The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel has inaugurated AKEES Industrial Park in Itam, Itu local government areas of the state, saying it was a proof of his ability to manage resources and bring about optimal results in all situations.
The unique facility houses a pencil factory, a modern and fully automated plastic factory, a toothpick factory, a bamboo pulp, an hydro form blocks moulding factory, a composite factory, a world class standard showroom and an artisan training centre.
Emmanuel said the industrial park which is the first in the state, was just the beginning of many of such concerns that he is bringing into the state.
He dismissed those who played down on the ingenuity brought to bear in the establishment of the industries in the state, maintaining that it was not possible to find any such industry before his administration arrived in 2015.
“We are doing very well. I promised the youths that we will work towards developing cottage industries to bring back memories of the past where several products like shoes, newsprint and steel, were produced in this country.”
Governor Emmanuel said that several cottage industries in the country were forced to close down because of the low patronage from Nigerians, maintaining that his administration had created the cottage composite industry to fast track development and create employment.
He thanked Elder Ufot Ebong and his team for the efforts in translating the vision while also expressing appreciation to the community for the support to the realisation of the project.
He said he was not moved by the criticisms on the social media by the opposition, maintaining that the unveiling of the projects usually silenced them.
“Some months ago when we told them of our intention to bring a flour industry into our state, and stop the hardship our people encounter in getting it from other places, some people said we were lying. Three days ago, I went and inspected that flour mill which will produce enough flour to feed the entire state. Have they not been put to shame?
“I had set for myself a target that, before we leave office, eighty per cent of what we eat, shall be produced in the state; even bread, and that is why we have the flour factory.”
He also recounted his investments in the development of the power sector in the state that earned him the commendation of the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.
Speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Matters and Due Process, Elder Ufot Ebong, said he and his team were mandated through AKEES to device means of getting young people out of the streets and into work.
He admitted that cottage industries were the main drivers of the economy in developed economies.
He said within the last four months, no fewer than 100 people had worked at the factory on each day.
He said the quality of products in the factory was very high.
An example, he said was the hydro form blocks which he said had a lifespan of over 150 years.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Itu local government area, Etetim Onuk, said the governor had showed so much love to his people, using the new school sports center in Itam, the Etak Itam Market intervention, Ikpe Enwe-Afaha Ube Road and other numerous roads as well as the industrial park, as examples.
He said his people had enormous reasons to align with the vision of the governor in the state and assured of maximum support for the re-election of Mr. Emmanuel.
