September 25, (THEWILL) – Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has showered encomium on Governor, Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom as well as other leaders in the state for their contributions to the milestone achievements recorded by successive administrations since her creation, thirty-five years ago.
Jonathan, who was Special Guest of Honour at the State Banquet, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resorts, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 35th-anniversary celebration of the state, acknowledged that there was a visible improvement in the areas of physical infrastructure and other basic amenities across Local Government Areas, within the period.
“I will say that Akwa Ibom State, which was carved out of Cross River State is one of the states that has met the expectations of her people in fulfilling the reasons for her creation. If you have been coming to Akwa Ibom within this period of thirty-five years, you would agree that people from the state would always thank God for the creation of this state”.
He, however, commended the efforts of the current Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in laying a solid foundation for future development of the state and called on politicians to shun politics of violence and division, and team up with the Governor to ensure that the state continues to remain a centre of positive reference.
“Governor Emmanuel has done very well, therefore the youths can no longer afford to be laid back, and in this election season, I charge the young ones to be vigilant to ensure that their choices are not thwarted ” Jonathan added.
Speaking, Mr. Udom Emmanuel said that his administration has connected with the people at the grassroots level, through the provision of healthcare facilities and other live-touching projects.
He used the occasion to appreciate the former Military President of Nigeria, Rtd. Gen. Ibrahim Babaginda, he said, yielded to the aspirations of the founding fathers of the state by creating Akwa Ibom State in September 23rd, 1987.
“I want to thank all our past leaders for the great works that they have done in shaping us into where we are today “. He said.
Reeling out his scorecard, Emmanuel stated that his administration would continue to work for the benefit of the people despite the global economic and financial challenges, as he was not given to accepting excuses but results.
The event which featured the cutting of anniversary cake, to celebrate the state at the 35th amidst cultural dance by various troupes, also had as its highpoint, the presentation of Ibom Productivity Order of Merit Award to fourteen persons, who were adjudged distinguished and trailblazer in their various fields of endeavours, including journalism, entrepreneurship, ICT, and in public service.
Other dignitaries who attended the event include Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, former Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, former Military Governors of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who proposed the anniversary toast.
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