“My Akwa Ibom Story”

My Story

Mr. Michael Ojibokun

Businessman, USA

I still remember the first time I visited Uyo to attend the annual ‘9999’ Carol Night Service (now Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival). After that, I promised to definitely come back to Akwa Ibom. Having visited a couple of times since then, Akwa Ibom is a state I love very much. We need to reverse the mindset that people need to holiday in Dubai, London, or even the United States when we have a lot to offer here. When we talk about tourism, you need to get away from the mentality that it has to be big projects. What does the average tourist want? Security, clean accommodation, good food, interesting and nice people; Akwa Ibom state has them all.

The first thing that strikes you on arrival is how green this state is, I mean it’s a very blessed state. Uyo is one of the best kept cities in Nigeria. I can’t say enough about the quality roads here; very wide, very smooth. This is a beautiful state. Each time I come to Akwa Ibom, I leave with a smile; the simplicity of the people, their love for other people, the environment. The people are very accommodating and go the extra mile to be pleasant. It’s one of the few places people where don’t deal with you on the basis of where you come from. I don’t know how they do it, but I think it may have to do with the culture of the people - they are just naturally receptive. I’ve been visiting Akwa Ibom for the last 5 years consistently. The African warmth is present here. It’s what you feel when you’re taking a stroll, walking through the lush green vegetation. That’s the essence of (coming home to) Africa. And there is the food; especially the incomparable fisherman soup! Akwa Ibom is a growing state with its best years still ahead of it. I see myself buying a land here sometime, and getting involved in Agriculture.

Host, The 700 Club

I’m Dr. Victor Oladokun from the United States of America. It’s a wonderful joy to be here in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This is the first time that I have been back in a very long time; after about 24 years, I believe… and I must admit that I have actually been mesmerized by the remarkable changes that have taken place here in your state. It’s like a totally different place altogether now.

Dr. Marcel Ofomata

CEO, Amaecom Global Limited

I am from Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. I came to Uyo along with my elder brother when it was under the then Cross River State. Soon after I finished my Secondary Education at Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket, I started business selling Motorcycle spare parts and later Motorcycles in a single Room Store in Uyo. I used part of the profits from the spare parts business in funding my tertiary education, at the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic and later, Abia State University. After graduation, I worked briefly with ExxonMobil at Eket and the defunct Standard Trust Bank. I left the banking job to launch my company AMAECOM GLOBAL LIMITED when I discovered that Akwa Ibom State was very fertile for business. My business model was designed to ensure that the citizens, no matter their income level, are able to purchase products and make payments on a mutually friendly and beneficial installment plan. We went on to set up the first Foam Factory in Uyo. With every sense of modesty, I can say authoritatively that Akwa Ibom state is very fertile for business and the government and her policies encourage economic development. Akwa Ibom people are very friendly, accommodating and worthy of trust in business dealings and I welcome intending investors. Today by the grace of God, I am the President of the Foremost Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) in Abuja and this would not have been possible without the support we received from the Akwa Ibom people during our formative days. I want to use this medium to sincerely thank all the Akwa Ibom people, and all others who have played significant roles in our continuous ascendancy.

Uma Ukpai Theological College

In 1972 I was employed by one Engr. Ekpo who owned an electric Company that had the contract for the electrification of the whole of Cross River state, part of which is now Akwa Ibom. The company had money and we were well-paid. However, God asked me to resign and live in Uyo. I had been getting invitations to speak at meetings in Uyo so during one of those meetings, it threatened to rain. So I told the crowd that if God called me to preach here, he would stop the rain now and instantly the rain stopped. The day I finally packed my things to move to Uyo, I met a man at the motor-park (I didn’t know him before) who said that God instructed him to wait at the park for me and lead me to an accommodation he had kept for me. Three days later, a woman saw me and told me that God asked her to give me 3 plots of land. The small boy I was then, what was I going to do with 3 plots of land? A lady pharmacist saw me and told me that God asked her to buy me a car. She gave me a Union Bank cheque to buy a car. I was not yet quite a month and all these favour followed me. We started holding ‘Greater Uyo for Christ’ every month; praying and asking God to turn this place to a great place. I prayed to God that if he sent me here, he should turn it into a great place. Everywhere we went people met us and said God asked them to give us money, food items. I was once called to pray for a little boy who was crippled after which he walked. The Governor at the time wanted to meet me. We held the first Ukanafun Local Government Area Crusade. The miracles were so many that they said I was a magician. God then directed me to take this programme to all the Local Government Areas. The Governor sent for me and issued me a plot of land to be paid for over 20 years, saying that because I led him to Christ, he can’t be Governor of a state and allow me remain anybody’s tenant. Somebody called and said God asked him to give me a large sum of money for my sons (in the Lord) who want to build churches). Another said he was instructed to give me 10million Naira per year and that he has already paid it for 3 years into my account. Another sent me four jeeps after the largest pharmaceutical company in the world made him a distributor. Another sent me a jeep from Malaysia. Why God choose Uyo, I don’t know. The prayer investment we made in Uyo is what has helped take Uyo to where it is today. I have seen the impossible since I came here. It has been a story of miracle after miracle. We have seen God do the impossible.

Akwa Ibom is Working

...under the watch of Governor Udom Emmanuel as people-oriented projects and programmes are being undertaken everywhere in the State. The Governor is deploying his experience, acumen and connections to contend with economic uncertainties in ensuring all-round development and improved living standards for Akwa Ibomites.

...expanding infrastructure

“We had campaigned under the bold promise to expand infrastructural development and I want to say boldly that we have delivered for our people ….” Governor Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom State’s infrastructural landscape continues to expand across all sectors. Electric power supply continues to be pursued intensely resulting in the attainment and sustenance of an unprecedented 18 to 20 hours of power supply daily. This has been possible through the establishment of several new state-of-the-art electricity injection substations in addition to over 600 new transformers earlier distributed to various communities, across the state.

“We had campaigned under Switch Gear room in one of the new Electricity Injection the bold promise to expand Substations built in the state

infrastructural development and I want to say boldly that we have delivered for our people ….”

Gov. Udom Emmanuel

Educational facilities and equipment are prioritized as the Government is erecting new and renovating old facilities like classroom, lecture-rooms and hostel blocks in many institutions across the state. Equipment like school desks, computer and laboratory equipment and reagents are also being provided to public and private schools alike while roads projects are also being undertaken in campuses of both state and federal higher institutions.

Following the State Government’s drive for quality and accessible healthcare, health facilities at every level are continually receiving massive infrastructural facelift while the Government recently took delivery of several containerloads of medical supplies procured abroad.

A newly commissioned Communication Arts studio at the Akwa Ibom State University

Aerial view of the rehabilitated General Hospital at Etinan while under construction

Refurbished children’s ward at the Immanuel General Hospital, Eket

New Taxiway at the Akwa Ibom International Airport. Well over 715 kilometres of strategic roads have either been completed or are under construction, yet new road projects have recently being initiated.

Other strides in infrastructure expansion include on-going work at the second of ten sports facilities in the State to boost sports at the grassroots, the new State Secretariat Annex which has created a productive work ambience for public servants, as well as the implementation of various rural water schemes in many communities.

