BRACED: Akwa Ibom Hosts Maiden Economic Summit To Transform South-South Region
From Imoh ESSIEN (Uyo)
Akwa Ibom state government, through its ministry of Economic Development, has hosted the first BRACED Commission's Economic Council summit.
The summit held on Thursday, June 20 at Watbridge Hotels and Suites in Uyo, brought together key economic stakeholders from the South-South states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta(BRACED) to devise a strategic plan aimed at bolstering regional growth and development.
The summit advocated sustained commitment and regional cooperation, calling the BRACED states to pave the way for a prosperous and integrated economic future.
In his presentation, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob, commended the strides made by the state under Governor Umo Eno's leadership, highlighting how the Governor's ARISE Agenda aligns with the State's economic goals.
Bob emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among the BRACED states to sustain this momentum, adding that joint initiatives are crucial for fostering an economic renaissance across the region.
The Director General of the BRACED Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi, in his opening remarks, underscored the collective ambition of the BRACED states to emulate successful regional economic models such as the European Union and California’s role in the United States.
He outlined a vision for the South-South that hinges on policy harmonization, infrastructure development, and significant investments in education and agriculture.
Keshi said: "The future of our region lies in our ability to work together," said Keshi. "By embracing a coordinated strategy, we can unlock our collective potential and drive transformative growth.
"We call for the creation of a BRACED Fund to finance key regional projects and stressed the importance of a comprehensive development framework with clear short-term and long-term goals.
"We should borrow the collaborative efforts by the South West Governors' Forum as an example and encourage similar cooperation to tackle challenges like underdevelopment and poverty in the South-South."
The meeting featured detailed discussions on several strategic areas, including
developing a collaborative regional plan to boost economic integration;
creating an energy corridor and promoting renewable energy initiatives;
cultivating a culture of agribusiness among the youth to harness the agricultural potential.
Others are enhancing technological applications and addressing corruption;
implementing a robust pension fund system and a social housing scheme and
transitioning from petroleum to alternative energy sources.
Participants from Akwa Ibom include commissioner for finance, Dr. Linus Nkan, commissioner for trade and investment, Dr. John Etim, Permanent Secretaries, ministry of economic development, Barr. Christopher Udoh, and finance, Mr. Mark Umoh.
