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Arise! Let’s Build Our Future Together
from Dakkada Magazine IV
by Nsikak John
Udom Emmanuel September, 2015
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COVER STORY
ARISE!
Let’s build the future together
By Imo-owo Mbede
The Akwa Ibom story began perhaps inadvertently with the founding of Ibibio Union, a progressive cultural association, to better the lot of the generic Ibibio nation (people of Ikot Ekpene, Uyo, Eket, Itu, Abak and Ikot Abasi Divisions of old Calabar Province) in April 1928. When agitation for the creation of a separate State by various minority ethnic groups in the former Eastern Region proliferated in the early 1950s, the association which had by 1948 metamorphosed to ‘Ibibio State Union’ became a tool for the pursuance of this cause of state creation.
The agitation for a State was an arduous quest for the founding fathers. It was exasperating when the Federal Government embarked on state creation twice in 1967 and 1976., but the founding fathers remained unrelenting, nonetheless. Then suddenly, the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida conceded to the “genuine, consistent and lawfully pursued” request of the people, and created Akwa Ibom State from old Cross River State on the 23rd day of September in 1987.
Fast-forward to 2017 and Akwa Ibom celebrates the 30th anniversary of her creation.
A 30th anniversary is special. In Biblical times, the age of 30 was often that of major breakthroughs; a milestone when certain individuals came into the limelight or attained greatness. Joseph became a Prime Minister in Egypt at age 30; Saul became the first king of Israel at the age of 30 while David succeeded him at the same age. Even more significantly, our Lord Jesus Christ started his ministry when he turned 30 years. This age can therefore be seen as heralding maturity and definition of purpose. According to General Ibrahim Babangida, Akwa Ibom – the Land of Promise – was created to be “a model for other States to emulate.” The 30 years after her historic creation that Thursday evening have beheld a progressive nurturing of a model state to its predestined greatness.
Taking off on a 10-Local Government Area structure in a region which was at best the boondocks of the country having more people tucked away in remote communities, it was necessary to open up new centres of development. This culminated in the creation of new local government areas in 1989, 1990 and 1996, to bring the number to 31 today.
President Ibrahim Babangida during his maiden visit to the state.
Africa’s largest syringe manufacturing industry
The senior national football team, the Super Eagles, plays its home games in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom overcame the developmental challenges of bedding in a new state and government, and evolved to become one of the country’s top revenue earners. Skirmishes with the Federal Government over resource control injustices yielded increased revenue which facilitated, among many other achievements, an “uncommon” infrastructural renaissance in the state. Hitherto rural areas have become accessible and habitable cities through the provision of quality infrastructure like roads; standard residential, educational and health facilities; power, security and telecommunication facilities; most of which were absent at creation.
And so from the backwaters of physical underdevelopment, Akwa Ibom has transmuted to a choice metropolitan, commercial and tourism destination. The state now boasts an International Airport (with West Africa’s first Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility under construction), an independent Electric Power plant (which currently supplies power to the national grid), Five-star Hotels, an Olympic-size Stadium, while an Industrial City housing a Seaport is in the works. 30 years ago, this was all phantasm.
Meanwhile, as home to some of the country’s best and long-standing educational institutions, Akwa Ibom has transcended from merely a citadel of education to an embodiment of sustained academic exploits, with global success stories aplenty. Yet, innumerable federal, state and private-owned institutions at all levels continue to sprout across the state. Commitment to improved healthcare, fuelled by the predilection for a healthy citizenry, has birthed some of the best Specialist and Teaching Hospitals in the region, amongst numerous other health institutions. With the establishment of Nigeria’s first syringe factory (only Africa’s second), Akwa Ibom is indeed a destination for medical tourism. From the tag of a ‘civil service state’, Akwa Ibom has reverted to its status as one of Africa’s most fertile investment and industrial hubs. Optimal utilization of copious resources and investment promotion towards the obliteration of unemployment is palpable in an agricultural, industrial and entrepreneurial revival. From redundancy, timidity and servitude, there has been an emancipation of the Akwa Ibom psyche. Concerted efforts at eschewing mediocrity and underachievement – like the detribalized ‘Ubom Noah’ philosophy and the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Programme of yore, as well as the ‘Dàkkádá Initiative’ of contemporary times – have resulted in widespread expressions of intrinsic excellence nationally and internationally.
Akwa Ibom today has an impressive roll-call of individual and collective achievements while radiating productivity. A very competitive labour market has reawakened the virtues of accountability, punctuality and affinity for legitimate hard work in the workforce.
Akwa Ibom is leading the country’s drive towards sufficiency in power supply
Akwa Ibom has some of the best hospitals in the southern region of the country like the Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo
Akwa Ibom’s 30-year journey so far has been propelled largely by continuous utilitarian leadership. The Akwa Ibom ship has been steered on this voyage by several pragmatic leaders – military and civilian, indigene and nonindigene. From Tunde Ogbeha and Godwin Abbe (both Army Colonels) to Idongesit Nkanga (an Airforce Officer), the baton was passed to the first democratically elected Governor, Akpan Isemin (an Economist, now deceased). Yakubu Bako, (another Army officer) was the next substantial military administrator when he replaced Police Commissioner Pius Ahonkai (who acted in an interim capacity for nearly a month). Joseph Adeusi (the first naval officer to administer the State) took over from Bako and was succeeded by John Ebiye (an Airforce officer) who anchored the transition from military to the ongoing democratic era.
Victor Attah (an architect of international repute) took over as the second democratically elected Governor and passed it on to Godswill Akpabio (a lawyer), the third to be so elected. Udom Emmanuel (a renowned accountant) emerged the fourth democratic Governor and currently leads the state in its 18th year of uninterrupted civilian governance.
The achievements of Governors Victor Attah, Udom Emmanuel and Godswill Akpabio and others are proof of Akwa Ibom’s utilitarian leadership over the years
The Vegetable GreenHouse at Okobo is evident that agriculture in Akwa Ibom has evolved beyond a cultural engagement into an economic mainstay Fuelled by the vision of the founding fathers, the cumulative contributions of past and present leaders, as well as the supportive spirit of the people, Akwa Ibom has – by unanimous consensus – exceeded expectations these past 30 years of statehood. On this evidence, an even greater future for Akwa Ibom is assured. The realization of this greater future, however, comes with a responsibility to push the frontiers of her all-round development even further. This responsibility is the birthright of every Akwa Ibom son and daughter – young and old, at home and abroad.
And so as the celebratory trumpets, cymbals and drums are rolled out to mark the third decade of the state’s existence, the melody emanating therefrom calls out to all and sundry to arise, and join hands to build an even greater future for Akwa Ibom; that her greatness – being a journey rather than a destination – may be immutable.
Akwa Ibom is a tourist haven hosting Africa’s largest golf course at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort amongst other tourist attraction