...building industries

“…the central plank of my campaign was on the need to rapidly industrialize this State and create jobs and opportunities for our people, and I am happy that in spite of the harsh economic climate, we have...” Governor Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom is working assiduously towards industrialization – a major catalyst of economic growth – through the revitalization of dead and ailing industries and the establishment of new ones. Akwa Ibom is, by this, gearing gradually towards economic emancipation.

Aerial view of onging work at the Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited. Inset: Same view during construction Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited and Jubilee Syringe (Nigeria’s first syringe factory) are ready for official commissioning as Akwa Ibom is clearly venturing into previously uncharted industrial territories. Peacock Paints Limited, Akwa Prime Hatchery & Poultry Limited (the first hatchery in South-South and South-East Nigeria), as well as a toothpick and pencil factory (the first in Nigeria) had all previously commenced operation.

A flour mill and a Coconut Refinery amongst others are in the pipeline, ground-breaking ceremonies having been performed for these projects. These projects and others to come are pregnant with generational prosperity in the form of thousands of jobs as well as revenue for the state.

Akwa Ibom also is working to restore agriculture – not as an alternative, but as an economic mainstay – to ensure raw material availability to catalyse the industrialization agenda.

Inside the Akwa Prime Hatchery at Uruan

Production line inside Peacock Paints factory

Site work has commenced at St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery at Mkpat Enin

AKEES Toothpick and Pencil factory has long commenced production

Beneficiaries of the Power Sector training on arrival from Abuja

...developing manpower “No nation has become wealthy without huge investment in human capital development. We are securing the future today so that our children will live productive lives tomorrow.” Governor Udom Emmanuel

Education and Human Capacity Development amongst the youth, is essential to boosting their productivity and employability. At the very basic primary and secondary levels, education is free and compulsory as Government off-sets the tuition of every child (indigene or not) resident in Akwa Ibom, and further pays the Senior Secondary Examination fees in secondary and technical Schools.

Various professional as well as vocational training programmes and certification courses have been facilitated within and outside the State. Over 4,000 youths from across the state have benefitted from a variety of training courses in various sectors, within and outside the country; from ICT, Power, Agriculture, Health, as well as vocational skill acquisition. The welfare of healthcare providers is given unprecedented priority attention.

Training for Executives of Dàkkádá Multipurpose Cooperative Societies

...ensuring food sufficiency

“With the investments we have made in agriculture, prices of food in Akwa Ibom State would be one of the most affordable in the nation.” Governor Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom’s fertile landmass, policies and programmes puts the state in the frontline of an ‘agro-revival’ targeted at ensuring sufficient food for the people. Government has instituted policies and various forms of financial support, collaborative programmes and incentives to boost the production and yield of food crops as well as revenue earners like Oil palm, Cassava, Maize, Rice, and 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 for Rice production, Interest-free loans to farmers, amongst others.

The Vegetable greenhouse project has facilitated the cultivation of vegetables and other food crops like tomatoes (inset) hitherto not cultivated in the State

Given its economic importance and market value, Cocoa production 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 the sweet variety, suitable for the production of chocolate. Dairy milk prodcution will come on stream as 2,000 cattle are set to be delivered to the newly established Cattle Ranch in the State.

The new cattle ranch at Uruan under development

There are scholarships for Akwa Ibom children at all educational levels

...improving welfare

“…we make the welfare of the Akwa Ibom person the centrepiece of all our developmental efforts and actions as a government...” Governor Udom Emmanuel

ljjbUdom Emmanuel’s Government is not only ensuring the people have fish to eat; it is also encouraging and teaching the people to fish. It encourages the people Through prompt payment of salaries and remunerations to workers, well-articulated welfare and empowerment packages, especially for the physically challenged and lessprivileged, the Government is ensuring the well-being of people at that every strata of the Akwa Ibom society.

Under the auspices of the Family Enhancement and Youth Reorientation Programme (FEYReP) programme of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Martha Emmanuel over 15,000 people were screened free for various eye diseases and thereafter, free

Wheelchairs being provided for disabled people

surgical operations and eye glasses were provided for well over 3,000 of these beneficiaries. Other visually-impaired persons have been trained at the Nigerian Farm Craft Centre in Lagos and empowered to start up their own businesses, while 100 deaf women have also been trained on ICT and empowered with equipment. Over 300 hundred families have been given financial support to cater for multiple births while over 200 physical challenged persons in secondary and tertiary institutions have been provided with wheel chairs and special writing desks.

The State Government has facilitated the payment of outstanding gratuities to pensioners while also providing N2bn worth of interest free loans to women in the State. Meanwhile, medical services have been provided free for children below 5 years, pregnant women and the aged in the state.

Akwa Ibom State is crooning triumphantly in the booming airways of economic development and selfreliance through Industrialization as Governor Udom Emmanuel passionately translates his vision into concrete reality. One of these realities is the berthing of the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company Limited, attracted to the State through the governor’s Foreign Direct Investment Initiative. Located on an 8,000 square meter of land area in Onna Local Government Area, Jubilee Syringe is a public-private partnership firm owned by a Turkishborn businessman and investor, Mr Onur Kumral. For Mr Onur Kumral, whose investments span over 17 countries of the world, Akwa Ibom has good development policies and adequate security.

Therefore, aside making a profit, the company – the first manufacturer of disposable Syringes in the whole of West Africa with the capacity of manufacturing Four Hundred Million syringes per year – aims to help stabilize the nation’s economy as it will literarily inject economic life into Akwa Ibom State without any feeling of pains.

Different departments of the company are ready to hit the ground running ahead of its formal inauguration on 23rd September by the Vice President of the country, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, as part of activities for the celebration of Akwa Ibom’s 30th anniversary.

Raw materials for the industry are produced by Nigerian Petrochemical companies, and the machinery needed to start the production of syringes is in place. Eight Production lines have been installed preparatory to the take-off of the project which will manufacture 48 Syringes every 10 seconds. Through the Governor’s assistance 12 sons and daughters of the state were sent to Istanbul, Turkey, for training in key areas of the project including the operation of Injection Moulding Machines, Maintenance of Moulds and Quality Control and are expected as breeders to several thousands more.

Jubilee Syringe Company will create new jobs and stimulate the growth of the country’s economy.

During his inspection visit to the factory in May this year, a visibly impressed Governor Udom Emmanuel had assured Akwa Ibom people that more industries will be established in the state to engender job opportunities and stimulate the economy. Mr Emmanuel promised that he will continue to harness his connections in the international community to bring in genuine investors to the state, maintaining that the Syringe company is not owned by the state government, as it is entirely a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Apart from providing security and land for the business, the state government is ready with a 2 x 60KVA power sub-station that will provide 24hour daily power supply to five local governments, including the host community of the syringe company. It has also building a 29-kilometre dualised road from the factory location in Onna to Etinan main town, which the government is also connecting to Uyo the state capital, via a 25-kilometre dual expressway. At the other end, the Syringe Company also links with the East West Road and connects with the 19.5 kilometre Eket – Ibeno dual carriage way constructed for unfettered access to the locations of multinational oil and gas firms in the state.

