By Martins Inyangetoh
There is no gainsaying the fact that the Akwa Ibom, under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel, has maintained the emphasis on the need to industrialize the state, following the foundation that was laid by our forebears. His has been an industrialization drive that is tailored in line with his 5-Point Agenda, one that has offered ample job opportunities, wealth creation and economy growth.
Little wonder Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe said “I see in industrialization the central problem of building in our time. If we succeed in carrying out this industrialization, the social, economic, technical and also artistic problems will be readily solved.” This has been the true situation in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
With evidence everywhere, it is an undeniable fact that Governor Udom Emmanuel has made remarkable and befitting steps to actualize this set goal in its entirety. So far, it has been three years of serious policy making that would birth the serene and conducive economic atmosphere for investors. Some of the successes recorded included Tooth Pick and Pencil Factory; Syringe Factory; Metering Factory among others. Products from all these factories and companies are all on sales. Latest is the acquisition of over 40,000 Smart Meters from the Metering Company in the state by Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC). Other products are being patronized by many other companies. Indeed, Governor Udom Emmanuel is working and he deserves some accolades.
However, in a state as ours where development has taken the center space, it was indeed a good thing that our forebears laid the foundation by making sure the requisite infrastructures were made available such as the International Airport, the International Stadium, International Hotel (Ibom Le Meridien Hotel), Road Network. Still an International Market, which Governor Udom through the ingenuity of his Special Assistant on Trade and Market Matters, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, has been added.
Although, tagged ‘An Ultramodern Fruit and Vegetables Market’, this Market is designed to meet International Standard where fruits, vegetables and other locally produced items would be made available for sales at affordable prices. At completion, the Market, which will have over 20,000 lockup and Open shops with a good number of Warehouses, will be up for grabs by Traders within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
This market, the brainchild of Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, has become a reference point; hence, he has proven beyond reasonable doubt that his appointment was indeed, a square peg in a square hole. Through his ingenuity, traders have been given a sense of belonging in the Udom Emmanuel-led government. The Thursday free ticket day for all traders, disbursement of free interest loan, construction of several markets that were in a state of dilapidation among others are testament to this fact. He has worked round the clock to ensure unity among the traders across the state. This feat is no mean one. Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael deserves some accolades.
