At Oval Office Meeting, Philanthropist Invites Biden To Akwa Ibom

An indigene of Uyo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Mr John Bassey, who recently returned from the Oval Office, the United States (US) seat of power, has given insight into his special invitation for a meeting with President Joe Biden.

LEADERSHIP learnt Bassey was personally invited last week to the White House by Biden following his records of philanthropy and selfless commitments to nation building in both Nigeria and US.

In an interview with journalists in Uyo, the state capital, Bassey narrated his Oval Office experience with Biden and why such executive dialogue became necessary.

Bassey said, “I informed the president of the most powerful nation in the world that our state has been blessed with good successive governors who have left enduring legacies such as the first sub-national owned airline and a network of very good road infrastructure.”

He said, “I also told the president that Akwa Ibom is most peaceful in the country, and that anytime he comes to Nigeria, he moves about freely to witness the developments in his native state.

“I told Mr Biden that Akwa Ibom has an international airport, its own airline, good network of roads, security, three standard sports stadia that can host international sporting tournaments and a good atmosphere that investments can thrive,” he said.

Bassey went to the US as a student of Computer Science and Business and later launched his Business Incentives Medicals (BIM) in 2003, with which he undertook the philanthropic gesture of helping humanity facing challenges of living, explaining that “seeing people die from ignorance, made me venture into charity services.”

“Throughout my years of doing business, I have never waited for government to support me, I simply reach out to touch those in need,” he added.

Speaking on the forthcoming Presidential election in the United States, Bassey said President Biden’s second term bid has already gotten his endorsement, vowing to do everything to see that Biden wins the race.

“Mr Biden is very humble and has formulated various policies here that have encouraged African -Americans like us who do business here. I am ready to support Biden’s re-election. He is developing the blacks; he is very humble. Doesn’t discriminate,” he stressed.