Posted by News Express | 21 December 2019 | 1,207 times
The
Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has flagged off the construction
of a science and technology park in the state, 12 years after a former governor
of the state, Obong Victor Attah conceived the idea.
The
park which will be called Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park is to be
built by China Blue Sea International Holdings. The park will have a university
of technology, vocational centre, a five star hotel, a hospital and power
plant.
Performing
the flag-off ceremony Gov. Emmanuel said the state has enormous business
opportunities and called on interested foreign investors to open businesses in
the state assuring them of a guaranteed conducive environment.
“We’ve
created an environment for people to come in and invest, we are calling on other
investors, other Chinese companies that are here, let them come we will
collaborate we will make sure they invest in Akwa Ibom and reap returns on
their investment.”
The
governor stated the need to support the science park project pioneered by
former Governor of the State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah in 2006.
He
thanked the Chairman China Blue Sea International Holdings, Mr. Chen Xuewen,
for collaborating with the state government, saying that the park will be one
of the best in Africa when completed.
“I want
to thank Mr. Chen who had believed so much in our capacity, collaboration and
what we can do together. Once this vision is realised which I believe God it
will, the science park will be number one in Africa”.
The
Governor assured the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chu
Mac Ming and the Chairman China Blue Sea International Holdings, of the State
Government’s readiness to ensure the completion of the science park, while
calling on youths of the state to take advantage of the project to create
wealth through their creativity.
Speaking,
a former governor of Akwa Ibom state and progenitor of the science park
project, Obong Victor Attah, expressed delight over Governor Emmanuel’s
adoption and expansion of the project.
“I have
come here because I feel really fulfilled and I have come to thank Governor
Udom Emmanuel, not just because he has revived what I know is going to be a
life transforming project, but because in so doing, he has brought an end to
that era of destructive politicking whereby we turn our backs on the projects
of our predecessors. That for me is a landmark lesson for Akwa Ibom people to
learn, particularly those who are seeking office”, Attah said.
Secretary
to the State Government, Mr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, described the vision of the
Science Park as a laudable industrial development, commending Governor Udom
Emmanuel’s decision to take over the project from where former Governor Victor
Attah stopped.
Ekuwem
said Governor Emmanuel has performed remarkably well by attracting industries
to the State adding that there will be commencement of rapid socio-economic
development of the state as the operations of the project will be equated to
America’s Silicon Valley, Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor, South Africa’s
Innovation Hub and others
In his
remark, the Chairman, China Blue Sea International Holdings, Mr. Chen Xuewen
congratulated Governor Emmanuel for his business acumen stressing that Akwa
Ibom is a veritable environment for economic transformation which will engender
small and medium scale entrepreneurial growth.
He said
the Blue Sea International Holdings is committed to collaborate with Akwa Ibom
state government in its development drive and thanked the government for the
opportunity given them in the Science and Technology Park, which according to
him would aid in the training of youths in the various aspect of Information
and Communication Technology.
The
Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Chu Mac Ming lauded the
investment potentials existing in Akwa Ibom and assured of the Chinese
Government’s readiness to partner the State in the development of its economy
ranging from aviation, education, technology, rail and seaport development.
Ming
assured that Chinese companies would exhibit best practices and render quality
services. (NAN)
0 comment(s)
No comments yet. Be the first to post comment.