Akwa Ibom Vo L U M E 1 , N U M B E R 1

Explore Akwa Ibom Vo l u m e 1 , N u m b e r 1

UGE: Building an Akwa Ibom for all

Akwa Ibom: An Investment Destination People, Arts & Culture

www.akwaibomstate.gov.ng f

www.akwaibomstate.gov.ng Inside... Inside Akwa Ibom Quick Facts 04 Editorial Suite 05 Now, Akwa Ibom is Home 10 Akwa Ibom is Home to Foreigners 12 Akwa Ibom is a Destination for any Serious Business Person 12 Tropicana Mall 16 Investment Opportunities 18 Akwa Ibom Udom Emmanuel in the Eye of Others 23 The People and Culture 07 Some Places of Interest 29 ...Potentials

Tourism The Bridge of No Return The 21 Storey 13 Ibeno Beach 14 09 Dakkada Tower Ikot Ekpene Raﬃa

UGE: Building an Ibom Air: Redeﬁning the 21 Akwa Ibom for all 26 Nigerian airspace'

Editorial Team

Publisher Editor Graphics The Ministry of Information and James Edet Nsikan Ekwere Strategy/Nouveau Edge PR Edidiong George Production Editors Editor-in-Chief Aniekan Ukpong Photography Comrade Ini Ememobong Idris Mabadeje Mbedabasi Etim (Carrot) Editorial Adviser Ubokobong Udo Akpan Contributors Inyang Jameson Annie Essienette Concept Glory James General Editor Nouveau Edge PR Marvelous Friday

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AKWA IBOM

Quick facts Dakkada Tower, Uyo

Area: 7,249 Square kilometers

o 0 Ibom Location: Lying between Latitudes 4 32" and 5 33" Connection, Uyo North and Longitudes 7035 and 8025 east. Bounded by Rivers, Cross River, Abia States and the Gulf of Guinea on the East, West, North and South respectively Population: About 7,000,000 people Vegetation: Green foilage of trees and shrubs with 129km coastline from Oron to Ikot Abasi. Climate: Dry season ( November - March), Wet season IBOM ICON Hotel & (April - October) Average temperature ranges from Golf Resort, Uyo 230 to 310 centigrade. Political Setting: 31 LGAs with Uyo as the State Capital

Main Economic Activities: The main economic activities of the people are ﬁshing (for riverine and coastal dwellers), farming (mostly for upland dwellers), trading, artisanship and white-collar services. A robust public sector employs signiﬁcant proportion of the state labour force.

Growth Rate: Akwa Ibom State average growth rate is estimated at 3.2%

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EXPLORING NIGERIA'S BEST KEPT SECRET

reasures are usually hidden, earned a prime spot in history- T even by nature. Precious the colonialists landed here, the stones and materials are amalgamation decree was carefully hidden far beneath the signed here, Christianity found surface of the earth, making an entry route through here, the extraction an onerous task. ﬁrst community organized this state is the only From experience, the mining scholarship scheme was birthed and exploration of minerals and here and so much more. History state to own and “ other precious gems have been has always been made here. In operate an airline in a result of man's intentional contemporary times, this state is the entire continent; search and strenuous digging. the only state to own and the most intelligent operate an airline in the entire building in the Nigeria's best kept secret is her continent; the most intelligent treasure- a land of promise , building in the country (Dakkada country (Dakkada Akwa Ibom State. This piece of Tower) is sited here, this is the Tower) is sited here; God's own real estate is carefully home of the most beautiful this is the home of hidden at the bottom of the Christmas village in the country the most beautiful map of the country, bordering and the originators of the Christmas village in the Atlantic Ocean and providing biggest carols festival in the a strategic gateway to the world(with a Guinness Record to the country and the country from any part of the back up). You are about to originators of the world. The land is very fertile explore history and if you may, biggest carols festival and is rich with humongous be a part of it. in the world (with a natural resources. The people Guinness Record to remain the best resource of the We hope that away from this land, they are industrious, publication, you'll take out time back up). intelligent and remarkably to physically explore the hospitable. abundant beauty, lavishly spread on this piece of God's The state is the safest place in own real estate, which has the country, deﬁned by beautiful remained and will for ages ” scenery all through the stretch remain, Nigeria's best kept of the geographic boundaries. secret. This is a state that has always Comrade Ini Ememobong

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1929 Women War Memorial, Nest of Champions, Uyo Ikot Abasi

