Page 1 his elaborate brochure has been put together to reiterate the vision of the Tpresent Government of Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of His Excellency Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Governor of the State. It showcases the determination of this administration to transform Akwa Ibom State into a society that affords unlimited economic, social, and commercial opportunities for its citizens and visitors, and that caters for their educational, agricultural, medical and infrastructural wellbeing. While the information presented here From the Office of will serve the interest of the people of the State, it also reaches to a wider Nigerian, African and the Special international audience. Adviser on Given the opportunity to contribute to Technical the development of Akwa Ibom State, especially under an administration with Matters a powerful vision, has been a fulfilling experience for me. Of course the job has come with its challenges, but such challenges also provide the framework that keeps me motivated. As special Adviser to the Government of Akwa Ibom State on Technical Matters, I have been uniquely positioned to serve in a capacity that does not essentially have boundaries. Regardless of the projects or policies that are being executed, my office typically plays a central role that streamlines, observes and documents all applicable decisions and activities. The Page 2 goal is to ensure efficiency, transparency attain excellence, we also understand that and data management in order to provide perfection is practically impossible from a comprehensive documentation of the human standpoint. This notwithstanding, progress made on all initiatives. we will continue to strive for the best and therefore welcome constructive criticism and Much has already been said about this advice from anyone who truly cares about administration’s achievements in the current and prospective growth opportunities construction and reconstruction of roads, in Akwa Ibom State. This is not a time to bridges, flyovers and drainages; in the cast aspersion or to be biased and negative revamping of the electricity, agriculture, in one’s assessment of the performance of healthcare and education sectors; in the the present government. This is a time to promotion of tourism; in the provision of be constructive and to offer healthy advice housing; in job creation; in the enhancement that would augment the development efforts of investment opportunities; in the being undertaken by Governor Godswill construction of the International Airport and Akpabio and his dynamic team. We welcome in the overall improvement of transportation. your practical and optimistic suggestions. While a number of projects in these areas are either ongoing or completed, we are already The achievements of this administration contemplating future plans and initiatives are not illusive; they are real and can be that will continue to benefit the people of identified in virtually all parts of the State. the State and increasingly cite the State as In recent presentations I made in the an economic force to be reckoned with in United States and to a Delegation of Niger Nigeria, Africa and the global community. Delta Investors in 2009 titled, respectively, This is why the futuristic development of the “Transformation of Akwa Ibom State” and proposed Ibom Industrial City and Tropicana “Uncommon Transformation of Akwa Ibom Complex are among government’s top State,” I highlighted these accomplishments, priorities. supporting my assertions with facts, figures and images. The audiences at these sessions But even as we look to the future, the present were fascinated by the industrial strides cannot be neglected. Uncompleted projects that the present government has made and must be completed in timely fashion while continues to make, and were particularly those that have been completed must be astonished that such progress is taking place maintained. Akwa Ibom State will absolutely in the Niger Delta that is typically defined not deteriorate to a society of abandoned as being plagued by violence and instability. projects. The continued success of this administration As the Office of Technical Matters strives to at stemming the type of hostility that is Page 3 prevalent in other parts of the Niger Delta is testament to the efficient management of its natural and human resources. I dare say that ours has been a successful story, but one that still stands to be improved. In essence, in spite of the transformation that we have achieved thus far, we will continue to strive for bigger transformation. My promise is that the Office of Technical Matters will relentlessly play a passionate role in attaining this objective. Akwa Ibom State may be populated by people who are commonly referred to as ‘minorities’. But while we accept the status of minority as it applies to number, we refuse to be minorities in terms of substance. We have assumed a new position as a socioeconomic force that can no longer be taken for granted, and we are determined not to relinquish this newfound identity. As a spiritual people, we remain grateful to God and to the man, Governor Akpabio, who He has chosen as an instrument to take Akwa Ibom State to new heights. Long Live Akwa Ibom State! Long Live Nigeria! Engr. Etido Inyang Page 4 Foreword hroughout history, men and women have excelled in situations In other words, Akwa that appeared impossible. Sometimes the task was carried Ibom is rejecting the Tout alone, as with the man, Nelson Mandela whose decision notion of ‘minority’ to sacrifice 27 years of his life would ensure liberty for millions and as synonymous with captivate the conscience of the entire world. Or Mother Teresa, whose ‘insignificant’ by decision to give up a life of comfort in Albania and restore dignity to redefining itself as a the impoverished of India would bring fresh hope to so many who dynamic economic otherwise would have simply been forgotten. At other times the effort force to be reckoned has been carried out in groups, like the 300-year struggle for self- with, both locally and determination by African descendents in the New World, without globally. whom America would not be the land of opportunity that it is today. The same is true of the Ikot Abasi women, whose revolt against the high handedness of the Colonial Masters in 1929 set the trend not just for independence struggles in Nigeria and Africa, but for women’s empowerment worldwide. In preserving a tradition of strength The same applies to Akwa Ibom State, of which relatively little is and perseverance, known, partly because it is classified as ‘minorities’. In its 23 years of modern-day Akwa existence—from 1987 till date the State has been ruled by several military Ibom, under the and civilian governors, each with his own vision and perspective on leadership of Governor governance. Notwithstanding the ensuing socioeconomic and political Godswill Akpabio, is challenges, its people have demonstrated and continue to demonstrate emerging as one of the an unparalleled determination to overcome and grow. This drive has most innovative stories become something of a rallying point and a unifying force despite the in postcolonial Nigeria. differences in ethnicity and language. In other words, Akwa Ibom is rejecting the notion of ‘minority’ as synonymous with ‘insignificant’ by redefining itself as a dynamic economic force to be reckoned with, both locally and globally. The effective management of its natural resources goes a long way in offsetting the erroneous notion that all oil-producing Niger Delta states are embroiled in conflict. Like the historical men and Page 5 women that have survived against all odds exists in isolation. With this awareness, the and accomplished where it was once deemed Akwa Ibom State Government is embarking impossible, Akwa Ibom is the brilliant light at on every possible strategy to ensure that the end of a tunnel that had sometimes been its people are not excluded from prevailing, considered too dark to navigate. international development trends. The focus of the present administration on the In preserving a tradition of strength and construction and restoration of infrastructure, perseverance, Akwa Ibom of today, including educational institutions, hospitals, under the leadership of Governor Godswill power supply, industrial complexes and Akpabio, is emerging as one of the most transportation among others, should innovative stories in postcolonial Nigeria. therefore be appreciated beyond mere The transformation is apparent not only in appearance. Aside from the national and infrastructure but also economic, intellectual international allure already cited, the and industrial. After all, good roads do not indigenes of Akwa Ibom State are open to just guarantee safety during travel, but also massive gains in the areas of employment, serve as a gateway to the development of education, comfort and renewed business trading partnerships and a friendly attraction opportunities. This, however, is not to for those, far and near, who want to enjoy underestimate the significance of aesthetics. the hospitality of a model State. The same Image, they say, is everything, and what applies to an airport, which does not only better way to advance the image of a facilitate travel, but opens also a gateway for State than to ensure that educational and development and extensive business links. A commercial opportunities are matched by holiday resort does more than offer a location beauty and elegance. With a landscape that for recreation