Akwa Ibom as a state did not emerge from the blue, but it was evolved through persistent and sustained struggles and selfless sacrifices of great and visionary patriots who were fired by meaningful development based on the essential virtues of equality, equity and fairness for all.
The altruistic efforts watered by consistent, focused leadership and undivided communalism anchored on unity sprouted through the lush trees, agrarian communities and ever-flowing Atlantic ocean and rivers in berthing the idea for a separate entity and a glorious state founded on love and peace.
The tripodal arrangement, though shaky at a start, was the salt that seasoned the relationship and strengthened the bond of togetherness. And so, the baby called Akwa Ibom was born and heralded on the eventide of September 23, 1987 after years of agitation. Calabar and Uyo went into frenzy. Wild celebrations and partying took the centre stage in memory of the newborn baby.
Thirty four years down the line, the state is becoming an emerging giant strutting Nigeria’s political and economic landscapes like a lumbering elephant. Yes, we have made significant strides in the political, economic, social and educational sectors. Yes, we have turned valleys into low plains, hills to beautiful mansions and forests to habitable havens. We have carved a unique identity for ourselves and the degrading epiphany ‘Calabar man’ has become the celebrated ‘Akwa Ibom man’ with the gleaming slogan ‘Land of Promise.’
As we commemorate the birth of Akwa Ibom, we must thump our chests for the political victory occasioned by infrastructural renaissance. We must thump our chests for the military and elected leaders for piloting the affairs and the people with ‘can-do’ spirit in driving the development matrix of our great state to an enviable height.
In our self-introspection, we are still far from the Canaan Land. Disunity, tribal exclusiveness, hatred, near-educational backwardness, dwindling health facilities, financial out-sourcing of our lean resources, under development of our rural communities, abject poverty, cultism, hypocritical religiosity and other social vices are the dominant features.
Let the government embark more on human development capacity programmes. Individuals should be involved too. What Udom Inoyo is doing: floating N100 million for Akwa Ibom innovators’ sponsorship training is commended and should be emulated by other public-spirited individuals.
We want to call on the state government to pay all entitlements to retired and serving public servants. Let the government too send Akwa Ibom brilliant children but gifted children to the best universities in the world so that they would be able to fit into the contemporary society rooted in global competitiveness.
As we clink glasses on Akwa Ibom at 34, let us in unison rise above political affiliations, religious sentiments, tribal leaning, academic standing and economic interest to building a great but an emerging state that will be envy of all but tinkling to many.