Beautiful landscape Abundant resources Vast oppounities Home away from home The People, Culture and Potentials

kwa Ibom, Nigeria's linguistic heritage, the engage in farming. A21st State was presence of many local Other traditional created on September languages spoken by the occupations of the 23, 1987 by the ethnic groups in the people are fishing, AKWA IBOM STATE promulgation of Decree state. trading, hunting, 24 of that year by the woodcarving, raffia THE PEOPLE then President, The cultural works, blacksmithing, Commander-in-Chief of homogeneity is also pottery, iron works, arts AND CULTURE the Armed Forces of the epitomized in the and craft creations. ...POTENTIALS Federal Republic of similarities in folklore, Based on the 2019 Nigeria, General Ibrahim songs, dances, foods projected population Badamosi Babangida. beliefs and mythology. figures, the state has an Akwa Ibom people are estimated population of The people of Akwa very industrious, about 7,000,000 people. Ibom are culturally resourceful and The annual growth rate homogenous with a hospitable. Majority of of the population is common identity and the rural populace projected at 3.4%, with

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the average population the country, it is also a and gypsum. gravel, salt, silver nitrate, density of 680 very rich source for a The State is also silica sand and kaolin inhabitants per square wide variety of fishes endowed with rich that can be meter. and sea foods including deposits of limestone, commercially exploited. catfish, barracuda, blue Akwa Ibom State is a marlin, squid, sardine, reservoir of wealth. It is croakers, shrimps, like a beautiful bride prawns, crayfish, beckoning on tourist snappers and oyster. It and investors. The also offers huge State's fond sobriquet: opportunities for land of promise is not maritime development misplaced. With clement and admiralty matters. weather and a fertile The State Aerial-view of year 2020 Christmas Village,Unity Park, plays host to “Its 129km coastline is not only Udoudoma Avenue, Uyo some the longest in the country, it is multinational also a very rich source for a companies wide variety of fishes and sea and is one of f o o d s i n c l u d i n g c a t f i s h , the largest oil- barracuda, blue marlin, squid, producing sardine, croakers, shrimps, States in prawns, crayfish, snappers and Nigeria. oyster. It also offers huge Certainly, its opportunities for maritime alluring development and admiralty features make matters.” Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo at night the State an inviting land measuring 7,249 destination for investors km, the State holds a and tourists from all promise of exciting and over the world. Solid splendid opportunities and industrial minerals for leisure, investment which abound in the and wealth creation. State include; clay, glass

and silica sand; Its 129km coastline is bentonite, limestone, not only the longest in gravels, sodium chloride Ibom Golf Course

Source: Directorate of Information, Ministry of Information and Strategy

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Night view of Dakkada Tower

THE 21 STOREY DAKKADA TOWER occupancy and motion By Glory James sensors, Digitally he 21 storey Smart For the fire system, the addressed lighting Toffice complex, From the second to the tower boasts of fire interface (DALI), network located in the Central twentieth floor office electric pumps, diesel switch for outdoor Business District of Uyo, accommodations are pump backup, Fire lighting motion sensor, Akwa Ibom State capital, provided to end - users extinguisher hose real, Solar fitted nano type has a tower as high as while the twenty-first technical rooms E30 facade panel to power 108.8 meters. The Five floor is a terrace where cabling for S90 fire, facade light at night as Star business guests, tourists and protection sprinkler well as Perimeter fence accommodation occupies investors can stand to system, intelligent smoke light. an area of 18, 639.50 have a glimpse of the detectors and fire alarm meters square on a beautiful landscape of panel connected to the The 21 storey smart massive site area of the capital city. CCTV room. The state-of- building makes room for 48,200.00 meters square, the-art communication video conferencing, thus making room for a 350 It has an access control gadgets of the putting in place capacity car park. with such components intelligence building are necessary cameras and like, the card reader, in place with all efficiently managed The Tower has 4 biometric control accessories of a public workstation. With a elevators, 2 emergency keypads, central stand- address system chiller system of chilled exits, fire protection alone server workstation, including: speaker, water sensor, infrared sensors and aviation electric lock hardware combine audio+media toilet system, automated wing. The ground floor is cabling for doors, boom via sms for evacuation, facade sprinklers and designed to barrier for cars, control station, UPS and cleaner and automated accommodate banks and automated cards, amplifiers. Rain gauge. canteens while the automated turnstiles, fire mechanical floor controls protected doors and time Other unique features It has Humidity and sewage and takes care of attendance readers. are the LED lighting, temperature sensors in waste disposal. Touchscreen control KNX all the floors.

