Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged foreign investors to explore the opportunities and potentials of his state as a destination for their investments and leisure. He made this call during the Political Summit Awards in London, where he presented an award to a British lawmaker.
Eno said his administration was committed to partnering with other governments and private investors to achieve his vision for the state, which he summarized as the A.R.I.S.E Agenda. The acronym stands for Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure, Security and Education.
The governor also proposed an education and cultural exchange program between Akwa Ibom State and the London Borough of Southwark, where he met with the mayor, Michael Situ, and other council members. He said he was interested in sharing knowledge and best practices with teachers and students in both places.
Eno also met with some Akwa Ibom indigenes living in the United Kingdom, who expressed their willingness to contribute their expertise and resources to the development of their home state. They also appealed to the governor to interact more frequently with the diaspora community. The mayor of Southwark, Situ, welcomed the governor’s initiative and said he looked forward to visiting Akwa Ibom State and deepening the bilateral relations. He presented the governor with some official memorabilia from his borough.
Akwa Ibom State is one of Nigeria’s 36 states, located in the south-south region of the country. It is known for its rich natural resources, especially oil and gas, as well as its tourism attractions, such as beaches, resorts and cultural festivals.
The state has been making efforts to diversify its economy and attract more foreign investment in recent years. In 2020, it signed a memorandum of understanding with an American company, Air Peace, to establish an airline hub in the state. It also hosted a trade fair that showcased its products and services to local and international buyers.
The governor’s visit to London was part of his strategy to promote his state to the global audience and seek new partnerships that would benefit his people. He said he was optimistic that his state would overcome its challenges and achieve its goals with the support of its friends and partners.
Source: Vanguard
