By Micheal Joseph Okon
Governor Umo Eno recently hosted Senate President Godswill Akpabio in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and took the opportunity to make three key requests for the benefit of the state.
Firstly, Governor Umo Eno requested federal support for the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, stating: “Your Excellency, I want to request that you please help the Federal Government to partner with Akwa Ibom State on the Ibom Deep Seaport. Don’t bother about roads in this state, we will do roads for you. I know you can always walk into the office of the President. No state can develop the Deep Seaport. If we miss it now, we don’t know when next God will smile on us. Let it be to your credit that when you were the Senate President, we got the deep Seaport.”
This request highlights the importance of the Ibom Deep Seaport to the state’s economic growth and development. By partnering with the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State can unlock the full potential of this project and create new opportunities for its citizens.
Secondly, Pastor Umo Eno requested support for the development of Akwa Ibom’s oil palm plantations and the establishment of an industrial oil mill, saying: “Your Excellency, the second request is that Akwa Ibom is blessed with oil palm. It is one of the biggest, naturally. It just grows. We want to partner with the Federal Government to develop our oil palm plantation and to have an industrial oil mill in this state. I know this is the kind of thing that will also bring employment and will benefit our people.”
This request demonstrates the state’s commitment to diversifying its economy and promoting economic growth. By developing its oil palm industry, Akwa Ibom State can create new jobs and increase its revenue.
Lastly, Governor Umo Eno expressed his desire to lead a delegation from Akwa Ibom State to visit President Bola Tinubu and express gratitude for his support and leadership, stating: “Finally, Your Excellency, we would like to pay a THANK YOU VISIT to Mr. President across party lines. We would like to go thank him for standing by you and for supporting you. We would like to go as a State to show that appreciation and we know you can make that happen.”
This request shows the importance of building relationships and showing gratitude in politics. By visiting the President and expressing their appreciation, Akwa Ibom State can strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government and create a positive environment for future collaboration.
These requests demonstrate Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to the growth and development of Akwa Ibom State, and his willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government to achieve this goal. By working together, they can achieve great things and leave a lasting legacy.
As Governor Umo Eno affectionately referred to the Senate President as his “Grandfather,” he expressed his willingness to continue seeking guidance and support in the future, saying: “Your Excellency, please, at your very earliest convenience, you can help us put this together so that we can go thank Mr. President and also share some moments with him led by your humble self across our party lines.”
This gesture highlights the importance of intergenerational wisdom and collaboration in achieving greatness. By seeking guidance from experienced leaders, Governor Umo Eno can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.
In conclusion, Governor Umo Eno’s requests to Senate President Godswill Akpabio demonstrate his unwavering dedication to the progress and prosperity of Akwa Ibom State. Through collaborative efforts and expressions of gratitude, they can achieve remarkable feats and cement a lasting legacy for generations to come.
• Okon, an associate chartered economist, writes from Akwa Ibom.