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NOW, AKWA IBOM IS HOME - Idris Mabadeje

ut for curiosity and the State. Bdesire for adventure, I could have missed the The plethora of negative stories opportunity of a life time to notwithstanding, I was excited have a personal and true Akwa about my NYSC posting to Akwa Ibom experience. I was naturally Ibom State. For one, my happy when I received my call experience in Edo State as a up letter to proceed to Akwa student of Auchi Polytechnic for Ibom State for the 1998/99 my ND and HND programmes, service year. However, almost were hostile, based on not only took me out of Lagos, everyone I mentioned Akwa unsubstantiated tales they had where I was born and bred, it Ibom to as my next destination been told by other ignorant also exposed me to the socio- felt sorry for me. Why? Many people. I was inundated with cultural dynamics that define people in my ethnic circle many other supposedly good the people. So, I had another believed Akwa Ibom people reasons why I should influence opportunity to experience my posting out of Akwa Ibom another part of Nigeria better by

for more on Akwa Ibom, call our Info HOTLINE 10 Explore 070 0000 0001 Akwa Ibom call, text & whatsapp Living or Lifestyle NOW, AKWA IBOM IS HOME accepting to serve in Akwa Ibom appreciate the contributions of Lagos. Again, thank God I chose State. the NYSC scheme to national to accept the job offer. development. Thus, I was With the benefit of over 20 Although, I had the opportunity inspired to author a book: Youth years' residential experience, I to make a move for my posting Service and National can, to a great extent tell anyone to one of the outstanding Development. Luckily for me, who cares that Akwa Ibom is a establishments in the state, I did the public presentation of the State for all. By reason of my not. Alas! I was posted to a book in Eket was supported by job, I have been to the nooks community secondary school in the State Government of Arc. and crannies of the State. I have a remote and rural part of the (Obong) Victor Attah, local seen the State transform into a State -Odio-Eket in Eket Local government authorities and more cosmopolitan status, with Government Area. I was well-meaning individuals and the indigenes co-existing definitely on my own. But thank corporate bodies. harmoniously with people of God I did not run away like other ethnic groups. Given the many fellow corps members did. Moved by the need to impact growing community of non- I served the Community the school and community of indigenes, Akwa Ibom has Secondary Commercial School my primary assignment, I become home for many and the larger Odio community channeled the proceeds from Nigerians from different walks to the best of my ability. That the book into buying text books of life. Socio-economic and began the story of my for the library of Community physical infrastructure have permanent residence in Akwa Secondary Commercial School, grown in leaps and bounds, with Ibom State. Not only did I live, Odio; and also bought two giant increasing number of Nigerians eat and drink with the locals, I water tanks to support the and other global citizens - discovered the truth for myself. water project started in the individuals and corporate, Akwa Ibom people were not community by a multi-national thronging to take advantage of hostile as I had been wrongly oil company. the many opportunities that informed by many genuinely abound here. concerned people, but who The one year service proved were largely uninformed about rewarding, as some of us So, if you are looking for a the people of this serene State received the State NYSC peaceful place to live, work or in the South-South region of Honours Award, with the state invest, you can place your bet on Nigeria. Also, I came to government adding automatic Akwa Ibom State. From a loving understand the difference employment in the state civil and accommodating people to between Akwa Ibom and service, as a show of exquisite cuisines and peaceful Calabar people. It is generally appreciation for our selflessness environment, devoid of religious believed in the South West of during the service year. As a and ethnic clashes, I welcome Nigeria that Akwa Ibom people Lagos boy, it was not easy you to Akwa Ibom State. are Calabar people. choosing to accept the job offer, especially with other options Indeed, Akwa Ibom is home My service in the rural waiting for my acceptance in away from home! community school helped me to

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therefore means that I can tell indeed a home for all peace the story of Akwa Ibom from loving people. administration to administration. The ingenuity of the present administration has further made My love for Akwa Ibom cannot the state more attractive to be quantiﬁed because it is a Nigerians who wish to do Alhaji Hassan Sadauki, Leader, Hausa Community peaceful and accommodating business in a safe environment. state. Anyone who has Today, the state is one of the have lived almost all of my life experienced the hospitality of fastest developing states in Iin Akwa Ibom State, which the people would aﬃrm that it is Nigeria.

AKWA IBOM IS A DESTINATION FOR ANY SERIOUS BUSINESS PERSON

he enabling business indigenes. Tenvironment created by the administration of Governor “The people patronize Udom Emmanuel has made businesses, not minding where Akwa Ibom state the prime the business owner is from. For destination for business in example, I’m Igbo by origin, but Nigeria. 80% of my clients are Akwa Ibom people. They make This position was made by business ﬂow easily here, Fidelis Iteshi, an Ebonyi born Barr. Fidelis Iteshi thereby creating prosperity.”He Lawyer who has lived and he met in the state. said “Akwa Ibom is the prime practiced law in Akwa Ibom state business destination for any for eighteen years. He said that if Akwa Ibom was serious minded business not business-friendly, he would person, because of the enduring Iteshi, who said he came from have long left the state. He peace that is here. The Lagos to Akwa Ibom state for his confessed that many non- government has shown serious National Youth Service Corps in indigenes have prospered in the commitment to the sustenance 2002, had not returned to Lagos state, because of the welcoming of peace. I am a witness and I because of the hospitality and and friendly disposition of the can tell you, non-indigenes ﬁnd friendly business environment state government and Akwa Ibom a second home.“

for more on Akwa Ibom, call our Info HOTLINE 12 Explore 070 0000 0001 Akwa Ibom call, text & whatsapp TOURISM rom the time of settling in its present day location, the people of Akwa Ibom state have been blessed with Fhistorical facts which have made us proud in so many facets. The historical evolution has today become our heritage.