The syringe, as a metaphor for life, is not a mere coincidence and an error. Governor Udom Emmanuel has once again proven to be a leader equivalent to a skilled surgeon, handling good governance like a good medical practitioner handles the scalpel, syringe and needle.

AKWA IBOM: DIVERSIFYING THE ECONOMY

By Louis Udom

Akwa Ibom state is endowed with enormous human and natural resources that could be utilized to grow the economy. Unfortunately, due to years of near total reliance on petrodollar in monthly federal allocations, successive administrations have not broken new grounds for alternative sources of revenue. Available indices have shown that continuous dependence on oil revenue may spell doom for the country’s economy vis-avis that of the state, in the near future.

The reason is simple. The demand for oil looks to crumble as developed countries of the world have set targets to ban petrol-powered cars in favour of vehicles powered by solar energy. Norway has fixed 2025, while Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Netherlands are considering a phase out of petrol powered cars by 2030. France is set to ban all Petrol and diesel vehicles in 2040 while new petrol and diesel cars will be banned the same year in Britain. The planned switch to the eco-friendly solar-propelled cars, according to them, is a response to climate change.

It is explicable that the present administration’s commitment to the total rehabilitation of the power sector is informed by its desire to create alternative sources of earning which would remain a mirage without a dependable source of power.

The fact that electricity transmission is the exclusive preserve of the federal government notwithstanding, the state has ventured into that sector with positive result to show.

Plans are underway to ensure that the whole state is boosted with improved power supply. Two Injection Sub-stations in Uyo and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas are today providing inhabitants of these areas between 18-20 hours of power supply daily.

With these and similar steps, the state government has taken a monumental leap towards diversification of the economy thereby providing alternative sources of revenue to the state. This process of diversification is firmly rooted on careful analysis of what is best for Akwa Ibom government an d people at this time of their development and in the future.

Coconut oil is another source of foreign exchange, hence the massive cultivation of coconut in Akwa Ibom.

What is about to happen is evolutionary. The nature of the world as a whole is altered with age, meaning that everything must pass through successive phases, as nothing remains forever what it was. That is the inevitable situation awaiting petroleum products. It is therefore a bold step to forestall the potential threat to the state economy that the State government, with Udom Emmanuel as the arrowhead, is aggressively exploring the abundant natural potentials to create alternative sources of revenue.

For instance, government is embarking on the construction of a coconut oil refinery in the state, for the production of industrial concentrates used across the world for several manufacturing activities. When operational, coconut oil, sold for $1,690 per metric ton in the world market as at July 2017, will be a cardinal source of foreign exchange earnings for the state. In the same vein, government is targeting 8,000 hectares of Cocoa plantation in three years. Cocoa bean is a money spinner in the global market and the state’s commitment to producing in commercial quantity is a bold step in the right direction.

Similarly, the Syringe factory in the state with production capacity of about 400 million syringes and other hospital consumables yearly will remain a veritable source of earning for the state.

The 1981 movie, The Man Who Saw Tomorrow narrates the story of physicist and seer, Michel de Nostredame (known more popularly by the Latinized version of his name, Nostradamus) and his uncanny ability to predict the future. History is littered with three of this kind of person.

In the first category are men like Nostradamus, who have metaphysical ability. In the second category, are those who study the universe – like the wise men who saw the star when Jesus was born. The third category consists of those like the men of Issachar who, in the time of crisis in ancient Israel, understood the times and what ought to be done to safeguard the future.

Udom Gabriel Emmanuel belongs to the latter two categories. He has seen the star of Akwa Ibom rising. With an uncanny understanding, he is creating that future.

His experience, integrity and management sagacity in over 25 years of financial services in different parts of the world stood him in good stead with the electorate as a the one best prepared to lead the state. He assumed office at a crucial time when the economic outlook was gloomy, but promised to transform the economy of Akwa Ibom State and open opportunities for growth and improved living standards. This has resulted in the initiation of policies, programmes and projects designed to cater for the Akwa Ibom of today, and also the Akwa Ibom of the future. A case in point is his infrastructure expansion agenda which takes into consideration not just current demands, but also the demands of the future. For instance, facilities at the Akwa Ibom International Airport are being upgraded to meet the projected flight, passenger and cargo traffic in the years to come. Governor Emmanuel had already envisaged the limitations of a mono-runway airport as far back as year 2015, and had begun the construction of the now completed second runway in the airport.

Another is the Industrialization policy of Governor Udom Emmanuel. The electricity meter assembly plant will cater for the needs of electricity consumers almost ad infinitum, while the syringe production factory is guaranteed to be a thriving venture given an endless demand for its products from within and outside the country.

Governor Emmanuel is positioning Akwa Ibom to key into the multi-billion naira sports industry by supporting the development of sporting talents in the state. He has embarked on the construction of 10 standard sports centres, one in each federal constituency, which will serve as nurseries for the discovery of sporting talents.

With Akwa Ibom boasting the deepest waterways without dredging in the country, it is mind-boggling that a seaport has not been sited in the State. The actualization of the Ibom deep seaport is therefore one of the priority projects of the Udom Emmanuelled administration which is working on providing appropriate access by road to the seaport, in addition to partnering with the Federal Government and private investors. Akwa Ibomites and Nigerians can bask in the expectation of a prosperous future because, when completed, the seaport project will reboot the economy of the State and country.

A leader who wants the best for his people is not shy to take difficult decisions, knowing that those decisions will augur well for his people in the long term. When tons of petitions trailed the recruitment of about 5000 additional teachers into the school system, Governor Emmanuel – mindful of the role played by teachers in moulding our future leaders – directed a fresh screening exercise to be conducted. This test justifiably revealed that a large number of the prospective ‘teachers’ were either unqualified or under-qualified.

The inadequacy or absence of electricity supply is by far one of the biggest hindrances to the country’s economic progress. By not only rejigging the Ibom Power Company to boost its generation capacity, but by also providing superior quality facilities, constant power supply is now a reality in Akwa Ibom State. This has been made possible by a man who understands the importance of adequate power supply to a sustainably developed future. All these and more, are evidences of the futuristic mindset of a man with an understanding of the times and what ought to be done.

Governor Emmanuel is the kind of leader John Quincy Adams had in mind when he said “a leader is he whose actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.” His actions inspire Akwa Ibomites to dream more of what the future holds, learn more about how to fit into that future, do more to prepare for that future and in the process, become more of what the future requires. His passion for a generation of people who earn a living, rather than beg for a living has, through the dakkada philosophy, imbued a renewed spirit of enterprise and faith in their capacity to be all that God had destined them to be.

Conscious that the future belongs to those who prepare for it today, Governor Udom Emmanuel is serving his people with the future in mind. When it would have been popular for him to pander to shorttermism, he is using the resources of today to correct the mistakes of yesterday while building for tomorrow.

The inadequacy or absence of electricity supply is by far one of the biggest hindrances to the country’s economic progress. By not only rejigging the Ibom Power Company to boost its generation capacity, but by also providing superior quality facilities, constant power supply is now a reality in Akwa Ibom State. This has been made possible by a man who understands the importance of adequate power supply to a sustainably developed future. All these and more, are evidences of the futuristic mindset of a man with an understanding of the times and what ought to be done.

