have really changed positively and for the better with the implementation of the economic blueprint of the administration – ARISE Agenda.
Governor Umo Eno’s leadership has been marked by significant and unprecedented progress in infrastructural development, agriculture, healthcare, education, aviation, human capital growth and economic transformation, earning him recognition as a visionary leader.
This is something we are so proud of as Akwa Ibom people.
Akwa Ibom at 39: we enjoy political harmony, peace, a secure State, improved agriculture, healthcare, education, aviation, tourism and other unprecedented developments under the governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
At this point, let me humbly appeal to the governor to put more efforts into ensuring that all the ongoing projects are completed and commissioned, strengthen the local government areas, and give more attention to the blue economy for the benefit of the people of the State.
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