THE BRIDGE OF NO RETURN slaves were sold through auction to rich European traders in the region. Human beings were treated as goods or commodity and as such they were kept in ware houses awaiting sales or ferried abroad to develop the new found land.

As the name implies, the Ikot Abasi Bridge of No Return played a major role in the story of slavery because, slaves who passed through the bridge and were kept in the dungeons could no Bridge of No Return, Ikot Abasi longer return to Nigeria. It is therefore on record that a sizeable number of the th n the late 19 century, Nigeria's best brains were taken out slave who passed through the Bight of Iof the country for the purpose of slavery in America, Biafra were ferried from the Ikot Abasi Europe and the Caribbean's. Slave markets were found and Bridge of No Return.

IBENO BEACH

beno beach, situated in Ibeno, IAkwa Ibom State, is a good and serene relaxation spot for tourists and lover of water sport.

Ibeno Beach, Ibeno

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IKOT EKPENE, THE RAFFIA CITY kwa Ibom has many Ahistorical artefacts, valuable resources and Indeed, Ikot Ekpene has a other attractions. long history of transforming the raffia Historians, book makers fibre into cloth. The raffia agree that local fibre is also used in government making shoes, hats, administration has a roo t handbags, mats and can in Akwa Ibom. An Akwa be used with distinctive Ibom community, Ikot cultural carvings made Ekpene is reputed to have out of wood. It is a known had the earliest seat of fact that raffia materials local government used in the making of development and lawyers' wigs in Nigeria administration. are sourced from Ikot Thanks to the boundless Ekpene. wealth of raffia that A lot of opportunities for abound in the area and investment in arts, crafts, how the native people are textile etc abound in Ikot endowed with the Ekpene as well as other ingenuity of weaving the parts of the state. raffia into various artworks and crafts. This The trade in raffia, arts adds to their ingenious and crafts has become skills in carving wood and phenomenal over the other items into furniture, years such that Ikot decoration and cultural Ekpene offers a lot of items that depict the opportunities for richness of Akwa Ibom investors in raffia works, culture. arts and crafts in Nigeria.

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Visit: www.ibomgolfresort.com Business

ropicana Mall, the ﬁrst The facility, which has been The remodeled mall Tmodern leisure and business expanded from 5,000 square accommodates among others, resort in the capital city of Uyo, meters structure to 9,800 square Market Square, a fast growing has been remodeled by Governor meters with 56 rentable shops retail chain in Nigeria. The mall Udom Emmanuel's administraon provides a world-class shopping will not only boost the internally and put on the path of atmosphere with utmost comfort generated revenue of the state, proﬁtability. for end users. but will create employment and smulate tourism in the state.

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Come LIVE WORK INVEST IN AKWA IBOM

The Completion Agenda www.akwaibomstate.gov.ng Business AKWA IBOM STATE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES +234 (0)805 911 1174, +234 (0)802 778 4967, For more info on investment +234 (0)802 584 9973

LIBERTY OIL AND GAS FREE TRADE ZONE/HARBOUR

t is conceptualized to cover an approximate area of 50,000 hectares, with a Iharbour designed to carter to the needs of the FTZ. The FTZ is supposed to house numerous manufacturing and service companies across various sectors including Oil & Gas, Power, Steel, Metal Fabrication, Oﬃce blocks, Residential estates, etc. There are myriads of opportunities here for investments.

POWER GENERATION

kwa Ibom oﬀers an ideal opportunity to build a gas-ﬁred thermal power Aplant to generate 500 megawatts of electricity for injection into the National Grid. The State has the largest reserves of oil and gas in Nigeria. Any power generated is guaranteed to be purchased by the Federal Government. It is also possible to generate for a secluded area (captive power). The gas required to power the plants is available in abundance making it a sure investment area.

CERAMICS FACTORY

ood quality clay is in abundance in Akwa Ibom State. Again, there is Gno ceramics company producing plates, toiletries, tiles, etc, in the country. This is an excellent investment opportunity.

