Dakkada Magazine III by Nsikak John

ISSUE 003

Two Years Of Strategic Repositioning And Progress

Akwa Ibomites, rise to the faith of greatness Rise to the faith that with God all things are possible Rise to the faith that Akwa Ibom was created by God out of greatness Rise to the faith that as a people, we can move beyond ethnicity, biases, religion, and gender Rise to togetherness Rise to the faith of our resources, beyond what others see, human and intellectual Rise to chart a new course for us, our children and a generation of Akwa Ibomites unborn Rise to the faith that one day; we shall be counted as great people of a great state with great minds Rise to the faith that all these are possible and many more Hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful I rise to the faith that Akwa Ibom was created to be great I rise to the faith that Akwa Ibom is destined to be great I am an Akwa Ibomite I rise to a faith of greatness

Akwa Ibom Dakkada

Dakkada Models 8 Cover Story: Two Years of Steady repositioning and progress

Diary of an Achiever

The Book of Industrialization [Chapter 1]

Interview

Rev. Ntia Ntia

Image: Akwa Prime Hatchery and Poultry Ltd, Mbiaya, Uruan LGA

Akwa Ibom Youth and the Challenge of Entrepreneurship

Beside a Successful Man is a Great Woman

Interview

Business tips for the Woman Entrepreneur

100

The Dream of Akwa Ibom Rising

101

Dr. Uduak Udom

Publisher’s Note “…when you talk about leadership, it comes with performance. Leadership comes with consistency” - Junior Seau Believe it or not it is only 2 years since the gentleman, Udom Emmanuel, mounted the saddle as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I can’t blame you or be surprised if these last 2 years actually feels like forever. Yes, forever, because when you juxtapose what the gentleman banker cum corporate mogul turned politician has achieved in only 2 years it feels like he’s been governor for much longer. Take note, this entire magazine cannot possibly contain all that our amiable governor has achieved in 2 years. To fit his achievements into one magazine edition, I take the liberty to highlight just two: Repositioning Akwa Ibom State and Progress. Udom has spent the last 2 years fixing the fundamentals - rebuilding the foundations of a great state and repositioning the state away from a consuming to a producing society; re-directing the peoples mindset back to entrepreneurship; changing the way we view work to a strong respect for honest labour; changing the way we view time from “African time” to acute respect for time in all spheres of life. He’s changing our perception from thinking we always need more to valuing what we have. According to him “all we have is all we need to succeed in life”. He’s focusing on our children and unborn generation, investing heavily behind education. Our children at all basic levels go to school for free; he’s paying exam fees for those at Senior Secondary levels. He offers the aged free medical treatment and pays their pension. Above all, as a man who loves God he’s re-awakened our devotion to God. He’s also brought back the “can do” spirit of Akwa Ibom and sets the pace leading by example. Every other thing is progress. We have made significant progress in industrialization. Today we have 3 functional industries, where we had

none previously, plus over 20 work-in-progress industrial sites including Syringe Manufacturing Company, St Gabriel Coconut Refinery, Metering Solutions Company to mention a few. We have made tremendous progress in Agriculture with the 2-million-tree Coconut Plantation, 10,000-acre rice plantation, Cocoa maintenance scheme dubbed “Udom magic”; free distribution of improved cassava, palm fruits and maize varieties to farmers. AKEES, the state entrepreneurial agency is growing high yield tomato specie suitable for tomato puree production. We have taken huge strides in infrastructure expansion. Well over 715km of additional roads and 17 bridges are either completed or under construction; the second taxi way at the Akwa Ibom International Airport is ready; the completed new secretariat is in use; hospitals are being rehabilitated and upgraded; urban renewal and beautification projects are on-going. As I said earlier, it is impossible to cram all the work the gentleman has done into one magazine edition so, a lot remain unmentioned. This edition is unabashedly about Udom Emmanuel’s achievements in the last 2 years as Governor. However, as is our style, we will also serve you interviews with other illustrious Akwa Ibomites and offer informative and motivational articles plus more. We welcome our Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Moses Ekpo (MFR), who is debuting as guest columnist. Udom Emmanuel has performed exceptionally and deserves our standing ovation. At the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management we hail him without reservations. Dakkada!

Published by

Directorate of Marketing & Brand Management Office of the Governor, Akwa Ibom State

65 Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo +234 808 080 0006 www.dakkada.ng.com Facebook: Dakkada Twitter: @dakkadang

EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER EXECUTIVE EDITORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION

DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY PRODUCTION

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT CONTRIBUTORS

SAM EDOHO S.S.A., Marketing & Brand Management IME UWAH S.A., Marketing & Brand Management LYDIA UDOH S.A., Marketing & Brand Management LOUIS UDOM S.A., Marketing & Brand Management JOSEPHINE BASSEY P.A., Marketing & Brand Management IMO-OWO MBEDE MIKE ESSIEN IDORENYIN AKPABIO ANDINO NKIM NSIKAK JOHN AKWAOWO AKPAN BRIAN EKWERE EKANEM EKANEM IMEH UDOH EMILIA PETERKIN ESSIEN NDUESO MOSES EKPO, MFR, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State ANIEFIOK THOMAS ANIETIE UKPE IQUO UKOH EDUOE NDIFREKE

ImeIme Umana

President, Harvard Law Review The Harvard Law Review is one of the oldest and most cited Law journals in the United States. In its 130 years of existence, the Harvard Law Review has had female presidents, the first of whom was elected 41 years ago. But until now, it had never elected a black woman as president. ImeIme Umana, daughter of Akwa Ibom immigrants, has changed that by being elected as the first African-American woman to lead a journal that has the largest reach of any law journal in the world.

Akwa Ibom is blessed with a glut of gifted and industrious young men and women. Imo-owo Mbede reviews a few Akwa Ibomites who epitomize excellence from legitimate hard work – virtues of the philosophy, Dàkkádá.

Imeime Umana was elected out of 12 candidates who contested for the position this year chosen by the Harvard Law Review’s 92 student editors in a difficult election process which required a thorough dissection of her work and application, and a 12-hour long deliberation of her portfolio. Umana who grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is the 131st president of the publication, as well as the first and only woman president of the journal since 1977. She will, in this capacity, oversee more than 90 student editors and permanent staff members, as she joins the ranks of former United States President Barack Obama, who was the journal’s first black president in 1990.

Ituen Basi

CEO, Ituen Basi

Ime ‘Bishop’ Umoh

Actor

Ime Umoh better known as “Okon Lagos,” or “Ime Bishop,” is one of the most popular actors in Nollywood. Known for his unique hilarious voice and character, he is a lesson in the continuous expression of talent and has captured the hearts of most The Philosophy Graduate of the University of Uyo started acting since his childhood, taking lead roles in school and church drama groups. His first official movie however, was ‘Uyai’ which was written by frontline Movie producer, Emem Isong, in 2007. Umoh has gone one to feature in over 100 movies winning several awards and nominations including ‘Best Supporting Actor’ during the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards and very recently, Best Actor in a Comedy at AMVCA 2017.

As she designed and tailored costumes for stage productions and beauty pageants as a Theatre Arts undergraduate of Obafemi Awolowo University IleIfe, Ituen Basi discovered her passion for fashion. She thereafter trained at the London College of Fashion and the American College in London, majoring in Tailoring and Clothing Technology. Her passion and dream drove her into designing and producing garments under her own label, “Ituen Basi,” and sold them to selected outlets in the United Kingdom before starting her first homegrown collection in Nigeria in 2009. Ituen Basi today has a fashion training outfit and a garment manufacturing unit which produces for independent designers and micro fashion businesses based in Nigeria and the UK. Ituen Basi also has sister companies IntoFashion and Fashion Development Agency which run training programmes aimed at promoting, supporting and building capacity in the Nigerian garment industry by raising awareness and sharpening their skills. She has won several awards including 2013 FASHION EXCELLENCE AWARD from Society of the Performing Arts in Nigeria; 2012 DESIGNER OF THE YEAR at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa in South Africa; 2010 EMERGING DESIGNER at Africa Fashion Week in South Africa and 2009 MOST INNOVATIVE DESIGNER at Arise Africa Fashion Week in South Africa, amongst others. Interestingly, Ituen comes from a lineage of trailblazers, being the daughter of late Brigadier Wellington Bassey who is the first indigenous commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army… 9

Abasiama Idaresit

CEO, Wild Fusion

18 year old Esther Ruby Daniel is a second year student of Business Administration & Law at Amity University, Gurgaon, India. By maximizing the opportunity to utilize not just her intellectual faculty, but her sporting abilities, she is flying her state and country’s flag high and drawing rave reviews in faraway India. Despite a hectic academic schedule, her huge passion for sports saw her opting to take part in her University’s Sports competition, which was hitherto, an all-Indian affair. Her determination and desire to win, expressed in a self-imposed intensive training regimen, was rewarded when she won gold medals in both 100 and 200 metres races, silver medals in long jump and the relay races, as well as a Gold Cup for being the overall best individual female athlete during the 2016 Law Students’ Sports Competition in Bhopal, India. Esther has cemented her place as an athletics prodigy of repute, recently winning four gold medals all four events she competed (100, 200 and 400 metres as well as long jump) to emerge tops at another athletics meet called “Viraj” in South India. 10

Abasiama Idaresit was born in and had his primary and secondary education in Nigeria including Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene. He went on to study for a degree in Information Systems & Management at the London School of Economics. His thesis, “The impact of technology on small businesses” was actually his vision – utilizing technology to impact small businesses and so in 2010, he founded Wild Fusion, a Digital Marketing Agency. After nearly a year without income, Abasiama met the proprietor of a business who was making about N160,000 a month at the time and promised to use the internet – which was still growing in Nigeria at the time – to grow her business, offering to pay back if it doesn’t work. He received N40,000 from the lady and got to work and in just three months he started raking in $100,000 monthly in sales – and the success story began! Wild Fusion Group which consists of a digital marketing agency, an online media sales house and a capacity training centre with offices in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, has enabled local and global brands and advertisers (including Unilever, Vodafone Ghana and Nairobi Stock Exchange) to achieve marketing success using digital platforms. Forbes Magazine named him among “Ten African Internet Millionaires To Watch” in 2013.

