The United States of America has pledged economic, cultural and educational cooperation with Akwa Ibom.

A statement by the Akwa Ibo State Government Press Corps made available to Transport & Business Express said the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Terrence P. Mcculey accompanied by the Consul-General in Lagos, Jeffrey J. Hawinks, made the pledge yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Godswill Akpabio at Governor’s Lodge, Uyo.

According to the statement: Mcculey acknowledged that the state has enormous potentials for investment in the educational, economic to cultural sectors, noting that US is a partner of Nigerians and Nigerian Government and has extended that partnership to Akwa Ibom government.

“I have seen the future of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom. The infrastructure - roads, schools and power supply are impressive. Indeed, Nigeria has impacted the geographical map of Africa. As a government, we consider Nigeria as a partner because of the bilateral relationship we have with the country,” he stated.

The Ambassador, who attributed the impressive improvements in the infrastructural development to the inspiration and dynamism of the Governor Akpabio administration, added: “We want to be active here because the government is indeed active.”

Chief Akpabio welcomed the Ambassador, the new Consul-General and entourage to the state, saying that the visit would bring a lot of business investments to Nigeria and the state.

The Governor pointed out that the state has an excellent relationship with US Government particularly noted that there were a lot of links between America and Akwa Ibom in terms of social and economic ties.

He enumerated the various development projects undertaken by his administration, and called on companies and Non-Governmental Organisations in the United States to partner the State Government to accelerate the development of the state.

On the Fullbright Scholarship awarded to two lecturers of Akwa Ibom origin in University of Uyo, the state Chief Executive commended the American Government on the gesture and hoped more would be awarded to the state.

*Photo shows Governor Akpabio.