Akwa
Ibom State Government has indicated interest to partner with the United
States of America in strategic development particularly in the areas of
economy, health, education, technology and capacity building.
The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel gave the indication when the
United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr William Stuart Symington called
on him at the Government House, Uyo.
He said that Akwa Ibom State
is ready for strategic partnership with developed countries to fast
track development, having put in place reliable infrastructure,
security, transparent legislation in addition to its abundant
resources that could be exploited for sustainable economic growth.
“I am excited that Akwa Ibom, the only state in the world named after
God, is today hosting a delegation from God’s own country.”
The
similarity in identity, in the opinion of the Governor should encourage
the United States government to embark on Socio economic projects that
would impact generations.
Mr Emmanuel who recounted how the United
States had assisted to transform some villages in other developing
economies, into global focus invited America to partner with the state
to attract global attention.
“You can pick Akwa Ibom, not as a village, because it is already assuming a city status, and turn it into a global focus.”
He reiterated the desire of his administration to explore other ways of
developing the economy beyond the oil, especially with the dwindling
fortunes of crude oil in the global market.
“America is no longer
buying oil from Nigeria because it has invented shell oil and it is
important your country assist our state in the area of technology
transfer.”
Emmanuel who described the Ambassador’s visit to one of
the strategic States in the Niger Delta as a welcome development noted
that, “we are thrilled by the visit of the ambassador. He came here to
learn from us and from me as his brother while we also learn from his
experience.”
The Governor advanced that, "the western world should
help the developing nations in the transfer of technology because what
makes the difference is not the resources but superior technology to
harness the resources "
Earlier the United States Ambassador to
Nigeria, Mr William Stuart Symington said he was in the state to explore
areas of cooperation and that the interaction and knowledge gained
would form the framework for such collaboration.
The Envoy who
described the Governor as "a world class man" said that Nigeria is
highly endowed with natural and human resources which could be utilized
to create sustainable development.
Mr Symington explained that the
colours in Nigeria's flag symbolize new life, hope and strength,
maintaining that peace and joy are the ingredients to transform the
world.
He sued for team work and peaceful co-existence among
states in the country, saying "it takes the village to raise the world"
and that the rural community requires integration to build the global
village.
Ambassador Symington who was accompanied by the US Consul
General Mr John Bray, congratulated Governor Emmanuel for the vision of
steering the affairs of the state to attract global attention.
He
noted that America and Nigeria have a long history of economic
partnership in the areas of education, health, infrastructure and
science, noting that such partnership would be extended to the benefit
of the state.
The visit which was preceded by a red carpet
reception ceremony at the premises of the state government house,
climaxed in a Gala in honour of the diplomat at the banquet hall.
At a banquet held in honour of the envoy, the Speaker of the State House
of Assembly Barr. Onofiok Luke expressed appreciation to the Governor
for putting in place impactful leadership strides that have launched the
state into the global community, maintaining that the envoy is
attracted to the state by the Governor's ingenuity in handling the
affairs of the state.
The gala featured cultural and musical performances by different troupes to showcase the rich background of the state.
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