Christiana Udoh

Uwem Etuknwa

Student

Actor

Christiana Udoh realized the importance of hard work and dedication to education early in life and these virtues guided her academic pursuit from foundational level (at Monef Kiddies School and Airforce Comprehensive Secondary School, both in Akwa Ibom State) to the tertiary level.

Uwem Etuknwa has through hard work, defied several challenges to stand out and be counted in the movies in Australia. After moving to Australia in 2003 he realized the essence of hardwork and passion to every endeavour and knew he had a responsibility not just to make a success of his life, but also to stand out.

After bagging an unheralded First Class in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University, Ghana, she proceeded for her Post-Graduate studies in the United Kingdom where she really left her academic imprints on the sands of time by graduating as the best Masters Student in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College – the fifth best university in the world – in 2016. She is currently studying for a PhD in Chemical Engineering on a full scholarship from the Institution.

A graduate of Business Informatics from the University of Canberra, Uwem worked as a Project Analyst (and was president of the African Alumni Committee) at National Australia Bank in Melbourne. His journey to the movie industry however started during his brief stint in event management. While organizing an Opera event sometime in 2010, he met a big movie producer who, in the course of their conversation observed that Uwem had the talent, passion and personality for the movies. Two months later Uwem got him his first major acting role –“Reverend Sykes” in To Kill a Mocking Bird. He has not looked back since, going on to feature in not less than 15 movie and theatre productions between 2010 and 2017.

ACTIVATING POSITIVE ATTITUDE By Louis Udom

There are no living persons without challenges at some point in the course of life. Problems may occur at work, social environment, personal life and even in the family. Unfortunately, when in difficulty, most people are sometimes thrown into hopelessness, as the problems may appear insurmountable. In these circumstances, confidence to face the challenges becomes elusive. This is apparently because the overwhelmed inner man had unconsciously created an abode for defeatism. This and other related problems may have persuaded some expectedly vibrant young men perceived to have given up on their productive capacities to roam the streets begging for survival, even in the midst of abundance. And so, that which was alien to our culture was fast becoming a norm. It was at that point of self-debasement and eroding human dignity from the inability to tackle surmountable challenges by fearful minds, that the anthem of hope was introduced; Udom Emmanuel launched the Dakkada Philosophy. This did not just emanate from passive thoughts, but as a product of belief in the inherent capacity of every Akwa Ibom person to achieve greatness. Dakkada became, and is still, a clarion call for steadfastness in diligent hard work and it seeks to illuminate our entrepreneurial and intellectual capacities. It creates the hope and the possibility of a great future for the people and the State. To achieve the above, however, one salient factor is inevitable: ATTITUDE. Through the instrumentality of Dakkada, people are encouraged to imbibe the right attitude – a ‘can-do’ spirit, and work their way to the top; the fatherless or the uneducated child inclusive. Jacob Zuma did not receive any formal education and his father died when he was still young, but a positive attitude and commitment to his chosen endeavor catapulted him to the Presidency of South Africa. It is time to banish fear and allow nothing leave you spent and discouraged in life. You have the inherent capacity to achieve greatness so begin by activating a positive attitude. Begin now.

of Steady Repositioning and Progress

By Imo-owo Mbede

Two eventful years have gone by since the inception of the Udom Emmanuel administration in Akwa Ibom State. The hallmark of these 24 months has been a wide gamut of completed, on-going and nascent people-oriented programmes and projects, which is steadily yielding Akwa Ibom’s copious potentials as the state continues to transform from “the land of promise” to “the land of fulfillment.” 14

Akwa Ibom State is now in her 30th year as a geo-political entity, and the last two of these years have been actively geared towards steering on the right course to maximally fulfill this promise. The last of these two years have witnessed a gradual process of strategically repositioning the State to take its rightful pride of place in Nigeria and in the world at large.

They have also involved refocusing present and future generations of indigenes to fulfil their full potentials and take their place in history. The last two years have engendered renewed belief and a sense of pride in the identity Akwa Ibom – as a people and as a State. Innate virtues of industriousness, illustriousness and entrepreneurship have been reawakened, as the people have risen massively to embrace legitimate hard work as against indolence, dependence on government and servitude. These have been occasioned by Dakkada, a programme for attitudinal rebirth in the land, initiated by the Governor of the State. 15

This mental and attitudinal reorientation has triggered assertiveness, deliberate, creative and productive action amongst the populace towards wealth-creation and selfsufficiency.

The Government has not only encouraged the people to embrace optimal productivity and greatness, it has taken the front seat in the drive to support them in the attainment of these noble virtues. Its policies, programmes and projects – solitary and collaborative (with indigenous and foreign investors) – have been targeted at the maximization of the vast human and natural endowments in the State for economic manumission.

Akwa Ibom has been the backbone of Nigeria’s Oil-dependent economy, and is now leading the country’s renewed focus on Agriculture and modern industrialization. Akwa Ibom remains a haven for existing and potential investors as massive fertile land and surrounding waters and accruing auxiliary benefits are being harnessed by the Government for an enhanced local economy and sustained relevance in the global economic equation. This has been achieved through the prioritization of agriculture and industrialization. As the largest producer of Crude Oil in the country, Akwa Ibom has been the backbone of Nigeria’s Oil-dependent economy. Interestingly, the state is also leading Nigeria’s renewed focus on Agriculture and modern industrialization. 16

Akwa Ibom is repositioning as one of the top producers of Cocoa in Nigeria

The state now hosts the first poultry hatchery in the East of the country.

Entrepreneurship is pursued with renewed vigour by the youth.

In the last two years however, there has been a paradigm shift. The large-scale production of Cocoa and Coconut – “gold-mines” in their own right considering their value in the international market – as well as other cash and food crops in the state, has been the order of the day. These have been necessitated by the need to fortify Akwa Ibom’s revenueearning status by augmenting the state and nation’s income stream. Given its natural draught which does not require perennial dredging, the waterfront at Ibaka, with a capacity to accommodate

bigger ocean vessels than any other port in Nigeria, prepares to host Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, going by programmes initiated in the last two years. With a Jetty under construction at Ikot Abasi to support prospective ancillary services, Akwa Ibom’s coastal location is being deliberately maximized for the first time in her history – and indeed in the history of Nigeria – as it shapes up to become an unprecedented hub for international commerce and industrial activities.

In preparation for these prospected economic activities, and in line with the Governor, Udom Emmanuel’s promise of multifaceted infrastructural consolidation, massive infrastructure has been put in place – especially in the form of a strategic network of roads and in power generation and supply (averaging 16 hours a day). Palpable progress in infrastructure is also evident in Education, Healthcare, Transport, Sports and Security in these past two years as the Governor’s promise has seen explicit expression in the massive provision of essential amenities in 18

every sector, in both the rural crannies and urban centres across the state. Government efforts in the two years just past is therefore clearly setting the tone for Akwa Ibom’s evolution from a consumer economy to one which will have the eyes of the world market fixated on it for a wide range of products and services. This will empower the people in addition to boosting the Nigeria’s economic revival and leading the country’s foray into modern and sustained industrialization.

Several new people-oriented projects have been executed and commissioned in the last 24 months.

Sports development guarantees the country an endless supply of athletes.

Infrastructure like good roads, is key to all round development.

Improved power has been instrumental to the progress witnessed so far.