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Limestone Itu, Ibiono Ibom, Ikot Abasi, Eket, Onna, Etinan, Nsit Ubium, Ini, Uyo

Clay Abundant

Mineral Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Ibom Resources Sodium Chloride

Coal/ ULiite Ini, Nsit Ubium Compounds

Crude Silver Oil Nitrate Uruan

Eket, Esit Eket, ONNA, Eastern Obolo, Ibeno, Mbo,Udung Uko, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin

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Location: Location: Itu, Uruan, Uyo, All over the State Ibiono Ibom

Location: Location: Essien Udim, Ikot Abasi, All over the State Vegetables Rubber Mkpat Enin

Livestock Coconut

Location: Eket, Nsit Atai, Plantain Location: Etinan, Ikono, & Ikono, Ini Kolanut Ini,Mkpat Enin, Banana Oruk Anam, Uyo

Cocoa Sugar Cane Location: Location: Ikono, Ini Nsit Ubium, Raffia Palm Sea Foods Uyo

Location: Location: Essien Udim, Oron, Mbo, Itu, Uruan, Uruan, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene Eastern Obolo, Okobo

Location: Ikono, Ini, Eket, Okobo, Location: Oron,Ibeno, All over the state Ikot Abasi, Oruk Anam Location: Nsit Atai, Location: Etinan, Wood Mkpat Enin, Oil Palm Abak, Obot Akara Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene Citrus Yam Fruit

Location: Location: All over Okobo, Oron, Maize the state Wateryam Udung Uko, Urue Offong- Oruko

Cocoyam Rice Location: Location: Itu, Ukanafun, Ikono, Ini, Etim Ekpo Cassava Fruit Ibiono Ibom

Location: Location: All over the state All over the State

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UGE: Building an Akwa Ibom for all

By Aniekan Ukpong n the last couple of years, make the State the darling of administration, and it's yielding Icoming to Akwa Ibom State global investors. Before the end fruits. Understanding the has been a pleasurable of 2019, countless industries imperative of a purposeful experience for tourists, had been attracted to the state. leadership driven by vision, businessmen cum investors. The Governor Udom Emmanuel on influx of this top class human Since then the traffic had kept assumption of office in 2015 set traffic was not unexpected. The building, more industries are machinery in motion to attain advent of Mr. Udom Gabriel berthing in the state and more his 5-point policy thrust of Job Emmanuel(UGE) in the businesses are springing up. The creation, Poverty Alleviation, governance of the state in May traffic is not only limited to Wealth Creation, Economic and 2015 truly signalled the industrialists, strategic investors, Political inclusion, Infrastructural beginning of Akwa Ibom that will professional service providers, Consolidation and Expansion by be home of all. dealers and traders, other holistically embarking on Nigerians as well as foreigners policies and programmes that As a top class finance expert, have found Akwa Ibom as the not only promote good Governor Udom Emmanuel on new home and destination to governance, but seek to position arrival set machinery in motion go. Akwa Ibom on the path of to open the state for foreign sustainable growth and direct investment by quickly Making Akwa Ibom a home for economic prosperity. adopting policies and all is a deliberate agenda of the In the first four years of the implementing programmes that Udom Emmanuel’s administration, impressive

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UGE Building anAkwa Ibom for all milestones were recorded in the vibrant industrialised economy Bayelsa State Executive Council socio-economic development of and tourism haven. The State Retreat and the First the state, as evidenced in life has become the preferred Commanding Oﬃcers' touching achievements through conference centre for many workshop 2021 of the Nigerian job creation made possible by groups, public and private Army were held in Uyo among the attraction of industries and organisations. Major decision others. viable businesses by the makers, stakeholders and The unprecedented level of administration. prominent personalities within peace enjoyed in the state since and outside the country are the present administration came The second term Completion attracted to the state frequently. on board and the conducive Agenda, summarized in an 8- This is because Governor Udom business environment have point policy focus of Emmanuel has provided the made Akwa Ibom a centre of Industrialization, Aviation necessary infrastructure and the attraction for investment and Development, Agriculture, Rural enabling environment for tourism. Unarguably, Akwa & Riverine Area Development, eﬀective functioning of Ibom has witnessed an era of Human Capacity Development businesses and social activities industrialisation largely Security, Infrastructure, as well in the state. stimulated by the private sector. as Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, is a bold step to Annual general meetings, major Apart from the numerous consolidate on the successes of workshops and National industries established in the the 5-point agenda by ensuring summits planners have found state, the choice of Uyo, the many more strategic and Akwa Ibom as a new centre of state capital, by Market Square, comprehensive development attaining their goals. Recently, a renowned brand and national across the state. Akwa Ibom hosted the National retail outlet, for its business and Executive Council meeting of the the recent agreement signed by Today, with the completion Nigerian Bar Association, shortly OCP Africa of Morocco to agenda meticulously being after the Nigerian Medical establish a $1.4b Fertilizer Plant implemented, Governor Association had visited the state in the State underscore the fact Emmanuel is steadily to endorse the Jubilee Syringe that Governor Udom Emmanuel repositioning Akwa Ibom as a produced in the state. Also, the is building an Akwa Ibom for all.

