By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Ex President, Olusegun Obasanjo has applauded the security and sustainable peace in Akwa Ibom State, saying, it has exemplified itself as a destination of choice for potential investors to invest and reap from their investments.
Obasanjo said that he was not surprised to see lofty projects dotting the state, many of which he added, were commissioned by him on the invitations by the governors, past and present.
“From what I have seen in this state which I have visited more than any other state in the country, and for those I have been told, laid roots to the fact that there’s peace, there’s stability and security here. I commend the state and you, the people for being hospitable, for such is good and attractive to investors,” Obasanjo stated.
He made the remarks while commissioning 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriage road with three bridges in Eket Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
The former President Obasanjo who extolled the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for leaving the state better than he met it in 2015, said that the governor has dignified him.
Obasanjo who also expressed joy at the governor for fixing infrastructure in the state in different sectors, noted that though Udom would leave office on May 29, the state and Nigeria still needs him for future engagements.
“Let me thank you for starting and ending well, but the state and Nigeria still expect a lot from you. Akwa Ibom and entire Africa will squeeze the best from you.
“For Akwa Ibom people, God has given you the best and you are to make good use of it.”
Obasanjo recalled that he was recruited into Nigeria Army in 1957 and was trained in Ghana in 1958 alongside Udoakgha Jacob Esuene who is a former Military Governor of the South Eastern State from Eket community, where the road project is sited.
While eulogizing late Brigadier General Udoakgha Esuene, Obasanjo said he became close friends to the late General and by extension, got close to Eket community.
In his address on the event, Governor Udom Emmanuel listed projects lined up for commissioning before the handing over date of May 29, adding that even on the handing over date, projects will be inaugurated.
He listed the projects to include: Official Residence of the Chief Judge of the state, Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) building at Victor Attah International Airport, General Hospital Etim Ekpo among others.
The 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriage road has three bridges and 4.1km outfall drained was constructed by a Chinese Company, CRECC.