The many exploits of Akwa Ibomites across the world in the academia, sports, entertainment and numerous other spheres, points to the State’s hitherto untapped rich human potentials. To sustain this, manpower development has been prioritized these past two years through ample educational and capacity-building programmes at every level, funded by the state Government. These educational empowerment, capacitybuilding and motivational programmes are not only to churn out a competent pool of hands who will ensure sustained proper

management of economic and industrial investments, but also an endless supply of confident citizens who will excel anywhere in the world. Akwa Ibom continues to yield its many and varied resources. The attendant progress from the application and judicious management of these resources – under the focused leadership of Mr Udom Emmanuel – are sure to culminate in the envisioned industrial destination awash with wealth and opportunities, and more. 19

DIARY OF AN ACHIEVER

Inauguration of Technical committees on FDI & Agric and food sufficiency

Swearing-in Ceremony of Gov. Udom Emmanuel

May ‘15

June ‘15

July ‘15

Inauguration of Technical Committee on Ibom Seaport

Inspection of erosion site at Enen Atai 20

On a visit to Cameroun as part of Mr. President’s entourage

Inspection of erosion site at Oron LGA

August ‘15

September ‘15

Akwa United Federation Cup Victory

Acquisition of National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) license

October ‘15

November ‘15

December ‘15

Inspection of production facilities at Peacock Paints Ltd.

Flagging-off the Oracle Database Training

Performs groundbreaking ceremony at Metering Solutions Company

Commissioning of Akwa Prime Hatchery

At thanksgiving service immediately after the Supreme Court reaffirmed the mandate.

January ‘16

Feburary‘16

Flag-off of Cocoa Maintenance Scheme

March ‘16

April ‘16

May ‘16

Inspection of work at the Youth Development & Sports Centre, Itam

Commissioning of State Secretariat Annex 22

June ‘16

Hosting the Super Eagles of Nigeria Groundbreaking ceremony at St. Gabriel Coconut Plantation and Refinery

Inspects Nto-Edino-Ekwere-Azu Road, Obot Akara

Inspects the Taxiway II at Akwa Ibom Int’l Airport

July ‘16

August ‘16

September ‘16

October ‘16

November ‘16

December ‘16

Inspects General Hospital, Etinan before rehabilitation

Laying the foundation for Delmar Petroleum Depot

Conducting a 5,000-man choir during AKCAROLSFEST 2016

Commissioning of Youth Development & Sports Centre, Itam

Hosting the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. W. Stuart Symington in Uyo

Receiving the ‘Leadership Man of the Year‘ Award

January ‘17

Feburary‘17

March ‘17

Comissioning of educational facilities at AKSU

Attends the Nigerian Oil & Gas Opportunity Fair, Uyo

April ‘17

May ‘17

Hosting the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON Opens 1st Akwa Ibom Youth Sports Festival 24

Governance in Numbers

24 months of consistent

payment of salaries

10 sports facilities 1 completed

17 new bridges

completed and ongoing

4,000,000,000

Naira worth of interest-free loans

10,000 -Acre Rice Plantation 26

40-apartment residential estate for medical expatriates

17,800

Dàkkádá Ambassadors registered

272 nurses and midwives

trained under MCPDP

350,000,000 capacity syringe manufacturing company

under construction

2,000,000 pupils and students

going to school free

SSCE CERTIFICATE

Your text here DATE

495 megawatts increase in power generation

2,000,000 coconut plantation

Your text here DIRECTOR

150,000

students writing SSCE for free

715 completed kilometres of roads and ongoing 150 Mobility aids for

disabled persons

10,000 youths trained across various sectors

17,520 hours improved power supply 20,000 day-old-chicks

produced weekly

250

Inter-Ministerial Projects

1,150 free eye surgeries 25,000

AKEES pencils produced weekly

Joseph of the Time

Dear diary... It was May 29, two years ago A man after God’s heart, Was crowned “the right leader for the time” Udom Gabriel Emmanuel; A leader with a difference, endowed with intelligence; Firm to truth and reason; vigorous in performance Assumed office with a dream in his heart A dream to chart a new course A course that will impact posterity For this generation and generations unborn A course our predecessors will smile at, from their confines Like Joseph, He did not only believe in his dream He actualized his dream, and led his people Across the wilderness of economic doldrums, To a land foretold; a land flowing with milk and honey He said to us: DAKKADA! And we did Arise He said: you are great! And we exuded greatness; because we believed Today, the melody of Dakkada A melody by the young and the old; Is inspiring extraordinary performances, from ordinary people Till time gives way to eternity Akwa Ibom DAKKADA!!! 22 28

By Eduoe Ndifreke

The

ook of B Industralisation

23 29

chapter I nd in those days while he yet sought the votes of his people, Udom Emmanuel offered an industrialization agenda, given the vast human and natural resources in the land of Akwa Ibom which needed to be utilized to create wealth for the people. And the people called him, “Mr. Industrialization,” even unto this day.

And so, two years into the journey of industrialization – being a process and not a destination – this promise cometh to pass. Some industries have already taken-off silently, even as the ground has been prepared for a host of others.

By Imo-owo Mbede So let it be written in the book of industrialization that, as was promised, 1 Peacock Paints Limited in Ikot Ekan, Etinan; 2Akwa Prime Poultry Hatchery Limited in Mbiaya, Uruan, and 3Akees Toothpick & Pencil Factory in Etinan have come alive in the land of Akwa Ibom, for he who promised is faithful. Let it also be known that 4St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery, the 5Syringe manufacturing factory, the 6Meter 7 Manufacturing Company, Ibom Deepseaport and several others shall likewise be delivered unto the people, in the fullness of time.

Many years ago, Akwa Ibom was well-known for the production of quality paint as arguably the biggest paint industry in Nigeria, Peacock Paints Limited, thrived in Ikot Ekan in Etinan Local Government Area. Sadly, as at the inception of the current administration in Akwa Ibom, the once famed Paint factory lay, not only moribund, but deeply indebted. Within the first three months of his administration, ‘Mr. Industrialization’ approved the investment of about N526 million to ensure the reactivation of the ailing industry, to guarantee the exclusion of private equity share participation, and to clear the debts of the company amassing from interest on a N30 million loan secured many years earlier. Today, this initiative to salvage the factory so as to restore the premium decorative, gloss and marine paint into the market, has seen the light of day. Employment opportunities have been created as manpower is made up predominantly of indigenes of the State though the Company has German investors as operational partners.

Akwa Prime Poultry Hatchery Limited was established to provide day-old-chicks (DOCs) for poultry farmers in the East of the country and surrounding lands. These fragile birds hitherto had to be transported at exorbitant costs with the attendant risks of death, sickness and other exigencies from the Western part of the country. The Akwa Ibom State Government led by ‘Mr. Industrialization,’ inherited a project site designated for a hatchery facility at Mbiaya in Uruan Local Government Area and within a year, entered into an agreement with Prime Poultry, an investor from Ethiopia, for the take-off of the hatchery. This venture has proven to be a timely intervention measure in promoting cost-effective participation in the very lucrative poultry business as Akwa Prime Hatchery has provided employment to over 70 Akwa Ibomites while also creating wealth across board through an impressive value chain. The feed mill requires raw materials including maize, soybean, bones and horns of animals, as well as shells. This incorporates maize and soybeans farmers, palm kernel processors, fishermen, abattoir workers, as well as carpenters amongst others while the breeder farm – constructed to alleviate the hatchery’s initial burden of buying eggs, hatching them before selling the day-old chicks – creates a ready market for wood shavings and saw dust. Akwa Prime hatchery is still evolving and holds the promise of large-scale improvement in products and services, and invariably, further employment opportunities.

Pencils and Toothpicks used all over the African continent are predominantly produced and imported from China. Nigeria and other African countries will look to experience a reprieve from the importation of these products as Akwa Ibom State’s industrialization voyage captained by Governor Udom Emmanuel has successfully berthed the first operational toothpick and pencils factory in Nigeria. Late in 2016, the Government procured and installed all the required machines and equipment to produce toothpick and pencils that will match or even better those produced in China, at the Akees Toothpick & Pencil Factory in Etinan. Less than a year later, the factory which is a wholly-owned by the state government, while still at test-run stage with 60 indigenous members of staff, is turning out about 25,000 pencils weekly. With the endless demand for toothpick, bamboo (which is the major raw material) is widely available in the state, making this project a very viable and sustainable one. A similar scenario is obtainable with pencils; and together, these products will greatly boost the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state while Akwa Ibomites stand to gain from the 10,000 jobs opportunities which the factory will offer at full operation following the proposed incorporation of pen, match-box and sack-bag production factories.

A 15-hectare coconut plantation is currently being cultivated in Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo, as a prelude to the take off of St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery following the foundation laying ceremony earlier held.

Over the last year while many foreign businesses folded up and left Nigeria, VKS Group, a Turkish construction firm stayed put. Through its subsidiary, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, an edifice which will house the first Syringe Manufacturing Company in Sub-Saharan Africa is currently nearing completion in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. With worldwide daily usage of syringes and Nigeria alone reportedly consuming about 4 billion syringes annually, there is a huge demand in the country and continent. The factory which will enhance medical tourism and position Nigeria as the largest syringe manufacturing company in Africa, kickstarting at a production capacity of about 400 million syringes annually to dwarfing the 93 million syringes annual capacity of Africa’s only syringe manufacturing company which is in South Africa.