Governor Emmanuel is the kind of leader John Quincy Adams had in mind when he said “a leader is he whose actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.” His actions inspire Akwa Ibomites to dream more of what the future holds, learn more about how to fit into that future, do more to prepare for that future and in the process, become more of what the future requires. His passion for a generation of people who earn a living, rather than beg for a living has, through the dakkada philosophy, imbued a renewed spirit of enterprise and faith in their capacity to be all that God had destined them to be.

Conscious that the future belongs to those who prepare for it today, Governor Udom Emmanuel is serving his people with the future in mind. When it would have been popular for him to pander to shorttermism, he is using the resources of today to correct the mistakes of yesterday while building for tomorrow.

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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 is blessed with a glut of gifted and industrious young men and women. We review a few of them who epitomize excellence from legitimate hard work – virtues of the philosophy, Dàkkádá.

Uwemedimo Essen

Entrepreneur, CEO Transit Favour

When Uwemedimo Essen lost his father immediately after his secondary school, it felt like the world had ended for him. However, a can-do spirit in him kept reassuring and motivating him that it was not over; that he can make a success of whatever he set out to do. Today he sits atop the largest indigenously owned transport company.

Uwemedimo who considers himself an epitome of Dàkkádá, started out with managing transport vehicles for people. He was able to make saving and later established his own transport company, TransitFavour Services with only two rickety vehicles. Today he has grown the company’s fleet to almost 300 vehicles, with stations in all the geopolitical zones in the country – without any bank loan!

A true Ambassador of Dàkkádá, he has aligned with the philosophy by setting up ‘Uwemedimo Essen Entrepreneurial Initiative for All Nigerians.’ Through this initiative, young graduates learn how to run different small scale entrepreneurial ventures, earning a wage from the profits therefrom.

Rachael Williamson

Student and Author

Rachael Williamson understands the value of developing innate gifting towards the attainment of success. She has looked inward and nurtured a passion and flair for poetry to venture into authorship.

Still an undergraduate of the Akwa Ibom State University, she has written a book a titled Life’s Symphony. A collection of inspiring poems, Life’s Symphony is currently one of the recommended literature text books for Junior Secondary Schools in Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Delta States.

She believes strongly that youth is talented in some way, and they must harness these gifting as a means to greater heights of achievement.

Victor Dickson

Inventor, Kommon Sense

Challenged by a mediocre mentality which inhibits big dreams amongst many Nigerian youths, Etinan-born Victor Prince Dickson is the developer of Kommon Sense Card Game, Nigeria’s first registered card game. He is also founder of Micro-Reality Thinking Academy and author of Thinking Field: A Mind Development Workbook and Anatomy of Entrepreneurship: The Heptagonic Model, amongst others.

Victor’s innate entrepreneurial spirit has seen him establish El-Spice Media Group (which provides products and services in Digital Content Development, Publishing and Entrepreneurship) which was conceived while in the University of Jos, though suspended till he was through with his tertiary education. This company today has a list of clients and partners that includes Silverbird, PHCN, SWAN, ITF, NIPPS amongst numerous others.

According to Victor, “we began operations formally in 2009 with no capital whatsoever, except the brain, biros, paper and one half-alive laptop.” This venture has today yielded nationwide acclaim as his stable has birthed Nigeria’s first card game, produced to boost critical thinking power and dictates values in humanity. A Vanguard Newspaper review refers to Kommon Sense Card Game as a, “…brilliant effort that could only have emerged from a brilliant mind.”

Ubong Essien

Dean, School of Eloquence

Aniekeme Alphonsus Etim

World Junior Athletics Champion Medalist

After being admitted to study electrical engineering in the University of Ilorin, Ubong Essien transferred to Biology Education because he felt he could not cope with Mathematics and Physics. He made a third class in Biology education. He ventured into publishing (which he had started right from his days in School) but later left to focus on motivational speaking. He featured on live TV shows, and was nicknamed “Mr Motivator.”

Essien later joined the National Speakers Association in the United States, travelling every year for courses and conferences. These efforts paid off as he is today, the first and only Nigerian to attain the designation of ‘Certified Professional Speaker’, bestowed on him in at the Global Speakers Convention the United States in 2012. Aniekeme Etim through hard work, she has literally run from obscurity in Community Secondary School, Ikot Abia Idem to become a World Junior Athletics Championship medallist.

While in secondary school, she won gold and silver medals in the 100m and 200m respectively during the 2009 Mobil Schools Athletics Championship. By 2011, she emerged the overall best female athlete at the same competition, with three gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay.

A training camp in Calabar, Cross River State where she further proved her mettle, was followed by an invitation to the National athletics camp. Her first taste of international competition came at the African Junior Athletics Championships in Ethiopia where she won a 100m silver and a 200m bronze before anchoring the country’s quartet to gold in the girl’s 4x100m relay. Before this, she was in the Akwa Ibom State contingent to the first Nigeria Junior Sports festival in Abuja in 2013 where the State placed first with 6 Gold, 5 Silver and 7 Bronze medals with Aniekeme contributing three of the Gold medals.

She was again part of the national contingent to the Junior Athletics Championships in Mauritius where she won Gold and Silver medals. Further accolades followed in the 2015 Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa where Aniekeme’s efforts earned 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze of the 6 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals the Nigerian Team won in Track and Field.

Ndem Okon, OON

Science Teacher and Inventor

Ndem Okon believes the next generation of Akwa Ibomites, and indeed Nigerians must be top-flight intellectuals. His passion for teaching made him organize free lessons for students in his community after his National Youth Service as far back as 1985. Today as a science teacher, his dedication to raising the next generation of scientists has however resulted in stupendous educational achievements and recognition, nationally and internationally.

In about 23 years, Ndem, who hails from Nsit Atai, has churned out multiple awards as a science teacher and facilitator. He has taken part in no fewer than 40 science competitions within and outside Nigeria, winning 12 of these and emerging in the top four in a total of 29. Some of his award-winning science projects include ‘Cassaplastic’ (a bioplastic made from cassava starch) which won bronze medal for Nigeria at ESKOM EXPO, South Africa in 2012; Wastepaper Firewood which won the 2012 NTA-ETV Science competition; and Reflux-Distil Condenser which won 2008 second place at the Akwa Ibom State Science and Technology Week, amongst others. He has several research papers to his credit including “Conversion of Angles Greater than 90o” and “New Method for Balancing Chemical Equations” and which won the STAN Second Best Science Teacher of the Year award in 1997 and 1998 respectively.

These feats have earned him several awards and recognition including “Ambassador of Peace” in 2017, Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris causa) in 2016, and Pillar of Science and 2015. He was “Most Outstanding Mathematics Teacher” and “Best Innovative Science Teacher of the Year” in 2003 and 2009 respectively, while also winning the “Best Science Teacher of the Year” in 2001 and 2011. Prior to these, he had been awarded the prestigious national award of “Officer of the Order of the Niger” (OON) in 2005.

“Put out your best to excel; success knows no gender.”

