Akwa Ibom Diaspora Partners with Eno to Drive State’s Economic Growth
Indigenes of Akwa Ibom State living abroad have pledged to work closely with the state government to advance the holistic development of the state under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking under the aegis of the Association of Akwa Ibom Communities’ Presidents Worldwide (ASACOP) at its Biennial Conference in Uyo over the weekend, the organisers said the event was designed to unite community leaders and branch presidents from more than 21 countries, fostering collaboration and shared ideas for the state’s progress.
The conference, themed “Akwa Ibom State Across the World: Promoting Diaspora Values,” underscored the importance of unity, cooperation, and self-reliance among Akwa Ibom people at home and in the diaspora.
Obong Itoro Akpan-Iquot, ASACOP’s International President, urged indigenes to embrace mutual trust, collective effort, and a strong commitment to building the state through education, business, industry, and job creation.
“Together we can achieve more for our people rather than working in isolation. We believe that we, as Akwa Ibomites, must take responsibility for developing our state,” he said. “We want Akwa Ibom to be the best state in Nigeria and beyond. To achieve this, we must establish and support our businesses, invest financially in them, and prioritise hiring our people.”
To support educational advancement, the group awarded scholarships to 63 indigent students across the state’s 31 local government areas.
Demonstrating the values promoted by ASACOP, Akpan-Iquot announced that one of its members, Engr. Uwem Iquan, had concluded plans to commission a table water company in Nkim Itam, Itu Local Government Area. The project, with an initial investment of ₦300 million, is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy.
He further called for stronger diaspora inclusion in the state’s governance and development initiatives, urging the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to sponsor legislation institutionalising diaspora participation.
He suggested the law could be titled: “A Bill to Establish Akwa Ibom Indigenes in Diaspora and Internal Migrants Commission.” According to him, the proposed commission would create an organised framework for engaging Akwa Ibom people outside the state in policymaking, projects, and overall development.
In his keynote address, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP), highlighted the economic and developmental opportunities that could arise from partnerships between the government and wealthy or influential Akwa Ibomites abroad.
“The diaspora is a vital resource for the state in areas such as industrialisation, foreign remittances, human capital development, expertise, global networking, and sustainable linkages,” he said.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko, Edidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended ASACOP for its vision and for representing the state positively in their host countries.
He called for unity among Akwa Ibomites, noting that collective efforts would position the state to harness its abundant human and material resources for equitable growth and sustainable development.