Electricity holds the key to industrialization and the passion to make electricity readily available in the state shown by Governor Udom Emmanuel is the major motivation for the establishment of the Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited (MSMSL) in Akwa Ibom State. MSMSL will proffer solutions to problems arising from electricity generation and distribution once it commences operations at the site where ongoing work is near completion. 7

Ibom Deep Seaport & Industrial City is a pregnancy that will be carried to term. The magnitude of accruing benefits of this project accounts for the magnitude of time, physical and bureaucratic requirements for its execution. The Government of the day is totally devoted to this course.

Governor Udom Emmanuel’s determination to fulfill his campaign promises has seen apt and tangible development in all sectors of the Akwa Ibom state’s economy in the last two years. Udom is working round-the-clock, managing an unfriendly economic climate to ensure that

Akwa Ibom is Working

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING 38

Several massive road construction projects are ongoing simultaneously all over the state

Construction of new and renovation of old facilities in schools across the state.

...expanding infrastructure Akwa Ibom State’s infrastructural renaissance continues under the watch of Mr. Udom Emmanuel who is on an aggressive mission of expansion and consolidation across all sectors. In education, government has ensured a continuous supply of equipment and facilities like school desks, computer and laboratory equipment and reagents to public and private schools alike. Through the Inter-ministerial Direct labour project, new classroom and hostel blocks have been erected and old ones renovated in several schools across the 31 Local Government areas of the state.

“The importance and necessity of good roads and an efficient transportation system in the lives of the citizenry and the attraction of investors to the state cannot be overemphasized. To this end, my administration has embarked on massive construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, improvement of standard urban electricity supply….”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

In light of the unfolding industrialization and economic boom in the state, land and air transport is receiving massive infrastructural makeover. Well over 715 kilometres of strategic roads and bridges have so far been constructed or are being constructed, not just to provide easy access for economic activities, but also to accommodate the impending traffic which will accrue therefrom. In the same vein, a second Taxiway is nearing completion at the Akwa Ibom International Airport at Okobo, as a run-up to the continuous ascent to its prospected World Class status.

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

Strategic inter-state roads like the 6.41km Nto Edino-Ekwere Azu in Obot Akara, are being constructed.

Mega underground drainages have been completed in Uyo and Eket to curb long-standing menace of erosion.

A second Taxiway has been completed at the Akwa Ibom International Airport.

“…I would want to clarify to those in doubt about the number of road projects done in the state. Even with the low funding, it is 715.86 kilometres of roads – completed, ongoing and recently initiated…”

Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen Commissioner for Works

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

Healthcare is another sector that has been consolidated on by way of infrastructure expansion. One of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s first official assignments after his inauguration was an assessment tour of St Luke’s Hospital, Anua, and his observations set-off renewed drive for quality healthcare in Akwa Ibom. As a result, new and refurbished health facilities have sprouted up in various localities across the State while the welfare of healthcare providers has been given unprecedented attention due the essentiality of quality healthcare delivery. Government has facilitated the design and implementation of water schemes in various rural communities.

“The policy thrust of my administration is to ensure that the people of Akwa Ibom State continue to enjoy the highest standard of healthcare.”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel 3

The gully erosion at St. Luke’s Hospital Anua received Government intervention.

New Dr. Ward Gynaecology Block built by the State government at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua.

State-of-the-art facility procured by the State government in use at Ibom Specialist.

General Hospital Etinan is one of many hospitals in the state undergoing major infrastructural facelift and rehabilitation

The previously neglected Eket-Ibeno road is now a 20km dual-carriage expressway.

Ekpoibe bridge in Onna is one of 17 being constructed across the state.

Oron township has received a massive facelift, particularly in road infrastructure.

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

“…I wish to commend the State Government for its efforts infrastructure wise, which other states should emulate…”

Dr. Mike Ozovehe Ogirima, President, Nigerian Medical Association

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

Ekom Iman-Etinan road under construction

A brand new Power Sub-station has been built in Uyo to boost power distribution.

Sustained power is the fulcrum of development. For a state with an industrialization agenda, power continues to be pursued, even more so after the acquisition of a license from the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the generation of an additional 495 Megawatts of electricity. Several electricity intervention projects have ensued from the provision of over 600 new transformers to various rural communities across the state while a new sub-station has been completed to boost distribution.

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

Immense human potentials and recurrent sporting achievements have encouraged the prioritization of sports development. One of the ten sports facilities in the State have been completed and are in use to boost the numerous Sporting competitions at the grassroots while sport teams including the senior national football team, the Super Eagles, continue to enjoy massive support from the Government. The serene working environment at the new State Secretariat Annex has inspired productivity in public service in the State.

Ongoing construction at the Onna Federal Constituency Sports facility at Ikot Mbong

The completed Sports Uyo Federal Constituency Sports facility at Itam

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

...ensuring food sufficiency The return to agriculture as an economic spindle ripples across Nigeria and Akwa Ibom’s fertile landmass puts the state in the frontline of this ‘agro-revival’. Akwa Ibom is working to restore agriculture – not as an alternative, but as an economic mainstay – with programmes to ensure food sufficiency for the people and raw material availability to catalyze its industrialization agenda. The expansion of Cocoa production, largely considered “an untapped oil-well” given its economic importance and market value, in the state is now specialized with the establishment of a Cocoa Maintenance Scheme to teach Cocoa farmers improved cultivation practices towards increased foreign exchange. This is essential because the specie of cocoa that flourishes in Akwa Ibom is of the sweet variety for chocolate production.

“The available raw materials identified in the different local government areas would be tapped to create wealth for the area and the state.”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

Tomatoes previously gotten from the northern part of the country is now cultivated in Akwa Ibom State.

Rice plantation at Ini Local Government Area

Livestock cultivation, particularly poultry, has proliferated in the state

ADVERT

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING 54

Akwa Ibom remains the number one producer of Oil palm in the country due to the quantity and quality of OIl palm cultivation in the state

Emphasis is being laid on improved Cassava cultivation all over the state due to its ample derivatives

Vegetables are also massively cultivated for widespread consumption

Government has instituted policies and various forms of financial support, collaborative programmes and incentives to boost the production of revenue earners like Oil palm, Cassava, Maize and Rice, as well as livestock, which is usually predominantly a private cultural engagement. Some of these include payment of its counterpart funding to access Federal Government’s FADAMA III additional financing, partnership with Ashdene Associates for Rice production, Interest-free loans to farmersand cooperatives, amongst others. 2

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING 56

Newly hatched chicks at Akwa Prime Hatchery and Poultry at Uruan

Made-in-Nigeria Pencils produced in Akwa Ibom at the AKEES Pencil and Toothpick factory, Etinan

Depots have been opened across the state to make Peacock Paints easily accessible to customers

...building industries The level of Industrialization is a major determinant of economic growth. In striving for Akwa Ibom’s economic emancipation, Governor Udom Emmanuel has made industrialization the principal focus of his government. To this end, Akwa Ibom is Working assiduously towards this; directly, through the revitalization of dead and ailing industries and the establishment of new ones, and indirectly, by providing supporting infrastructure and manpower.

“…we are laying the foundation of generational prosperity for our people. My major preoccupation is to rapidly industrialize this State and to wean our people from over-dependence on government...”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

“…It doesn’t matter which side of the political divide you are on, the truth is that a lot of work is going on here in Akwa Ibom State, thanks to Governor Udom Emmanuel …”

Dr. Ibe Kachikwu Minister of State Petroleum Resources

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING 58

Africa’s largest syringe factory under construction at Onna

Buckets of various kinds of paints produced at the revamped Peacock Paints Ltd in Etinan

Peacock Paints limited was revived within the first year of the administration and is steadily increasing its production capacity while Akwa Prime Poultry Hatchery (the first hatchery in South-South and SouthEast Nigeria) is also up and running. A pencil and toothpick factory has also commenced production while Construction work is nearing completion on syringe manufacturing as well as electricity meter production plants.

“...I have seen a very high level of commitment on the part of the Governor on this project and I am delighted to be involved as well. The company is already on full operations and the facilities are in place for improved operations...”

Mr. Jose Javier General Manager, Peacock Paints Ltd

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING 60

A coconut refinery, an automobile assembling plant and a LED production factory amongst others, are in the pipeline, groundbreaking ceremonies having been performed for these projects. The establishment of an Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone which will complement the Ibom Deep seaport and Industrial city is also on the cards. Indeed these hold the promise of generational prosperity in the form of thousands of jobs as well as revenue for the state.

Ongoing construction work at the Electric Meter manufacturing plant at Onna

Coconut plantation at the St Gabriel Coconut refinery in Mkpat Enin

“Governor Udom Emmanuel is keen about bringing industries to his people and has good policies for the sustainable development of the State. We are very attracted to his vision, so Akwa Ibom State is our first destination.”

Mr. Onur Kumral Chairman, Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING

Youths at work at the AKEES pencil and toothpick factory

Training on improved oil palm cultivation toward better yield and revenue

...creating employment and wealth Udom Emmanuel’s Government is not only ensuring the people have fish; it is also encouraging and teaching the people to fish. It encourages the people to look away from dependency and stagnancy, but look inward and draw from an abundance of aptitude and gifting towards self-reliance and excellence. It also empowers those who take this step.