Aity Dennis Inyang, Gospel Music Minister

INTERVIEW

Who is Aity Dennis Inyang? Aity Dennis Inyang is a lady who has been called by God to spread hope to our generation through the instrumentality of Music. I am a proud Akwa Ibomite; born and bred in Akwa Ibom. I had my primary education and secondary education in Akwa Ibom as well. I got my first degree in from the University of Calabar and a masters from the University of Uyo. I studied French as a Major and German as a minor and was amongst three students offered a scholarship by the French Government for a year’s study in France. After school, I worked as a French teacher and later as a TV presenter and Producer with AKBC (Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation). I moved to Lagos and worked with an Adverting Agency, SO&U but music came calling very strongly when I started my Ph.D so I had to discontinue and go into music fully. I have recorded 10 albums till date and written over 3,000 songs and counting…

I am a wife to one husband (laughter) and my friend for life; his name is Dr Dennis Inyang. We’ve been married for 27 years now. I live in Lagos and Portland. I have two daughters and a son. My first child, a daughter, came after 21 years of marriage while a set of twins, came on our 25th anniversary.

What are the life lessons from your over 20year wait for children? The life lessons are enormous. In all those years, people never knew I had no children. In fact, when I had my babies, people were actually more surprised at the fact that I didn’t have previously, than the fact that they came after over 20 years. One of the lessons is that you can live happy and still fulfil purpose while going through a challenge. Do not throw a pity party; you’re not the only one with a challenge. I used to anchor a children’s programme ‘Telekids’ and as a Pastor’s wife, we dedicate babies all the time.

I sing at Babies’ dedication ceremonies consistently, yet I did not have mine. If I tell you it was easy, I will be kidding. I would tell God, “imagine the number of children you have sent into the world, and you have not sent any to my home…” Also, some things happen for the glory of God to be revealed. And so I encourage people, “don’t die before you’re dead!” Don’t give up because your breakthrough or miracle can happen anytime.

Aside Gospel ministry, do you have any other businesses? Yes. I ran a proof-reading and editing agency, Editorium, which was like turning my hobby of proof-reading and editing manuscripts into a business. I do radio and TV scripts and jingles and even do voice-overs in English, Ibibio, Annang and Efik. I translate scripts from French to English and vice versa; I also transcribe gospel messages to books, etc. Sadly, my music has affected Editorium a bit because I get to travel a lot.

Now I’m going into another project. Our younger generation do not know how to speak our language, so I want parents, mothers especially, to pass our language to our children. It grieves my heart because I see a complex and a wrong mentality. I see the fact that some people do not identify with the language. We are not Indians, We’re not Americans; we can’t be more English than the Queen. So when you bring up a child not identifying with our language, soon they will look down on our language, our food and culture. How do you manage being a “wife to one man”, a mother, etc., with your business and your career? I prioritize in this order: God, family and career. I don’t take engagements at the detriment of my family otherwise I will just become an absentee mother to my twin babies who are just two and half years. I have a very understanding husband who also manages me, and also fills in for me when I’m not around, and that helps me.

And this brings me to a very important point for the women; no matter who you are and what you have achieved, you are still a wife and a mother. Respect your husband, humble yourself and be the wife God created you to be.

You are one of an increasing number of Akwa Ibom women excelling in their chosen field; what do women need to do more to sustain this? I think the younger generation should know that success is not going to be given to you just because you’re a woman. You need to work hard for it; in fact you need to work harder. Excellence knows no gender, and success knows no gender. Women should seek to excel because when you’re excellence-driven, it stands you out, whether male or female. They should make sure to put out their very best when doing whatever you’re doing.

As a woman, be adamantly, unstoppably focused. You may fall, but rise again and keep your eye on the goal.

Someone said, “obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal” so when you look at the goal, the obstacles will pale.

You were around during Akwa Ibom’s creation. After these 30 years, where is Akwa Ibom today? The Akwa Ibom I knew then is not the Akwa Ibom now. It’s different. From a land where people thought we were only good as house helps, to the desired destination of Nigeria. Now, when you tell people you’re from Akwa Ibom, you see more excitement in the reception you get.

Everybody is now like, “You’re from Akwa Ibom? Oh my God!!! I wanna visit your place”. The mentality of an average Akwa Ibom person has changed too. We used to have an etok-mentality (small mentality).

But we are daring now, unlike before. So Akwa Ibom is changing, physically and mentally and I am so grateful to God that this metamorphosis is taking place in my lifetime.

What are your words for Akwa Ibomites as a whole on this event of the 30th Anniversary, and for womenfolk? For Akwa Ibom, it is our time indeed to Dàkkádá; our time to get up and take the front seat. We are very creative people in every field. I want our people to stand up and use that creativity to make a mark. I thank God for the current Governor because he has given our entertainment sector a lot of attention by way of appointments and so on. It means he believes in the entertainment industry.

I want to tell the Akwa Ibom woman and girl, don’t die before you are dead! Don’t just go with the crowd, get up and make a mark!

Walking the Talk

After closely assessing the psychosocial terrain of Akwa Ibom during his stint as Secretary to the Government, an outlook of dependency, deficiency in self-belief and subservience stared back at Udom Emmanuel.

With firm belief in his State, her people and their potential for greatness, he offered himself in service and upon assuming office as Governor in May 2015, Udom Emmanuel pioneered an attitudinal reorientation. He instituted the Dàkkádá Initiative and carefully entrenched the ideals of this new philosophy into a ‘Dàkkádá Creed’.

As an embodiment of conscientious leadership, he has gone ahead of his subjects to exemplify the very virtues embedded in the Creed.

By Imo-owo Mbede

“Rise to the faith that with God all things are possible…” …and so Udom ensures to put God first in everything… Before assuming office after his inauguration, he held an interdenominational worship service, like is also held at the beginning of every New Year. Meanwhile, as a prelude to almost every official programme in the State, he venerates The Almighty.

“Rise to the faith that as a people we can move beyond ethnicity, biases, religion…” In his all-inclusive style of leadership, Udom continually keeps his arms and doors open to all Akwa Ibomites across political, ethnic and social divides. One case in point is the burying of political hatchets with his direct opponent for the Governorship seat, and opting to work together to advance the cause of the state.

“Rise to the faith of our resources, human and intellectual…” A firm believer in the State’s natural endowments, Udom is doing his utmost to ensure the full utilization of these copious resources. This is amply evident in his pursuit of economic development through the utilization of abundant natural and human resources as well as the development of human capacity.

“Rise to chart a new course for us and unborn generation…” Education is the bedrock of any form of present and future development; even more so, the education of future leaders. Basic education in the State is not only free, but also compulsory. Through Dàkkádá, Udom also desires the inculcation of a new mentality of excellence, integrity, hard work and productivity in the Akwa Ibom DNA.

“Rise to the faith that all these are possible…Hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering…” In the face of unprecedented harsh economic times, Udom has demonstrated unwavering faith and capacity in steering the Akwa Ibom ship. For his people, he conscripted the Dàkkádá Creed to be a guiding declaration of total self-belief; a daily reminder of limitless capabilities as a people to achieve every legitimate goal. “…I am an Akwa Ibomite; I rise to the faith of greatness” Udom took up the challenge of leading the state and is striving against all odds to leave our Great State, even greater than he met it.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Joe Etukudo points out how Akwa Ibomites abroad are contributing their quota to state building.

