By IDORENYIN UMOREN, Uyo
Fulfilling can be describe as causing pleasure, agreeableness or even distraction. In fact, it is providing happiness and satisfaction.
While promise is a declaration and assurance that one will do something or a particular thing will happen. As a word of honour, Promise is an assurance, pledge, vow, agreement or even undertaking or covenant to do a certain things or things.
So, in a controlled or unwavering manner, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria could be described as Fulfilling It Promises.
When on September 23, 1987, the then Nigeria’s military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (GCFR) announced the creation of Akwa Ibom State, from Cross River State, the echoes of unprecedented jubilation was enough to stir up the dead heroes of the struggle for self-identity for the ‘Mainland people’ comprising majority of Ibibios, Annangs, Oro and other sub-groups.
That moment was the manifestation of a long journey by the Ibibio State Union and later COR state movement for a state in 1953 to accommodate the interest of ethnic minority in the country’s Eastern Region. The COR state was to comprise of the old Calabar, Rivers and Ogoja provinces. And coincidentally, Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom was the venue of it’s meetings.
With the euphoria of the state creation mellowed down by events, the challenges of building a solid foundation overshadowed the initial excitement, due to the fact that, a building that intends to stand the test of time must be laid on a solid foundation.
As military tradition demanded then, serving officers were appointed to serve as military administrators and governors by the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC).
In view of the above, the followings we’re appointed: Tunde Ogbeha, an Army officer, from September 23, 1987 to July 30, 1988; Godwin Abbe, an Army officer, from July 31, 1988 to September 5, 1990; Idongesit Nkanga, an indigenous Air Force officer, from September 5, 1990 to January 2, 1992.
However, an interlude of a civilian administration brought in Obong Akpan Isemin as the first civilian governor of the State from January 2, 1992 to November 18, 1993.
Again, the military resumed it’s control with Yakubu Bako, an Army officer, as military administrator from December 15, 1993 to August 21, 1996; Joseph Adeusi, a Naval officer, from August 21, 1996 to August 9, 1998 and John Ebiye, an Air Force officer, from August 9, 1998 to May 29, 1999, terminating the military rule era.
With the democratic platforms put in place, Obong Victor Attah, an Architect, became the first executive governor of the State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007; Chief Dr Godswill Akpabio from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015; Udom Emmanuel from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2923; and handed over the baton of leadership to Pastor Umo Eno, who is on his second year as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom.
Akwa Ibom always celebrate it’s creation anniversary with all sense of achievements, fulfillment and a state that has become a model in Nigeria.
At 37, Akwa Ibom could be described as a good case study of a state that has weathered the vicissitudes and vagaries of the Nigerian nation to emerge stronger. Given the consolidated achievements recorded so far and which today has transformed the State from once pedestrian to a destination, then there’s need to congratulate ourselves.
It could then be said that the success story of the State is rooted in the spirit of perseverance, tenacity of purpose and above all, the unity of it’s people as demonstrated at all stages of their history.
Today, Akwa Ibom can boast of basic infrastructure to rate it as one of the fastest growing states in Nigeria.
As a result of the on-going transformation and development, the people of the State can now walk with or swagger and lift their heads high in far away places.
In fact, they are now held in high regards unlike before today. Now, that Akwa Ibom had won it’s respect in the comity if states, can now celebrate loud with pride.
It could be recalled that the State resorted to prayers and superior arguments to fight for their rights, especially in the struggle for the abrogation of the obnoxious on-shore off-shore oil dichotomy, which today would have forestalled it’s rapid development.
It could be recalled that immediately after it’s creation in 1987, people of Akwa Ibom was greeted with joy, and wild jubilation that knew no bounds. Such joy was based on the abiding faith, strong hope that the new-born state will eventually fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of the people for total development.
Graciously, Akwa Ibom is currently one of the foremost oil and gas producing states in Nigeria with Obong Victor Attah International Airport; Godswill Akpabio International Stadium; Ibom Deep Seaport on the Atlantic ocean; Four Point By Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene; a five-star Ibom Icon Hotel, Uruan.
Others major projects and achievements include: good dualized roads networks, IbomAir with good number of aircraft including the recently acquired Airbus A220-300 series; Arise Park and Aviation Village in the making; the Ibom-LED Centre (formerly Ibom e-Library); 21-storey smart building in Uyo, Tropicana Business Centre; in addition to the the present administration keeping faith with it’s aspiration in rural development, education, housing, job creation, health, agriculture, security, capacity and several Infrastructural development, to mention but a few for lack of space.
The length Akwa Ibom has gone is far beyond bigotry, ethnic limitation and or self-vision. The State has indeed evolved to a level where it can only get better and not less. The conscious efforts taken by the present administration to project and promote the State has placed Akwa Ibom on a high pedestal where only a hind sighter and one with a visionary eye can afford to step in, to consolidate on the completion agenda.
From infrastructural resurrection to industrialization, agricultural boom, security and economic stability of small and medium scale businesses; we can only be grateful for the journey so far, while gearing up to support the administration of the present Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to succeed.
Let’s enjoin all Akwa Ibom people to rededicate themselves to promote what brings unity, peace and progress on the occasion of the 37th Anniversary.
As we celebrate, let’s also share this moment of joy with His Excellency, the present governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Man After God’s Heart.
|SituationReport|
AKWA IBOM STATE: Steadily Fulfilling The Promises At 37