“…we have imbued in our youths the need and desire to create wealth and to go out and earn a living instead of begging for a living.”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

The Akwa Ibom Employment and Enterprise Scheme (AKEES) and Dakkada initiative are self-help programmes instituted to boost technical and vocational skills acquisition, wealthcreation, as well as to expand the entrepreneurial landscape of the state, now and in the future. Akwa Ibom youths are today more productive and self-reliant, evident in increased indulgence in entrepreneurial ventures in a wide range of sectors, notably agriculture. 63

AKWA IBOM IS WORKING 64

Intensive training for members of Cooperatives societies on improved farm practices

A cross section of youths on their return from a power generation training

...building capacity In line with “teaching the people to fish” and boosting their productivity and employability, Udom Emmanuel’s government acknowledges the need for human capacity development, especially for youth. Various professional as well as vocational training programmes and certification courses have been facilitated within and outside the State. All these in a bid to ensure that there will be willing and qualified manpower to competently fill in at all skill levels, as an industrialized Akwa Ibom looms.

At the very basic primary and secondary levels, education is free and compulsory as Government off-sets the tuition of every child (whether indigene or not) resident in Akwa Ibom, while it goes a step further to pay the Senior Secondary Examination fees in secondary and technical Schools. Over 10,000 youths from across the state have benefitted from a variety of training courses within and outside the country. Some of these include Oracle Database Management, Computer Programming and Power generation and Maintenance in Abuja. 31 of the selected 100 were trained in Mechanized Agriculture in Israel, while 450 are currently being trained under the Cocoa Maintenance Scheme. These are just a few. 272 nurses and midwives undertook the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP) training while Government ensured the accreditation of Hospitals for the training of over 48 House officers, with more on the way.

“My administration has sustained support for, and promotion of vocational arts and skilled manpower in the state…We are also developing the requisite human capital to drive the industrial and commercial activities, thus creating wealth and employment opportunities.”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

Govt. Pri. Sch. Akpa Utong Ibesikpo Asutan LGA

INTER MINISTERIAL UPDATE BEFORE

AFTER

Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Projects are to raise the standard of living of the rural dwellers through the upgrading of existing infrastructure and provision of new ones in the areas of education, healthcare, water supply, electric power and even rosds across the state. In the last two years, the Udom administration in Akwa Ibom state has embarked on 250 such interministerial Projects - completed and ongoing.

Community Secondary School Ikot Ukana - Essien Udim LGA

Primary School Ikot Udu, Ndiya, Ikono LGA

St. Patrick Government. Primary School. Mbukpo Eyo Akan, Urue Offong LGA 68

Electrification, Awa, Onna LGA

Electrification, Ekeya Utine Uduohgo, Okobo LGA

Primary School Asong Mkpat Enin LGA

Solar Power Borehole, Ikot Oku Nsit

Solar Borehole Community Secondary School, Four Towns, Uyo LGA 69

“The pulpit has the ears of society so it has to wake up to its reformative role.” Rev. Ntia I. Ntia, Senior Pastor, Full Life Christian Centre

Who is Reverend Ntia Ntia, growing up, education, you God called them and you are in no place to say God didn’t call them, even though you know God couldn’t ministry and family? have called everyone. Secondly, human pervertion. I Rev Ntia Imeh Ntia is my name, I was born in Calabar think the tendency to pervert everything available to 45 years ago to Dr Imeh and Mrs Stella Ntia in calabar. human beings is just normal with society. I had my primary education at Holy Child International There are many reasons but the bottomline is the fact Nursery School in Ikot Ekpene, my secondary education that there is a need in society; a need for hope, a need at Federal Government College, Minna, Niger State for God, a need for truth. and tertiary education at University of Calabar where I This proliferation is the reason why people studied accounting. view church as a business and as such, they feel While in Calabar, I worshipped with Revelation Minstry, churches should be taxed by Government. What is Good Cheer Partners (now Christian Central Chapel your view on this? International) and Liberty Gospel Church. I got married in 1997 to my wife Pastor Mrs Ukamaka Ntia and we I think we need to analyse every sector of society moved to Enugu where I worked with her father, the based on its intended purpose. Church is not a late Archbishop Victor Onuegbu, in Ministry from 1997 business. Church is meant to be a social humanitarian to 2000. The Lord spoke to us to relocate to Uyo, and platform to meet needs. Government should be in May 2000, Full Life Christian Centre started in Uyo. interested in the proper registration of churches rather than treating church as a business because this will You have been around Nigeria and have perhaps legitimately make pastors go into profit-making. observed the seeming proliferation of churches back home in comparison with most other parts of Many churches today preach prosperity and people now tend to see church is a shortcut to the country. Why this? prosperity, as against responsibility and hard With every generation, there are peculiar problems work... which require God’s intervention and God always responds to these needs of humanity. I see Church as Prosperity should be preached; it’s a good thing, but prosperity alone should not be the message of the the help of God being made available to man. The number one cause of proliferation of churches is church. the call of God. Everyone who starts a minstry will tell 70

INTERVIEW

Progress and development does not happen overnight; we should cooperate with our Governor and the leadership of the State

So do we need more churches and messages of properity, or more people to be hardworking?

You are evidently one of the accomplished Men of God from this part of the world, and consequently, a very inspirational figure to the people, especially the youths. What is your advice to youth with regards living a meaningful, successful life? A very passionate point I make to every young person is, after you have given your life to Christ, you have a mandate to add value to yourself, to your family, and to society. How? To yourself: get educated - formally, informally. Just get some level of training and deploy that training to create wealth. What are the ways to create wealth? Number One: get knowledge; somebody will pay you for what you know. Number Two: render a service; somebody needs some form of service. Number Three: buy and sell; there’s a demand somewhere, there’s a supply somewhere, so bridge the gap. Number Four: Create a product. If the average youth can have a business and passionately grow that business and not be in a hurry to live large, there is a great future for our city, state and nation.

No message sinks in overnight; if the pastor must change the mindset of a people, he must present the message continually. Prosperity has many messages. There is the giving, the thinking aspect, and the working aspect of prosperity. The pastor should endeavour to present a balanced message so the people have a good body of knowledge to act upon. You can’t just drop money in an offering bucket alone and prosper. That seed you sow will create a divine opportunity, but if you do not maximize that opportunity, you will still be broke because your In developed countries where we have fewer churches, we find more development yet the reverse sowing was just one part of the equation. is the case here which is over-churched. What is the It has been said that unless we have more problem of the black man? industries than churches, the poverty level will It’s not a black man problem; it’s a humanity problem. If continue increase... there are available openings for crime, decadence and You can compare that with any other sector; irresponsibility, the natural tendency of man is to take unless we have more industries than sit-out joints the path of least resistance. or brothels or whatever... Whether it is church or In America today, elections are over, nobody is talking anything else, the life wire of any society is industries “Republicans” or “Democrats” anymore; people are now and the ability to create wealth, irrespespective of talking “America”. But in some countries in Africa, two to three years after elections, people are still talking party. what else that society wants to do. Let’s face it, the reason we have more churches than These tendencies frustrate development in Africa. industries is because Pastors are taking more risks than many businessmen. Even the fake ones! This is the same culture the businessman ought to adopt. We need that drive in every person, if poverty is to reduce. 72

What role can the church play in contribution to see things change. Secondly, he is skilled. Skilled enough to come up with societal growth? ideas, concepts. People like Bishop Desmond Tutu and Matins Thirdly, I think God has brought him to Akwa Ibom Luther King discovered that one of the weapons for State at this time to use his experience in financial and reformation is the pulpit. The pulpit has the ears of resource management to do the needful irrespective society so I think it has become necessary for the of the shortage of financial resources. church to wake up to its reformative role. We need to include the message of mental One of the frustrations of being a creative leader is that reformation, societal reformation and of socio- people might not necessarily accept everything you economic development by sensitizing every gathering try to do simply because they are used to particular of people that they can do more than just pray, fast, ways of doing things. For instance for a great period sow seeds; that they can get up and put some ideas of time, people saw government as just dishing out money. When you now tell them they have to pick up to work. a tool and do something it won’t go down well and it Incidentally we have a man who is preaching so will be a bit difficult. this very message, albeit from his “pulpit” as So far there is a gradual shift from the mindset of just the Governor. What is your perception about the sharing money because he is not a waster of resources. Governor as he clocks two years in office this May? That’s how I see him. The first thing I admire about Governor Udom Emmanuel is that his sincere. Very sincere about actually transforming society and wants to actually 73

it used to be. He has tried to spread less resource to cover vast areas just to let the people continue to He will have to toughen his heart and help people feel the touch of government, that it is possible for change even when they don’t want to change. You people to think he has not touched any particular area know many times, the voice of condemnation sounds massively. He is a Governor, not a magician. louder than the voice of appreciation. He should not become discouraged, upset or downcast. Your message for Akwa Ibom People Your advice for him...