During the 2015 AKISAN Convention in Philadelphia, USA, Mr Udom Emmanuel acknowledged Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Diaspora, “as important agents of the economic and social development of our State,” and further admonished that they maximize the benefits of their migration.

This call has borne fruits through various initiatives.

Established in 2008 as a charitable non-profit by US-based Akwa Ibom son, Rev. Fr. Godwin Asuquo, ImaBridge Africa aims to provide financial and human resources for projects that empower the poor, alleviate the poverty, and reduce child and maternal mortality amongst others. Within the last two years, ImaBridge hosted a medical mission in various Local Government Areas during which screenings, tests, medical care and surgeries were provided for over 600 villagers. It has also provided tuition assistance to students while also donating school uniforms and a new roof to primary schools in the State.

Imabridge Africa contingent meets with the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel

Imabridge Africa provides educational materials to a primary school in the State

Very significantly, Imabridge Africa shipped a container of medical and school supplies, 12-passenger van, an SUV, sewing machines, laptops and other personal care products home for disbursement to the needy in society.

AYAYA Inc with motherless babies in the state

Blessing underwent successful surgery for clubbed-feet

The Ibibio People’s Union also convened its annual Global Congress where it acknowledged the sporting exploits of Miss Esther Daniel, an Akwa Ibom daughter in India. The Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel promptly offered Esther a full scholarship.

Esther was given a full scholarhip by Governor Emmanuel at the Ibibio Union Congress The 27th day of May annually is celebrated in Nigeria as ‘Children’s Day’. As a special way of marking this day, a group of young Akwa Ibomites from AYAYA (African Youths and Young Adults) Association Inc., based in the United States of America, usually head home to give back to their community. This year, a 15-youth-strong team embarked on a week-long trip during which they reached out to children in about 10 orphanages across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom state. They made donations of food items, educational materials, toiletries and drugs to the various homes.

The Association also took out quality time to engage the kids at the orphanages on various activities, including talent competitions, career counselling, and even crash lessons on building and flying drones.

“Adults need to mentor young ones to use their potentials positively”

Ben Udowa,

CEO Madelyn Group

Who is Ben Udowa? My name is Ben Udowa. I am a native of Ikot Ekop in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. I was born in Port Harcourt as one of seven children of Mr Ben Udowa (Snr). I had my primary school in Port Harcourt but my secondary school in Eziama High School in Aba. I went to the Polytechnic Calabar, got an NCE after which I worked with the then Chase Merchant Bank, in Lagos.

I had my B.SC in Business Administration from the University of Lagos then wrote the ICAN exam and qualified as a chartered accountant in November 1994. I also enrolled for and got my MBA in 2000 from the River State University of Science and Technology.

I was not satisfied because my initial intention was to be a lawyer so I decided to enrol for the LLB programme with the University of Calabar. I left banking after 27 years and went to Law School and was called to bar 5 years ago. So I am a lawyer, a charted accountant and I’m also a banker. I have worked with UBA, Intercontinental Bank and Access Bank. I left banking after 27 years to run my own business.

So which of your careers would you say supercedes the other? I’m more of a banker having been in banking for 27 years, but I still have the passion for the legal profession. I do more of Corporate Law practice due to my banking and accounting background.

You are now running your own business. What is the major challenge that businesses face? The major challenges businesses in Nigeria have are: first, the cost of energy. Most businesses hardly break even and close down prematurely due to the high cost of power. Another constraint is that of double taxation. Taxes from all the levels of government lead to the collapse of so many businesses. What can be done about these multiple taxes? The state government is doing a great job in terms of encouraging small-scale businesses but these

How do taxes cripple organizations? Are taxes not paid from profits? Tax is supposed to be paid from profit. Sometimes, you may want to plough back part of your profit into the business to stay afloat, but this is taken up by multiple taxes. I am not talking about your PAYE or profit income tax; I’m talking about various other levies by different names, from different agencies. You will be unfair to Government when you are making profit but refuse to pay; but when you are paying certain taxes because you are operating within an environment or you have a truck plying the road or you’re having a road show, it becomes unfair to you because you’re not making profit. These should not be, so as to encourage businesses. Some of them are unconstitutional and illegal in the way they operate. Another thing is that because some of these functions are sub-let to agencies that need to make their own money, touts take advantage of them. Businesses even end up making multiple payments after paying to the wrong people.

taxes coming from different angles are jeopardizing the good intentions of government. So there is need for the State and Local Governments to streamline taxes such that it is not disincentive to investment. Government should offer tax holidays for new businesses and start-up companies, and those making below a certain amount as turnover for a certain period, to give them an opportunity to be on their feet.

You said Akwa Ibom Government is encouraging businesses to thrive, how so? Yes, presently the state is doing this. One of the ways the Governor has done this is by capacity building. People are acquiring various skills they can never forget. He has also provided micro-credit. With this microcredit, people can now use the knowledge they have acquired from training in different areas of business.

I don’t know if you are aware that the state government has injected close to two billion Naira into the nooks and crannies, to the less privileged, and this is igniting the economy. If you look at the market capitalization of the 31 Local Government Areas now in comparison with the past, you will obverse a tremendous leap.

What are those things that propel you in business? First, I believe is in God, I trust so much in God. But very important too is resilience; I never give up. I keep pushing because definitely I meet obstacles, but I learn from every obstacle along the way. They say “winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win.” And again integrity matters a lot.

How do you cope with managing such a large conglomerate? I can’t do it alone. I manage this by training, by delegating and by willingness to trust. I bring in my staff, sit and discuss with them, find out what their feelings, problems and challenges are, and see how to better their position.

Industrialization is a major focus of the state government. Will it be beneficial to businesses and entrepreneurs and it what ways? Oh definitely, it will. Industries will first of all absorb unemployed youths from the labour market. Each industry will produce a particular product or products, so entrepreneurs could partner with the industries in creating a market for it, or in distribution, or it could be in making supplies, so many things… Akwa Ibom is 30 this year; where, in your opinion, is Akwa Ibom going? For me, in fact, Akwa Ibom is likely going to burst the sky (laughter); it’s not just the sky being the limit. When I sit down to listen to our young ones, I realize the huge number of intelligent young men and women who are ready and eager to achieve great things. The potentials are so enormous especially in this computer age. We, the adults, need to try to guide, encourage and mentor the young ones so that they can use this intelligence positively.

Your advice to Akwa Ibom State Government… My advice is that the Government should keep up the good work, especially in the industrialization, but that more emphasis should be on labour-intensive industries as these will create job opportunities.

Your advice to Akwa Ibomites in general… I advise the people to embrace this government and the laudable things this government is doing. Akwa Ibomites should not limit themselves. There is so much potential embedded in this state and the good governance is an enabling environment on its own, so the people should cash in on the good initiatives of government.

Thank you very much for your time… Thank you too, and keep up the good work in uplifting our people through Dàkkádá.

Two Years of Productivity

By Lydia Udoh

The Holy Bible, in Proverbs 29:18 notes that, “where there is no vision, the people perish.” A visionless leader therefore could be fatal to the destiny of the people he superintends. Not in Akwa Ibom, though.

