Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has expressed optimism that his recent trip to the United Kingdom (UK) for the 2023 London Political Summit Awards, has elevated the state and that the state has been considered as the best destination for investments and leisure.
Governor Eno, who returned with his entourage including the immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel, had highlighted the potentials that abound in the state and his ‘ARISE Agenda’ development blueprint, and expressed his readiness to welcome diaspora businessmen to invest in the state.
Besides, former Governor Emmanuel, LEADERSHIP learnt, wooed potential investors, assuring that the programmes encapsulated in his successor’s blueprint are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), saying the administration was ready to partner with other governments and private investors within and outside the state to realise his vision.
Speaking through his commissioner for information and strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, at the weekend, he said his government, had reached an agreement with the London Borough of Southwark, and Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora, to have exchanges for the educational and cultural development of the state.
“The agreements were reached at separate meetings held by the Governor with the Mayor of the Borough of Southwark, Michael Situ and some indigenes of Akwa Ibom State resident in the United Kingdom.
“At the Council Hall of the London Borough of Southwark, the Governor, who was received by the Borough’s Worshipful Mayor, Deputy Mayor and other members of the Borough’s Council, proposed an education and cultural exchange on both Government to Government (G2G) and business to business (B2B) levels.”
Governor Eno also proposed knowledge sharing between teachers and students in both climes. While appreciating the agreement for a partnership between the Borough and Uyo Local Government Area, Eno directed his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, to facilitate its implementation.
“The Mayor expressed great delight in the Governor’s visit and optimism about the benefits that the collaboration between the two governments can bring. He said his officials were ready to visit and commence deeper discussions on areas of bilateral interests.
“At a meeting with some Akwa Ibom citizens, where he briefed them on the promises and prospects embedded in the ‘ARISE Agenda’ and the Diaspora opportunities therein, Pastor Eno expressed his readiness to collaborate with Akwa Ibom citizens in the Diaspora throughout his tenure, and expressed confidence in their capacity to contribute positively to the economic development of the state,” he said.