He should also gather knowledge from those with political creativity and dynamism to balance his technical edge. It’s only two years so far, so it’s still the beginning. I believe by the time he goes into his second term which I believe he deserves - his message will sink in deeper.

A people divided among themselves cannot stand. My message for Akwa Ibom people is that we should cooperate with our Governor and the leadership of the State. Without cooperation, not much can be done. Progress and development does not happen over night but the ground that God has helped us cover today is worth celebrating. We should thank God for it.

Do you think there is any critical area the governor I want to challenge every wealthy Akwa Ibomite to create wealth. God made you comfortable so that you has not touched and what would that area be? can translate your comfort to impact for the benefit of I don’t think there is any critical area he has not touched. more people. The resources coming to our state is far less than what Thank you very much for having us, Pastor. God bless you all

Akwa Ibom Youths and the Challenge of Enterprise It is a thing of delight that our state has continually expanded the frontiers of economic opportunities for the benefit of its citizens. And, I am particularly excited about the prospects of the Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme, AKEES, which has risen to the challenge of the fact that the big difference between a novice and an expert in any field, is in training and skill acquisition. As a franchise scheme with a mandate to structure vocational skills acquisition as well as boost entrepreneurial capacity through a robust enterprise development programme, the government intends to use this scheme to empower our teeming unemployed youths through hands-on training packages. It is therefore necessary to appreciate the promoters and managers of this very timely interventionist programme for the success so far recorded since its inception, and I believe, the statistics speaks for itself:

By Moses Ekpo MFR, Deputy Governor, Akwa Ibom State

By the end of October last year, 11,598 participants had signed-on for the programme; 1,013 had already secured employment while about 85 businesses had taken off through this initiative in several areas like baking/catering, bead and shoe making, wood works, Agriculture, welding/ metal works, tailoring, plumbing, hair making, and other forms of trades. It is instructive to note that among the 85 business startups, is a toothpick company which production had since commenced, and I feel proud about this project in view of the massive value-chain it is expected to generate in terms of job creation. There is also the tomato production firm as well as Sunic Clothings, an indigenous fashion label that is poised to challenge and compete favorably with global labels in the fashion world. The state government as part of its commitment at ensuring that our youths joined the ICT revolution had mounted an Oracle training programme for Akwa Ibom youths. Out of the 1,000 people earmarked for that scheme, the first batch of 200 had finished the training at the state e-Library, and had also been equipped with laptops courtesy of the Udom Emmanuel administration while commencement of the next batch will get underway as soon as appropriate logistics are put in place. I am also aware that the AKEES ICT skills training program, a collaboration with the search engine giant, Goggle, had provided a free one-month training to cover 2,000 Akwa Ibom youths, and empowered them in the various areas of ICT specialization including computer operations, Engineering, Software Development, Programming and web development. This scheme is in line with the corporate development agenda of the Udom Emmanuel administration in the area of youth development and job creation, as well as a sub-set of government’s desire to make Akwa Ibom an industrial hub in the nation. Consequently, it is my expectation that participants and trainees of these life-changing programmes would see them as opportunities to transform themselves into proud entrepreneurs even as the state stands to gain through the multiplier effects of their knowledge and experience.

STRATEGIC SECURITY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCEMENT IN AKWA IBOM STATE By Aniefiok Thomas

The exploits and the attendant impact of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration in areas of industrialization, infrastructural development, agriculture, youth empowerment and political inclusion, to mention but a few, are not without national recognition and awards. The drive and passion resulting in these achievements are unending and have been demonstrated in many other significant milestones, particularly in the attainment of a secure environment for development to thrive. 78

Cognizant of the strategic role security plays in enhancing sustainable development, the Governor has made it a priority to strengthen this sector through the provision of infrastructure, building institutional capacity, and in the provision of resources to support the operational needs of the Security Services in the State. • The allocation of a large expanse of land for the siting of another Barracks in Uyo.

Cognizant of the strategic role security plays in enhancing sustainable development, the Governor has made it a priority to strengthen this sector through the provision of resources to support the operational needs of the Security Services in the State.

• Partnership with the Nigerian Army for educational development programmes as evident in the provision Security Village, Uyo of land and infrastructure for the establishment of Army Science Secondary School due to commence admission on August 2017 in Efa, Etinan Local Government Area.

help combat the menace of Sea Pirates. • Provision of a site for the establishment of Navy University in the State • Support for the successful renovation of the security village in Uruan, Akwa Ibom State.

• Support for sports development through the successful hosting of the 11th Nigerian Navy games in February 2017.

As Akwa Ibom State is making great forays into key areas of development despite the economic downturn, one thing the Governor always emphasizes and does • Attracting, through the benevolence of President is leveraging on the resources with comparative Muhammadu Buhari, the establishment up of 2 advantage to attain the desired level of development. He identifies opportunities for development, harness Brigade Command in the State. resources, as well support initiatives that would inspire • Provision of office accommodation to cater for the the people to rise to the faith of greatness. administrative needs of the Nigerian Army in the He utilizes engagements like the Navy games, for instances, to reignite business transactions in the State. • Securing the consent of the Federal Government for state, as well as exposure and interest in sporting the establishment of Naval War College in Akwa Ibom activities for Akwa Ibom athletes. State. Udom Emmanuel’s consistency, focus, creativity, • Donation of utility vehicles to the Nigerian Police innovation, partnership, relationship building, Command in the State to enhance its operations. passion for results and people development are traits for success in the face of a challenging national • Donation of two gunboats to the Nigerian Navy to operational environment. 79

By Ime Uwah

In line with Akwa Ibom State Government's resolve to achieve food sufficiency and affordability, there are conscious efforts at promoting a local-based, sustainable food model. This, by supporting and funding local businesses and producers through Multipurpose cooperatives societies to cultivate and produce quality food. A local-based model implies means that community members are actively participating in producing, processing and distributing food. The following table identifies and recommends some important steps that individuals, entrepreneurs, local government and community organizations can take. Short-term recommendations are immediately; Mediumterm recommendations may require 1-3 years, while long-term recommendations may require upwards of 3 years. 80

Individuals Buy Locally and Directly from Producers to support the development of the community’s food model. This includes individuals and institutional buyers such as Governments, schools, and businesses Share your Knowledge & Enthusiasm for Local Food: Discuss the benefits of local food with friends, family and neighbors, and share your expertise. Join a Multi-purpose Cooperative Society to purchase or work for locally grown food. Network Home Farmers, host networking events or create an association for home farmers to share knowledge and encourage collaboration. Promote & Support Home Farming with resources, education, mentorship and inspiration to help individuals and families start growing on their property.

Entrepreneurs/Businesses/Local Government Short Term (Immediate) Add Value to Your Own Agricultural Products. Process, package, distribute, and sell your own products. This will help you retain more of every Naira spent on the final product and build a unique brand identity. Identify Opportunities for Local Distribution as an alternative to selling products into commodity market. Includes sale through farmers’ markets, direct agreements with wholesale buyers, local distribution services or DMPCS-models. Find Ways to Pool Resources & Costs with Others: This could include, for example, joining purchases of inputs to qualify for bulk pricing, coordinating delivery, and purchasing shared equipment. Network Community-Based Farmers: Host networking events or create an association for community- based farmers to share knowledge, pool resources, and encourage collaboration. Create Incentives for Consumers to Shop Locally: This could include a loyalty card program and cooperative discounts. May expand to include non-food products. Identify Opportunities to Engage Youth as employees, volunteers or students to cultivate life-long habits of healthy eating and support for the community-based food system. Explore Available Resources from Local Universities and Agricultural Extension Services: This may include student research and volunteer projects, soil quality testing, and other technical assistance.

Entrepreneurs/Businesses/Local Government Medium-Term (1-3 Years) Use Greenhouses to Extend the Growing Season, Increase the supply of local food produced and expand opportunities for community-food activities throughout the year. Establish an out grower Program to Sell Directly to Consumers or exchange for work. Establish a Produce Delivery Service for Underserved Neighborhoods: The service could deliver direct to households and neighborhood produce stands for resale. Establish a Farmers’ Market to facilitate direct sale between consumers and local farmers and gardeners. This does not require fixed infrastructure. Long-Term (3+ Years) Create a Pooled out grower scheme: Provide locally grown food for sale or exchange to local consumers on a subscription basis from a collection of farms. Create a Shared Distribution Service for Local Food to gather locally grown and/or produced food, and deliver to customers. Establish a Community Food Cooperative to sell local food products, educate and inspire individuals, and build community. Could be worker or member owned. Create a Food Business Incubator: A new organization or program to provide facilities, training, technical assistance, mentorship, and other support services for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Create a Farming Incubator: A new organization or program to provide equipment, training, technical assistance, mentorship and other support services for aspiring new farmers. Build Local Processing Facilities for small and medium-scale food manufacturing, preparation and packaging. Will help food remain local throughout lifecycle and reduce leakage of food spending from the local economy. Establish a Physical Marketplace for the Wholesale Purchase of Local Agricultural Products: A place for distributors, restaurants, institutional buyers and retailers to purchase direct from local growers. Local-based, sustainable food practices have the potential to increase the States economic base by retaining food spending within the local economy. 6 82

Beside a Successful Man…. is a Great Woman

By Josephine Bassey

It’s an old saying — but a true one — that for every successful man there is usually a woman who deserves credit for his success. What is even truer is that many successful men could not have gotten where they are without their wives’ taking care of all sorts of details behind the scenes.