Two years ago, Governor Udom Emmanuel was divinely inspired to launched Dàkkádá, a reorientation initiative, to actively inspire all Akwa Ibom people to productive engagement and to awaken the greatness which is an irrevocable identity. Dàkkádá, an Ibibio word which means “stand up” or “arise,” therefore challenges Akwa Ibomites to arise and utilize innate potentials and opportunities to maximize their existence. Dàkkádá motivates the citizens to live well-rounded and accomplished lives morally, psychologically, politically and economically.

Unfortunately, at inception, a section of the populace saw it as a political statement, but today those concerns have been matched with results. Tasked with vending this noble initiative amongst other responsibilities, the State Government’s Directorate of Marketing and Brand Management has, through various people-oriented programmes in the past two years, recorded tangible productive milestones in executing this vision.

Strides have been undertaken in not just propagating, but in entrenching a Dàkkádá mindset of greatness into the psyche and moral fabric of the entire Akwa Ibom society through massive sensitization and mobilization of Akwa Ibomites. Today over 35,000 people have been directly impacted by the sensitization and conscious orientation carried out in form of mobilization and awareness campaigns and town hall meetings.

Along with this, has been the propagation of the Dàkkádá Strides of its progenitor and State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel; an epitome of this philosophy who has exemplified it even in his leadership style. He has personally taken up the challenge of uplifting the lives of his people through hardworking servantleadership, building a state where the citizens (and even visitors) can live, work and fulfil their potentials.

Dàkkádá Awareness Campaigns were held across the state

Registration of Dàkkádá Ambassadors remains a continous exercise

Youths undergoing a computer programming training

Economic empowerment programmes have been attracted and facilitated for over 20,000 people of Akwa Ibom through collaborations and partnerships under the auspices of Dàkkádá Support Initiative. These have helped provide further support and empowerment to budding entrepreneurs as well as employment opportunities. Dàkkádá Business Forum, an in-house economic empowerment platform which has given birth to the Dàkkádá Multipurpose Cooperative Societies Limited, has also been instituted and facilitated as a wealth-creation opportunity for the people.

Through trainings, information, collaborations with private and multinational companies, Akwa Ibomites have therefore been provided with links to start businesses with zero capital. Farmers who were not able to keep proper records and administrative processes, now operate effectively. Many other aspects of agricultural trainings have been offered, especially in the hinterlands. 600 Business Starter Packs where distributed across the various senatorial districts of the state in partnership with MTN. Today hundreds of hitherto idle youth are gainfully engaged and are providing for self and other members of their families.

Hundred of people have been empowered

The role of cooperative in every society cannot be overemphasized as it has the capacity to create wealth for a nation and guarantee self-sufficiency, it is on this bid of development that the Dàkkádá Multipurpose Cooperatives Limited as an umbrella housing over 8,225 direct members, benefitting from her activities as co-operators. With these cooperatives, new opportunities have emerged for other Akwa Ibomites to make wealth for themselves. Through buying and selling of farm products from the cooperative societies, middlemen and interested marketers as well as workers engaged to manage most of the agricultural facilities, are provided sustainable employment opportunities.

“Dàkkádá Ambassadors” – Akwa Ibom sons and daughters who have exemplified the Dàkkádá virtues of hard work, integrity, excellence and entrepreneurship – have been showcased and celebrated as motivational models to spur others to productivity. The Dàkkádá Creed as motivational guideline, has stirred the people to Dàkkádá and be counted as great people with great minds, from a great state, doing exploits in diverse areas of human endeavour.

True to its purpose and mandate, Dàkkádá has been able to play a significant role in the Government’s economic development drive, especially in the job and wealth creation agenda. This has been by reawakening and inspiring a value system of resourcefulness and supporting the entrepreneurial capacity of Akwa Ibom citizens, evident in positive feedback received. Today thousands of young people in Akwa Ibom state have left the streets and gone back to Agriculture and Agri-business.

Two years of these consistent and relentless efforts to reignite and reawaken the greatness amongst our people have been very rewarding. Dàkkádá is a

Special feature on a few young Akwa Ibomites who, inspired by a Dàkkádá mentality, have embarked on small-scale business startups.

Akaninyene Elijah

Yenne e-market,

Ntima Edike

Beveley Cake House

Akaninyene Elijah is an unofficial mobile and online ‘errand boy.’ In the quest to add more financial value to himself, he resigned his job as a secondary school teacher to take up fashion designing. He has however ended up administering an online market place where goods and services are traded on request. What Akan started with uncertainty by displaying unused articles for sale on his Facebook wall, metamorphosed into a business which helps get buyers for items and to run major or even minor errands. He is gradually expanding and now has 10 partners across 7 states who reached out to work with him because they like what he is doing. Ntima, an indigene of Mbo Local Government Area, always had passion for baking and by the age of 16, was already a good baker. A graduate of Economics from the University of Calabar, she decided to stay back after youth service in Niger state, and turned her passion for baking into a thriving business, that has generated several other streams of income.

Away from the comfort of home, her hard work and commitment to this trade saw her excel, and she was contracted to bake Niger State’s centenary cake during the anniversary celebrations. She went on to open Beveleys Unisex Salon from proceeds of her cake business, employing about 12 people.

Today Ntima has ventured further into the production of 50/50 Soya Custard, and is the sole distributor of the product in the Middle Belt Region of the country. Ntima urges Akwa Ibom youths to embrace Dàkkádá. and to, “…get up and start something you love doing, even if it’s small. Keep working hard and doing it well, and not depend so much on Government or their family members.”

Akan says that, “the idea of Dàkkádá is a very laudable one because it has inspired me. In a few years hence, a whole lot of Akwa Ibom youths like me should be able to stand on their feet. I wasn’t satisfied with my job, so I sent in my resignation despite fears. I realized that if i gave more time to what I’m doing now, I would make more money.”

Blessing Emah

FoodHack NG

Blessing Emah always wanted to become a nurse. She however grew up to find more fulfilment in using her hands productively to care for people in a different way. When she failed to secure admission into the University, she made judicious use of her time learning to make dresses, to produce liquid soap, as well as to produce flour meals.

Today, even as a full-time student in the University, she is generating an income by eliminating the strenuous and time-consuming process of preparing certain meals; a process she brands “FoodHack”. She has actualized a long-harboured vision of producing Ekpang flour, which simplifies a usually complex process in the preparation of Ekpang Nkukwo, a native delicacy in SouthEastern Nigeria. She also produces beans flour (for Akara and moi-moi), a special mixed cereal flour (for babies’ meals), and several others for sale.

Blessing admits that, “‘Dàkkádá’ really brought out the real me because I hate being idle. I invented Ekpang flour and when I posted it online, it went viral and I got a lot of calls from people. I am now producing it on a larger scale. I’m often amazed when youths say there’s no work when they can identify what they are good at, and do it. For those like me who do not have parents, I believe I have a duty to do something with my hands that will stand me out.”

Samuel Asuquo

Lisammyoto Ventures

Samuel was a beneficiary of the Dakkada/MTN Business Empowerment Programme in 2016, where he got a telecom business starter pack. He has not rested on his oars, but has explored several e-business opportunities to grow his business.