contd on page 28

Electric Digital Metering Manufacturing Factory Kings Flour Mill

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His Excellency, Mr. Moses Ekpo, on Governor Udom Emmanuel “This is a man who has prepared himself and has proven himself as a leader of his people. You can only give people what you have and if you don't have you don't give to people. So, when you ﬁnd a man like that who is industrious, who believes in God, who believes in the universality of love, how can you not work with that kind of person? We are enthusiastic about what Governor Udom Emmanuel happens to do for the people, and coming from the k i n d of background he came from, a background of industrialization and development, we couldn't have asked for a better leader now in Akwa Ibom State” Mr. Moses Ekpo, MFR is the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Mrs. Bessie Bartholomew Bernard, Trader

“I have been trading for years in this my state, so I have seen how the state has continued to grow and develop with each passing day. The state is peaceful and calm with a favourable environment without security crisis”

Michael Orji, Real Estate Agent

I am a resident in Akwa Ibom State and have seen the state grow as one of the fastest developing states in the southern part of the country. It is a safe state with a peaceful ambience and favourable environment.

Dr. Glory Edet “Under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel the state has maintained peace and security alongside the development of the economy and increasing growing living standard.” “He attaches great importance to the development of Agriculture, as evidenced in the construction of rice mills, construction and cultivation of vegetable green houses, investment in coconut plantations across the state, establishment of coconut reﬁnery, distribution of free farm inputs and interest free loans to diﬀerent categories of farmers and lots more.

Efe Wealth, Trader

“I have lived in Akwa Ibom, doing business for a long time. I can say boldly very well that Akwa Ibom is a peaceful state, one of the safest states in Nigeria. The state is one of the fastest developing states in the country.”

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Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem “I am very happy to say that the gentleman, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel who is occupying the oﬃce of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is one who is moved by the need to change the fortunes of the State for better” To tell you the truth, he wants to turn Akwa Ibom State into the Singapore of Africa overnight or to the Dubai of Nigeria overnight and that kind of passion; that kind of commitment is born out of his vision and what he was before he became the Governor. In addition to that, he is a stickler for time and quality. He therefore has little or no time for primodialism or sentiment or for nepotism, or chauvinism. These positives speak for themselves as far as Udom Emmanuel the Governor is concerned.

Loveth Essien, Trader

I am an indigene of Akwa Ibom, my state is a nice place and the government ensures the comfort of its indigenes. There is remarkable change in the roads and bridges, and there is more access to money now in the state.

Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen “From the vantage position of having been around the administration from the beginning, I can say without mincing words that the Udom Emmanuel led government has been focussed, and has followed the pattern it set for itself. Virtually, every sector has set targets, the industries are up and running, the SMEs are made to come on stream. I think that the governemt has remained focussed and is determined to achieve its goals.”

Shalom Ukaga, Real Estate Agent

I have resided in Akwa Ibom for some years now and can actually attest to the development of the state. Akwa Ibom State is obviously planned. The costs of commodities are cheap and aﬀordable compared to other states.

Elder Eﬃong Essien

Civil Servants have contributed immensely to the development and growth of Akwa Ibom State for the past 33 years. The Civil Service provides civil servants with the platform to be involved in all innovations that have taken place in the state over the years.

Godspower Gideon, Civil Servant

I want to assure everybody, especially strangers, that our state is a nice place to settle in and is a very peaceful state. It is the highest oil and gas producing state in the country. The presence of good roads network have changed the landscape of the state and largely improved the environment.

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HENSEK INTEGRATED SERVICES

GROUP

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Redeﬁning the Nigerian airspace