7 83

In the two years that Akwa Ibom has had Udom Emmanuel as Governor, Martha Udom Emmanuel, his wife has opened added value to his agenda of delivering dividends of democracy to the people. The men, the women, the children, the young and the elderly in Akwa Ibom State all have testimonies to the motherly disposition of the Wife of the Governor who has silently gone about the state positively touching innumerable individuals and families, especially the downtrodden and disadvantaged in the society. Wealth creation is one of the five point agenda of the

present Government. As the saying goes, “health is wealth”, the Governor’s wife has, through innovative collaborations between health care organizations and her pet project, Family Enhancement and Youth Reorientation Project (FEYReP), stood in the health care gap for the less-privileged. She has demonstrated the power of partnerships for addressing social challenges at a time when dwindling national revenue is diminishing resources available.

In terms of actual wealth-creation, FEYReP’s mission to support Government effort towards sustainable development has resulted in the laying of foundation for a Seafood Processing Factory at Ibaka and Ibeno beaches in Mbo and Ibeno Local Government Area, respectively. Martha Emmanuel’s humanitarian disposition has also engendered economic and emotional support for families. She has helped restore human dignity through interventions for the elderly, sensitization programme for youths (especially the girl child), economic empowerment for women and God’s “Special people” (as she refers to physically challenged persons), as well as educational empowerment for children. She has gone a step further to provide houses – one of man’s basic needs – for the widowed in the State. A God-fearing woman who abhors praises as much as she strives to give meaning to people’s lives, Martha Emmanuel is indeed a shining light of compassion. Little wonder she is dubbed “Eka Unwana Akwa Ibom State.”

INTERVIEW

“We should share our knowledge and experiences for the benefit of the young ones.”

Dr. Uduak Udom, President, World Council of Optomery

What was it like growing up? Your childhood and education… My mum had died when I was a little less than 2 years old, so uncles and aunties took care of me because my dad had gone to the University outside the country when I was 6 months old, and came back when I was 4. My father was a teacher so I generally schooled wherever my father was teaching; Methodist Girls Secondary School, Utu Ikpe; Union Secondary School, Ibiaku; a school in Akai Ubium where I completed my secondary school. Growing up, I used to read a lot of books, in fact, I tried to finish all the books in my father’s library… and then I used to have this thing for plants. I would frequently go and give them injections; I guess something in me was tending towards healthcare. 89

When I finished Secondary school, I went to the University of Benin on a Federal Government Scholarship to study Medicine. In my first year, people kept telling me that I would have difficulty in General Medicine because I was very emotional. I could merely see two people quarrelling and I would be crying (laughter). Around this time, I got born again. I was worried about what to do, though I really wanted to study medicine so while praying one day, I asked God, “What do I do?” Suddenly, as though someone whispered in my ear, I heard “Optometry!” I had never heard of the word before. I later asked one of my hostel mates and she affirmed that it was a course which existed, but discouraged me saying it involved too much academic work. I made up my mind that since I only heard about this course while praying to God, I would do it and I would succeed. So I applied for a change-of-course. It so turned out that I was the first female Optometry student in Uniben, but by the next year, six girls joined the course and right now in Nigeria, there are more female Optometrists than male.

Where did you work, and how did you ascend to the pinnacle of your profession?

I worked at Mercy Hospital Abak and also some other private place, then started CeeJay Vision Centre. I got married, had my babies, but was still going for conferences. In 2007, I sent in a paper for a world congress and people from the World Health Organization accepted my paper for plenary where I managed a good presentation (laughs), and to answer the questions thrown at me. At the end a white man I later found out was the President of the World Council of Optometry, offered me an invitation to Mexico for another conference. I presented a paper there and the President of the Optometry Association in Trinidad & Tobago invited me to come and train them in Community Eye Health. And that’s how I started being invited for Community Eye Health Training Centres in Malaysia, Tanzania, Uganda and so on. During that period Dr. Naidoo was elected the President of the African Council of Optometry, but just before his swearing-in, he was also nominated to be Chairman of the International Agency for the I finished from Uniben, did my Youth Service and Prevention of Blindness Africa. He said he was not started work. I started doing few researches on my ready to handle both positions, so he nominated me to own. My work was accepted, so I started attending take over the African Council of Optometry. And that conferences and presenting papers. was how I became President of the African Council. 90

ready to handle both positions, so he nominated me to vacancy of the Presidency of the World Council. I take over the African Council of Optometry. And that spoke with my husband and children and they gave their consent. At the next board meeting in May was how I became President of the African Council. 2013, they announced me as the President-elect to The World Council invited me to attend a board would work with the then incumbent president who meeting where I turned out to be the only person eventually handed over to me in August 2015 when I with this skin colour; every other person was white was sworn in. World Council of Optometry is 90 years and much older. I saw it as an opportunity to prove this year, and I’m the second African to be President. that we are as good or even better. I was punctual to meetings, delivered on assignments so much so that Congratulations! when other people had problems with their regions, Thank you very much. they were asked them to come and meet me. So you have two years? I was to serve for two years, but the person who was Yes it’s a two-year term. elected to take over from me sent in a resignation letter on the eve of his resumption. And so, instead of fresh Hopefully they will ask you to stay back again. elections, I was requested to continue for another two No I don’t want to stay back (Laughter); it has been years. At the expiration of my tenure as President of really tedious. the African Council (of Optometry), we had a meeting in London where the President of the World Council How tedious exactly? What does it entail? called me aside and told me, “I have seen your report, It entails a lot of hard work and commitment to responsibilities. For instance, there is often impromptu you did very well.” I thanked him. assignments which sometimes require 48 hours After I came back, the President of the World Council at a stretch to prosecute. You get to travel on very called to inform me that the succession committee has short notice, you attend as many workshops and met, and that my name was suggested for impending conferences as possible…

So would you say getting to this level of attainment has been predominantly down to hard work...? Yes. It’s mainly hard work, commitment and devotion. But of course it’s God who opens doors... It also requires self-belief; to see and opportunity and go for it confidently. There could be opportunities and you may feel too timid to go for it because you tell yourself, “Maybe I won’t be able to do it and all that”. But if you say “Okay, the opportunity is there, let me see how I can key into it”, you’re more likely to make it. What do we need to do more as Nigerians and as Akwa Ibomites, to have more people like you? Well, I will talk about Akwa Ibom, because I cannot talk about the rest of Nigeria. I think one thing is to create awareness of the opportunities that are available; our people do not have enough access to information. And then two, whenever there is an opportunity for us to get together, we should share our knowledge and experiences for others to benefit, especially the young ones. When most of our young people finish Secondary School, all they know is Law, Medicine, Engineering. But there’s a whole lot more people can do to earn a living. I think there should be more of skills acquisition 92 26

integrated into the education system. There are a lot of things coming up that people don’t know about because they are also indifferent about acquiring knowledge and information. Even with adults. We have adults who are not even 50 yet who say, “I’m too old to use the computer, my children will do it” meanwhile, there are 80 year old women taking exams with computers. Our people should get rid of such backward mentality. I believe that’s what the Governor is doing through Dakkada, so please do whatever you can to advocate for Akwa Ibomites to get rid of that pessimistic mentality. On a parting note, one message for the Akwa Ibomite who is aspiring for the top... Fear God, work hard, and always believe you can make it; don’t have a negative mindset. Thank you very much. You’re welcome.

Progress Report By Lydia Udoh

Propelled by the Akwa Ibom State Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management, the Government’s vision to traverse the nooks and crannies of the state to stir the perspicacity of the people and help them rise to sustained self-sufficiency through the utilization of inherent and environmental resource, remains an unrelenting exercise. Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, once said that,“…If you don’t conquer food, you are not ready for development...” This counsel backed by the Loan Scheme he made available to farmers is today yielding dividends as Dakkada Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd (MPCS) have embarked on the cultivation of a variety of agrobusinesses ranging from poultry, Oil palm, Vegetables, Maize, Cassava. Some of these have long harvested these products, thereby boosting the availability of affordable food and raw material production, in addition to attracting investment to the state.

Progress Report

A cross section of the high table during the Projects Awareness campaign in Uyo Senatorial District

A goodwill message during Projects Awareness campaign

Training session for Executives of Dakkada MPCS

Large turnout of participants at the Projects Awareness campaign

Presentation of Government Projects to the participants duing the participants

Presentation of certificates of incorporation to Executives of Dakkada MPCS

Welcome address during the Project Awareness Campaign

The Cooperative Societies set-up to encourage and promote professionalism in entrepreneurship under the auspices of Dakkada Business Forum, was duly registered in each of the 31 local government areas. 20 youths from across the state are now certified Computer Programmers thanks to the youth empowerment and capacity building drive of the State Government. Through the State Government’s Dakkada Support Initiative, propelled by the Directorate, a Computer Programming Training in collaboration with Nigerpet Structures limited was organized for these youths selected from across the State.