From selling VTU recharge cards, he has expanded to providing Biometric services, opening of accounts, sales and registration of SIM cards, as well as the sale of all recharge cards for people within his locality in Ibiono Local Government, thereby generating an income. Today, he conducts transactions worth hundreds of thousands of Naira for at least 50 clients per month, since the beginning of 2017.

According to Samuel, “‘Dàkkádá’ is a good initiative. It requires that you take a first step and not be afraid to start up with anything you find to do, irrespective of how small. You cannot just sit idle and expect an opportunity to come and meet you. It is better to work for nothing than to sit down for nothing.”

Dinah Inam

Beads by Dinah

Self-realization is essential to the attainment of success. Dinah Inam is a graduate of Geography and Resource Development from the University of Ghana, Legon who looked inward to discover that she is “more of a business-oriented person.” She followed this consciousness with action as she now produces fanciful but durable female slippers and sandals – from beads.

During her University days, Dinah tried her hands on some small businesses like selling jewelries and zobo drink which, according to her, “did not go too far, but I learnt valuable lessons.” After graduation, she enrolled and trained in making beads during her National Youth Service. This passion for entrepreneurship kept her pondering on other things she could use beads to make other than necklace and earrings and eventually decided on beaded slippers and sandals, which she used savings from her NYSC allowances to start up. “I encourage fellow youths out there never to give up, pursue your dreams no matter how small it is,” like she has done, as espoused by Dàkkádá.

OPTIMIZING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM

By Ime Uwah

About 85% of Akwa Ibom population live in rural areas and depend largely on agriculture for their livelihoods. The drive by the Udom Emmanuel-led administration in the state to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the agricultural sector in the state is unarguably the pathway to prosperity in the State. The performance of this sector therefore plays a major role in the state of the economy.

Unfortunately, the sector is somewhat dominated by smallholder farmers, some of whom are illiterate with regards to modern agricultural practices. Production is still undertaken with outdated technology, with limited access to training, credit, market information, functioning markets (for inputs, outputs, finance, consumer goods, and services, etc.) and other infrastructure. These problems can be overcome by acting cooperatively to obtain collective strength which will make up for individual deficiencies.

In August 2016, the Dàkkádá Multi-purpose Cooperatives societies – a member-owned, business organization that offers a framework where members control both production and marketing activities – was introduced by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The Dàkkádá Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society has a vital foundation that can help smallholder farmers to overcome the constraints that hinder optimal productivity of their business as it empowers economically weak farmers to reduce the challenges and risks they face in the market, thereby enhancing their collective bargaining power. The Dàkkádá MultiPurpose Cooperative model therefore fully addresses the economic, democratic, and social dimensions of poverty reduction simultaneously.

The initiative has improved the commercialization behaviour of smallholder farmers across the State. Commercialization improves productivity and income at micro level, and it improves food security and allocative efficiency at macro level. In addition to this, the Dàkkádá Multi-Purpose Cooperatives aim at reducing transaction costs and the cost of purchased inputs, provide information symmetry to strengthen members’ negotiation ability or bargaining power towards increased income from the their products.

The State Government’s determination and commitment to improve farm productivity through various ongoing agricultural programmes in the State, especially the initiation of the Dàkkádá Multi-purpose cooperative, is a most welcomed development as it is reducing rural poverty and increaseing food security in the State.

on the impact of the Dakkada Philosophy.

I thank our Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for introducing the Dàkkádá Philosophy. It has been a blessing to a lot of people in Ika LGA and by extension, Akwa Ibom State. I am saying this because I know many people who have been affected positively by the many Dàkkádá programmes like the Dàkkádá Multi-Purpose Cooperatives which has inspired a lot of farmers here in Ika. Now most people that were farming for just home consumption now have a business minded mentality, thanks to the Dàkkádá spirit.

Saviour Akpainyang, Ika

I am very grateful to our Governor because this is the first time that the government has directly reached the grassrooters. I am saying this because the Dàkkádá cooperative has employed more than fifty women and youths in Mkpat Enin who now earn nothing below N35, 000 every month from the palm project of Mkpat Enin Dàkkádá Multipurpose Cooperative. I can comfortably say that the economy of the community has been elevated. I want to express our gratitude to the state governor for not politicizing the Dàkkádá project because if he did it would not have reached the main farmers i. e the real farmers. Today actual farmers are very confident and they have assured the government of their support in the actualization of the food sufficiency drive of the governor.

Elder Ekrikpo, Essien Udim

Dàkkádá Philosophy is about rising to your greatness. That is what we have witnessed here in Onna. Most people were reluctant in taking agriculture seriously. They thought agriculture was for the poor but thanks to the Governor who did not ask us to rise; he created a platform to encourage us through Dàkkádá.

Our main activity here is fishing, but to really benefit from this, you have to do it on a large scale; you have to build a boat which will cost you over N1.8m. Unfortunately, we had this problem. Thanks for His Excellency who provided us with start-up funds to build our own fishing boat with a 25-HorsePower engine. This has encouraged business minded people in Eastern Obolo to come together. We are now doing businesses together, helping each other to grow and impact our community.

Evans Eribo, Eastern Obolo

I want to thank the governor for identifying serious minded people in akwa ibom state, for bringing them together under one body through the Dàkkádá multi-purpose cooperative and then empowering them through a common project. This has never happened anywhere. Through this Dàkkádá cooperative people have been able to get financial assistance. Though it is not as much as they expected but they are happy because they are benefiting from this Government. God bless the governor.

Bishop Eddy Ating, Urue Offong I am very proud of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for he has given the people of Ibeno the road he promised. He is a promise keeper. Even his wife within three months has completed the fish factory at Ukpenekang. Today the people of Okpolum have identified another source of income apart from fishing. We can proudly say we are fishermen and palm oil producers.

Princess Regina Eshiett, Ibeno

I am happy because God has finally given us an honest Governor, a Governor who came down to the rural areas to search for the real farmers. He did not only find us but he has also empowered us. I was in my farm when they approached me and I have been trained in different areas: in administration, in palm oil processing and in business management and was not asked to pay a dime. Thank you, Governor Udom Emmanuel for the Dàkkádá initiative. God’s strength be upon you.

Peter Akpan Thomas, Abak

Dàkkádá and counting…

Andino Nkim gives a numerical breakdown of the impact of the Dàkkádá Initiative in the State.

SENSITIZATION TRAINING

Awareness And Mobilization 10 Federal Constituencies

Participants: 1000 Total: 10,000

TOTAL 14,500

COOPERATIVE

TOTAL 16,450

BENEFICIARIES

Town Hall Meeting 3 Senatorial Districts

Participants: 1,500 Total: 4,500

Farmers: 8,225

Agri-Business: 8,225

Farmers/ 310 DMPCS 3,100

AK-DMPCAL 19 31 31 31 30 16 298 Admin. and Business Management Book Keeping Secretariat Admin Software Applications Palm Development Project Cooperative Management

TOTAL 434

EMPOWERMENT

MTN/Dàkkádá Business starter packs. 600

Interest free loan for cooperative: 775

TOTAL 1,375

GRAND TOTAL OF BENEFICIARIES

35,878