By Aniekan Essienette he Nigerian Aviation charges, taxes as well as Tsector has come full poor connectivity. circle since the 1985 The climate one will say deregulation of the did not look too good to same. a potential investor into the sector when you It has evolved from consider the downside, From inception, it was mainly Government however for the big clear in the minds of the surety of when one ownership to an almost appetite investor with a Airline's Management, would travel, if at all, an private sector-only, vision, it presented an the huge impact, and Ibom Air passenger has domestic carriers - opportunity to disrupt value they were poised come to expect, dominated industry, the status quo, and that to deliver to the Air experience, and embrace which subsisted until is exactly how Ibom Air travel industry. As a a different reality. 2019 when Ibom Air came to redefine the direct response to the came into the scene to Nigerian Air space- unstable schedule and You will agree that the break the jinx with a owing largely to the little or no on-time public has come to disruptive hybrid model investment and risk performance of Airlines accept Ibom Air on its of State ownership and appetite of the current in the country, Ibom Air merit based on the value independent operator Akwa Ibom State by came into the market we are delivering to our status. Governor Udom with a three-prong pleasure and business Emmanuel. strategy to deliver; Nigeria, the largest travellers a clear Schedule Reliability, On- economy in West Africa demonstration of how Today, Ibom Air needs Time Departures, and with the huge potential fully committed to our little or no introduction, Excellent Service - the to be Africa's largest strategy, even reaching a with yet unmatched three key yearnings of aviation hub and an even record 500,000- performance feat the Nigerian Air travel larger potential for passenger mark as of 1st recorded over the last 20 passenger in Nigeria. tourism has continually of March 2021, a feat months in the Nigerian Given that the industry is been faced with the which could have Aviation Industry, still in the days when challenges of low happened earlier but for effectively bringing a one goes to the Airport passenger and cargo the COVID-19 pandemic. breath of fresh air to the according to travel traffic, high aviation Nigerian skyline. schedule without the In a continuous strive to

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trump our best feedback of any sort is very seriously and with them. The Ibom performances, we at taken very seriously and because of this, our flyer will get a Ibom Air have come up often time is a pulse check-in counter closes personalized card and with a monthly scorecard check to measure our 45 minutes before the baggage tag and will and have gone ahead to customer satisfaction. scheduled departure enjoy exclusive services publicly measure our Ibom Air's reputation for time of a flight. from our value partners. performance against the sticking to timelines, a Occasionally, when We at Ibom Air are three performance key element of our severe weather or determined to make a indicators that make up raison d'être, has met occasional snag due to brand to be a symbol of our value proposition: with mixed reactions technicality is what is possible and schedule reliability, on- from the public. Some experienced, only then working in Nigeria, to time departures, have even made bold to would we adjust our give hope to Nigerian's excellent service, by suggest some level of time, because we are both home and in the keeping daily records of compromise to the also committed to diaspora, that Nigeria our flights with a commitment to on-time putting our passengers' and excellence can be commitment to stay departure, to the extent safety before our mentioned in the same above 95% performance that leaving passengers schedule. This sentence. We are across board. This they behind due to their commitment to certainly not where we have achieved to date. inability to meet up their discipline has been want to be, but we are To further demonstrate scheduled flight time has positively embraced and determined to stay on our commitment to been viewed in negative appreciated by most of course and jump back these values, we have terms. This we find to be our customers. on the horse when we also deliberately opened regrettable and In our quest to add value slip. and maintained unfortunate, especially to our customers, we channels of engagement when it turns out as a With a firm belief that have recently introduced with our growing full-blown smear things can still work in a unique customer customer base. campaign, but we are this country, despite any loyalty program, the Customers can engage not deterred, but setback, we are IBOM FLYER aimed at with us across all social instead, we push on, committed to bringing to opening a world of media platforms, focusing on the large our customers, world- rewards to our frequent customer contact majority, who have come class service, and to flyers. We are very centres or other to set their clocks by us. challenge other airlines excited to engage our corporate to do the same. Let me take this customers this way and communication opportunity to re- we look forward to channels. This is Aniekan Essienette is the Group emphasize that Ibom Air enjoying a mutually Manager Marketing and because, at Ibom Air, takes departing on-time beneficial relationship Communication for Ibom Airlines Limited.

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Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs Chamber, Uyo contd. from page 22 His eﬀort in building a industries are: Syringe Ibom Paints Industry, Tissue sustainable, peaceful and Manufacturing Factory, Flour Paper Production Factory prosperous Akwa Ibom for all is Mills, Electric Digital Metering (Bamboo to Tissue), Rice Mills, an indication of the Solutions Factory, Plywood & Palm Kernel Crushing Plant, administration's determination Timber Factory, Fertilizer Palm oil Processing Mills, to make the state an industrial Blending Factory, Plastic Cassava Processing Mills and the hub which has taken root with Manufacturing Factory, Pencil ongoing Coconut Reﬁnery and the establishment of numerous Factory and Toothpick Factory. Automobile Assembly industries. Some of the Others include resuscitated Manufacturing Plant. Ibom Deep Sea Port

to have an enhanced numerous economic activities maritime business. The associated with the maritime efforts of Governor sector. Udom Emmanuel's administration in Apart from decongesting the ensuring the fruition of other ports especially Lagos, this project paid off with Ibom Deep Seaport holds a lot the final approval by the of revenue potentials for Akwa Federal Government for Ibom State and Nigeria. Also, Model of the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port the commencement of the multiplier effects will create the construction of the Deep availability of job opportunities bom Deep Seaport offers Seaport in the state, which is and wealth creation for Akwa opportunity for Nigeria and I part of the Industrial City. The Ibom people and Nigerians at indeed the entire gulf of Guinea State is sure to experience large.

