The Akwa Ibom State has offered explanations on the choice of name and location of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
The clarification was given by the Technical Committee on the Realisation of the Deep Seaport, during an engagement meeting with Stakeholders of Oron Communities, held at the Oron Union Secretariat, Oron LGA.
Speaking during the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, noted that the name ‘Ibom Deep Seaport’ was chosen to reflect the Akwa Ibom Brand.
Ekuwem who is also a member of Technical Committee on the Realisation of the Deep Seaport revealed that the previous name ‘Ibaka Deep Seaport’ did not protect the state in a global light.
“Truth is that we have a brand and that brand is Akwa Ibom State. So you’d notice that most of the major projects we have are either prefixed with ‘Ibom’ or ‘Akwa’. For example, we have Ibom Air, Akwa Ibom State University, Ibom Hotels and Golf Resorts and so on”, he said.
On the location of the project, Ekuwem revealed the seaport is off the coast of Unyenghe/Ibeno axis and promised to undertake the stakeholders on an on-the-spot assessment, to clarify misconceptions on the citing of the Deep Seaport.
He said the government would integrate all interests in the citing of the seaport.
On his part, the Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr AKAN OKON urged the people to acquire relevant skills and qualifications that would enhance their chances of working at the port when it is fully operational.
The Commissioner also provided more insight as regards job opportunities that would be available at the port.
He revealed that huge sums have been invested into the Deep Seaport project and therefore sued for more support from Oron people to ensure that the project sees the light of the day.
Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs Mfon Usoro also took the stakeholders through technical aspects of the port, while Mr Aniekan Ukpana, a member of the Technical Committee, spoke on the environmental and social impacts of the project.
Responding, President-General of Oro Union, Bishop Etim Ante, who spoke on behalf of the host communities in Oron Federal Constituency, lauded Governor Emmanuel for his interest in clearing certain issues before full takeoff of the project.
Bishop Ante appealed to the state government to accommodate and integrate the interest of Oro people for the overall benefits of Oron people.
Those at the meeting included the Senator representing Eket Senatorial District, Dr Akon Eyakenyi, members of Oro Think Thank, royal fathers and stakeholders of Oron Union.
The event featured an interactive session where key questions were clarified.”;
