… Commends State Govt on development in every sector
… Says Akwa Ibom conducive for Foreign Investments
By ANIETIE ESU
Officers of the Nigerian Foreign Service Academy of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs were in Akwa Ibom State over the weekend to explore economic potentials and opportunities for foreign investments.
The study tour began with a visit to the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem where the team led by the Director in the Academy and Head of the Delegation, Mrs Regina Ocheni extolled the State Government for its people oriented programmes and policies.
Mrs Ocheni, led her delegation to inspect some factories such as Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, Onna, Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited, Onna and St Gabriel’s Coconut Refinery, Mkpat Enin.
Other places inspected were EL-SIENA Arts and Crafts Centre and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as well as Victor Attah International Airport, all in Uyo.
While commending the Akwa Ibom State Government for the level of development recorded in every sector, Ocheni noted that the state is better placed and conducive for foreign investments.
The wife of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment assured that the diplomats will market the state to potential investors when they get to their respective foreign countries.
“It’s a pleasure for us to be here in God’s owned State; Akwa Abasi Ibom State.We’ve seen a lots here and it’s a beautiful State.We’re privileged to be here.The set of students meeting you Sir, are the 23rd regular set graduating from the Foreign Service Academy, Lagos.
“The Foreign Service Academy is an arm that trained diplomats or would be diplomats so that when they’re out there, they can ably represent Nigeria.This is the 23rd set and they’re about graduating and part of the requirements for their graduation is that in addition to the formal training in the Academy, they’re expected to do a tour of the country.
“As a result of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs divide the students into six geo-poltitical zones in the country.We’re the privileged ones that are here in South-South.Sir, we’ve visited Bayelsa and it’s from Bayelsa that we’re here to know about Akwa Ibom State and what you have to offers to the world and how Foreign Affairs can help to market Nigeria vis-a-vis Akwa Ibom State”, Mrs Ocheni said.
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem assured the delegation of a level playing grounds for investors and pointed out key areas investors would be expected to look into to include education, agriculture, security, trade and commerce, industrialisation, health and infrastructure as well as power supply.
Ekuwem expressed optimism that the visit will be of positive impact on the State’s economy in particular and Nigeria in general.