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Some Places of Interest

Churches ■ All Saints Anglican Church, 41 Gibbs Street/Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo ■ Christ the King Cathedral, Willington Bassey ■ Redeemed Christian Church of God, Edet Way, Uyo Akpan Avenue, Uyo ■ Immanuel Methodist Cathedral, Itiam Etoi, ■ Deeper Life Bible Church, Federal Housing Uyo Estate, Abak Road, Uyo ■ Church of Christ, Aka Road, Uyo ■ The Salvation Army, Uyo Central Corps, ■ The Apostolic Church Field Headquarters, 37 Udotung Ubo Street, Uyo Obio Imo Street, Uyo ■ The Presbyterian Church of Nigerian, 73 ■ Qua Iboe Church, Ibeno Willington Bassey way, Uyo ■ United Evangelical Church, Nsikak Eduok ■ Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Uyo Avenue, Uyo ■ Word Tabernacle, Osong Ama, Uyo ■ Insight Bible Church, Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo Hotels ■ St. Anne Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene ■ Full Life Christian Centre, Uyo ■ Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Nwaniba Road, ■ Winners Chapel, Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo. Uyo ■ Groves Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ikot ■ Monty Suites, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo Ekpene ■ Watbridge Hotel and Suite, IBB Avenue, Uyo ■ Power City International Church, Nwaniba ■ Luton Park Hotel and Suite, Udo Udoma, Uyo Road, Uyo ■ De-Castle Hotel, Ewet Housing, Uyo

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■ EEMJM Hotel, Brook Street, Uyo ■ Obong University, Obong Etim Ekpo ■ D Angelo Hotel, Ekpe Nkereuwem Close, ■ Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo ■ Topfaith University Mkpatak Essien Udim ■ Davok Suite F Line, Ewet Housing Esate, Uyo ■ Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua ■ Signature by Royalty Hotel, G Line Ewet ■ Heritage Polytechnic Eket Housing Estate, Uyo ■ Uyo City Polytechnic, Uyo ■ Villa Marina Hotel, Marina Road, Eket ■ College of Education, Afaha Nsit, Nsit Ibom ■ St. Naths Hotel, Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene ■ College of Science and Technology, Ikono ■ Macaire Hotel, Old Itu Road, Ikot Ekpene ■ New Point Hotel, Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo Secondary ■ Eden Hotel, Eket ■ Methodist Boys High School, Oron Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council Chambers, Uyo Restaurants/Bars ■ Cornelia Connelly College, Uyo ■ Etinan Institute, Etinan ■ Food house, Ekpenyong street, uyo ■ State College, Ikot Ekpene ■ Gems Grand, F line, Ewet Housing, Uyo ■ Holy Family College, Abak ■ Eni stores, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo ■ St. Marys' Science College, Abak ■ Uyo Kitchen 202 Oron Road, Uyo ■ Government Secondary School, Eket ■ Jess Lounge ■ Regina Coeli College Ikot Abasi ■ M’E-lounge, Asong Ama, Uyo ■ Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene ■ Kilimanjaro, Oron Road, Uyo ■ Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio ■ Tantalizers, Abak Road, Uyo Itong, Mkpat Enin ■ Spring Garden Restaurant 113, Atiku ■ Federal Girls Technical College, Uyo Abubakar Way, Uyo ■ Topfaith International School, Mkpatak, Essien ■ Oliver Tweest Food, Ekpo Obot Street, Uyo Udim ■ Cold Stone/Dominos, Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo ■ Tower of Ivory International School, Abak ■ Rayﬁeld International School, Uyo Night Clubs ■ Monef International School, Uyo ■ Noble International School, Uyo ■ Place Terrace ■ St. Columbanus Secondary School Ikwen, Obot ■ ME Lounge Akara ■ D’ Angelo Café ■ Notre Dame Girls Secondary School, Urua Edet ■ Watbridge Underground, IBB Avenue, Uyo Obo ■ Police Secondary School Ukana, Essien Udim ■ Airforce Comprehensive Secondary School, SOME MAJOR EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN Ibesikpo Asutan THE STATE ■ Command Science Secondary School, Efa, Tertiary: Etinan ■ Navy Military School, Ikot Ntuen, Ekparakwa ■ University of Uyo, Uyo Oruk Anam ■ Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin

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