Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has wooed the cooperation of Oro Nation in the successful implementation of development projects in the area.
Governor Emmanuel made the remark during a grand reception for Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, and Mrs. Janet Amba, the first female President-General of the Oron Union organised by the Oro Union held at Oron Township Stadium.
The Governor, accompanied by Martha, his wife, implored the Oro elders to desist from demanding unnecessary compensations on right of way mapped out for the construction of new roads, advising the youths to refrain from interrupting activities of construction companies on project sites.
While assuring that the expatriate company handling road construction projects in the area, would return to sites, the Governor stated, “I call on the elders and youths to promise me that CCEC will work on that road peacefully and uninterrupted. Give me cooperation and I will give you development.”
He acknowledged that his administration has kept to promises of developing the federal constituency through construction of roads, and reiterated that the Ibom deep seaport project was still on course despite seeming silence, maintaining that the state government was committed to the realisation of the project to enhance economic development.
Emmanuel announced plans to construct an electricity sub-station in Oron, saying, “By next year, I want to envelop the whole of this city with electricity. We are building a sub-station in Eket and by the time we finish that, the next sub station will be in Oro nation.”
The Governor noted that “Oro nation is known for producing highly proficient, highly motivated and professionally successful public officers in the country,” explaining that the state government’s investment in educational development in the area was a deliberate policy to ensure that the people are also proud of the sub-sector.
He congratulated the honourees for the recognition accorded them by their people, remarking that Dr. Ekuwem’s elevation as SSG was not an appointment but a partnership to convince the people that his administration was out for development for the next generation.
According to Governor Emmanuel, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, “I have found in him a partner that we can work together to build a strong economy for this state”, promising to support the construction of a warehouse at the beach to aid economic activities in the coastal area.
Earlier in her welcome address, Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Chairman of the planning committee, said the reception was peculiar, given the history behind the emergence of Dr. Ekuwem as SSG and Mrs. Amba as the first female President of the Pan-Oro socio-cultural organization, Oro Union.
Dr. Eyakenyi stated that it was fulfilling for one of their own to be appointed into an exalted position in the state cabinet after decades of unassuming silence, noting that it was an indication that Oro nation was “a partner in the Akwa Ibom project” and expressed appreciation to the Governor for running an all inclusive government.
She further remarked, “In the same breath, Oro is again proud to blaze the trail in gender balancing”, adding, “this event serves to honour Dr. Ekuwem and Mrs. Amba to highlight their efforts in pushing the Oro cause and ultimately to encourage us to do our utmost best to contribute to the making of the Oro of our dream.”
The Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of the state, Ambassador Etim Okpoyo, applauded the Governor for appointing Dr. Ekuwem as SSG, stressing that it was 22 years after another son of the soil had held the position in 1996.
Ambassador Okpoyo charged the SSG to be a true representation of Oro nation in the state cabinet, by speaking the truth at all times, maintaining that his truthfulness would endear him to the Governor and commended the state government’s efforts towards the realisation of the Ibom deep seaport.
Dr. Ekuwem, one of the honourees, said the celebration and honour accorded him should be viewed in context that Governor Emmanuel found some Oro sons worthy enough to serve in his administration, indicating that the Governor had offered them opportunity to jointly move the frontiers of economic development forward.”
He noted that the Governor’s efforts in agricultural development and industrialisation are aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing over-dependence on petroleum, urging the people to support the present administration to continue benefiting dividends of effective governance.
The SSG used the occasion to advise the youths to abstain from vices that could derail their future, stressing “The time has come for a complete shift in the way we do things.”
Mrs. Amba, the President-General of the Oron Union, said she was 100 days in office, thanked the Governor and wife for gracing the occasion, saying that it was an honour to the entire Oro nation.
Mrs. Amba said her cardinal objective was the Unity of her people and the entire Akwa Ibom State, adding that she was poised on rendering services that would put things in the right perspective and appreciated the Oron Union for giving her the opportunity to work side by side with them.
She asserted that the large turnout of people from all walks of life, including politicians,was a testimony that Oro nation love the Governor irrespective of political affiliations and added, it doesn’t matter what we do or what party we belong, we all love you”.
The President General, solicited empowerment to the newly formed ‘Akpakip Oro Seaford Sellers Association’ comprising all fish and crayfish sellers in Oro nation, for the building of a warehouse where all seafods would be stored explaining that the project would enable proper price control and economic advancement of the area and state in general.
The epoch event, which attracted a mammoth crowd from the five local government areas of the Oro nation- Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Urue Offong/ Oruko and Udung Uko, featured presentation of Certificates of Recognition to the celebrators, Ekuwem and Amba by the Ata Oro (VII), His Royal Majesty, Obong Edet Isemin.