Progress Report

Cultivation of vegetables by Dakkada MPCS

Harvesting of Oil palm by Dakkada MPCS

Computer Programming training for youths as part of Dakkada Support Initiative

Goodwill messages from dignitaries during Projects Awareness campaign

Participants expressing appreciation for Government projects in their area

Recitation of the Dakkada Creed during the Projects Awareness Campaign

Dakkada Support Initiative has also concluded modalities for the training and provision of modern carpentry tools for carpenters across the 31 Local Government Areas this month. In partnership with HENSEK, the Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management, this project aims not only to expose carpenters in the State to the use of the latest equipments, but will also provide these equipments free, to enhance their efficiency and optimal service delivery. The State Government’s strides to positively impact on the lives of the people of the state by embarking on innumerable people-oriented projects was showcased during the Government Projects Impact Awareness Campaign held across the State. The event was hosted in Etim Ekpo, Mkpat Enin and Ibesikpo Local Government Areas to represent Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Uyo Senatorial districts respectively. 97

Governor Udom like we all know is a finance guru, coming from the banking sector, so it is not surprising that he has been able to manage the state’s wealth in these hard times. He is building bridges, ensuring that everybody is carried along and that there’s no marginalization. He has also paid a lot of attention to the development of youth, especially in the area of sports development. I think he’s doing well and needs to be encouraged as he cannot do it alone without the support of the people.

Etim Esin Former Nigerian football International In two years we have seen his prudence in handling the meagre resources of the state at a time like this. With the Dakkada philosophy gradually being embraced by the people, there is no doubt Akwa Ibom people will rise to fulfil their capabilities.

Hon. Ubong Uquang Chairman Ikot Abasi Transition Committee

From all we have seen so far, Governor Udom Emmanuel clearly deserves a second term. We Akwa Ibomites should cooperate with Udom and give him a chance to continue to deliver the desired impact on our state.

HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Akpene Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin 98

Governor Udom Emmanuel emerged at a time when the state and country was not only deficit in terms of capital, but also in ideas to manage the lean revenue. He has been able to develop a clear road map; infrastructure has been improved and wealth is today being created through industrialization. Udom is bringing back the glory days of Akwa Ibom state. It takes more than just wishes and desire; Industrialization takes painstaking commitment. From my interactions with him, I am assured he has the discipline and is committed to the best interest of his people.

Senator Anietie Okon

It is paramount to mention that when he resumed office the attitude of people towards government did not conform with his principles and ideas, he had to embark on a mental reformation of people attitude to change the way they see government and position it in such a way that it will bring more discipline. Now the people have gotten to understand him a lot better and I believe that in the next two years he will have a smoother ride to end his first term. Since he has been able to overcome some of the obstacles on his way, I believe that toward the end of his 1st term it will be more glaring that he is ready to go into a second term.

Chief Nduese Essien Former Federal Executive Council Member In two years, Governor Udom has done very well, especially with the Dakkada philosophy. He has changed people’s focus from depending on government to being masters of their own because if everyone works for the government or depends on them the economy will be slow. In the area of security he has empowered security agencies to do their work. Insecurity in the state would have been higher if we had a poor performing Governor. From my calculation, the Governor is performing.

Udom Udo Ekpoudom Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd) 99

As a technocrat, I can confidently say God has brought this administrator at this time to us where the economy needed to be managed properly. What beats my imagination is nobody ever gave a thought to the Syringe industry. It is unique not just to Nigeria, but to Africa. Look at the other industries; these are things that will solve the problem of Akwa Ibom. Very soon this state will no longer be a civil service state, because even the civil servants are trying to make their environment green. Everyone is now taking up things others never took seriously. The youth is also his focus because they are the future, and that is why he is focusing on man power development of those who will manage our tomorrow. So in totality I can give him an A+.

Sir Val Attah

Useful tips on Finance, Human Resources and Business Management for female entrepreneurs

✓

Understand the law and be on the right side. ✓ Know your strategic partners and competitors. ✓ Delegate responsibilities. Get value for the money; you pay people to do jobs for you. ✓ Pay your staff well. ✓ Invest in training your staff. ✓ Be tough, be aggressive, and put down your feet when you need to.

Be on top of the financial system know how to use it to enhance you business or get an expert. ✓ Join the right networks that will enhance the visibility of your business

Do not limit yourself to your business; learn all you can about what is happening in the world around you. ✓ Know what is going on in government.

Be confident, consistent and optimistic ✓ Understand your business. Nobody should know your business more than you do. ✓ Seek mentorship; there is always a more experienced person out there. ✓ Listen to your customers and seek new ways to improve your business. ✓ Constantly update yourknowledge ✓

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By Iquo Ukoh

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By Anietie Ukpe

Governor Udom Emmanuel has walked through fire and water...and he is still soaring higher. Riding the tide of public love and goodwill, he survived a political conspiracy of Ruritanian dimensions to become the governor of Akwa Ibom State. He has weathered the cyclone of propaganda unleashed on him and his administration by an increasingly desperate opposition. An opposition frustrated by their inability to impede his momentum. When he engaged Akwa Ibom people during the campaigns in the build-up to his election, his in-depth knowledge of the communities of Akwa Ibom State regaled those who listened to him. Like the men of Issachar in the Bible, he had an understanding of the times and he knew what Akwa Ibom ought to do; and he has proven this by finding strategic solutions to the politico-economic and socio-cultural challenges of the Akwa Ibom Community.

Keeping his head when most in his shoes have lost theirs and blamed it on the national economy, Akwa Ibom State has been advancing while the nation is in recession. How Emmanuel manages to keep the state in this orbit of progress and development is testament to his awesome skillset as an accomplished investment banker, and should be the subject of a global economic workshop. Leaving Zenith Bank as an executive director to serve Akwa Ibom State as the Secretary to the State Government and thereafter as elected governor, he is already pointing the way forward for Akwa Ibom people through life-enhancing programmes, projects and policies. His laudable achievements today, after only two years, give Akwa Ibom people hope for tomorrow; indeed they give me faith to dream. And like the dream of the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. woke up America, this dream shall wake Akwa Ibom up to the fullness of her potentials. 101

I dream that the job creation, poverty alleviation, wealth-creation, economic and political inclusion, and infrastructural consolidation agenda of the Emmanuel Administration shall become an article of faith in every Akwa Ibom heart. I dream of a day when all Akwa Ibom people – Ibibios and Ekids, Oros and Annangs, Andoni’s and Ibenos – shall rise on the strength of agriculture above the national quagmire of dependence on oil. I dream of Akwa Ibom Enterprise and Employment Scheme (AKEES), a project of this administration, laying the foundation for this leap.

youths shall “dakadda” (rise) with new faith and vigour and wear the badge of their State with pride. The pride that they were empowered and trained in various vocational skills; the pride that they were sent abroad for training in various fields; the pride that God is with us – Emmanuel!

I dream of onions and tomatoes thriving in Akwa Ibom State as waters cover the seas and even cocoa which had seemingly departed our shores, shall blossom again in our farmlands and our state will retain its place as one of the major exporters of cocoa. For there shall be a cocoa refinery as envisioned by the Udom administration, and the once-rejected cocoa farmers shall become the king of crops.

But not only that, I dream of a new spiritual awakening. Udom Emmanuel has been described as an ambassador of the church in politics. I dream of the Church taking pride in his achievements and praying more for politicians and working more to be participants in government for politics is too serious a matter to be left in the hands of those who do not believe.

I dream of a new spirit of enterprise which shall beat in the heart of every Akwa Ibom youth and there shall take to our farmlands in search of their destinies and not seek political patronage or to be personal assistants to personal assistants.

I dream of the new “dàkkádá” spirit waking up the giants in our youths. I dream of civil servants hitching their trunk to the governor’s exemplary management of time and resources and managing both to the great benefit of our state and the civil and public services.

I dream that one day, all Akwa Ibom people shall join hands together and recite the dakkada creed in love and with new joy, new commitment and new faith. I dream that Akwa Ibom State is in the labour room and about to bring forth a monumental season for the black race. The day beckons; the Udom administration I dream that soon, out of the ashes of a troubled would midwife that season, and the people who lived nation in recession, shall rise a land blossoming in in darkness in Nigeria shall see a great light… the light industrialization – Akwa Ibom State. On that day, the of Akwa Ibom rising. 102

Dakkada Magazine III

Articles inside

Business tips for the Woman Entrepreneur

The Dream of Akwa Ibom Rising

Beside a Successful Man is a Great Woman

The Book of Industrialization [Chapter 1

Interview

Interview

Akwa Ibom Youth and the Challenge of Entrepreneurship

Cover Story: Two Years of Steady repositioning and progress