Apart from throwing its full weight behind the industrialization policy of Udom Emmanuel’s administration; Akwa Ibom Indigenes in the Diaspora say they will embark on a $500 million worth medical mission to the state in March 2016.
The President of Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, AKISAN, the umbrella body of Akwa Ibom indigenes resident in the United States of America, Britain and other foreign countries. Mr. John Etim, bared the minds of the diasporan community during a media parley organized by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora matters Mr Joseph EtukUdoh , during their visit to Uyo in celebration of the 28th Anniversary of the Akwa Ibom State creation.
He however recounted previous contributions of AKISAN to include over 50 college scholarships, countless pre-college scholarships, and free medical services to more than 10,000 Akwa Ibom people through medical
missions. Mr. Etim stated that the group had taken on the obligation of ‘relentless giving, advocacy and volunteerism saying it was on record that AKISAN had set up and equipped the dialysis unit in the
University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
In support of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s industrialization drive, Etim disclosed that AKISAN is working with Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP) to increase investment opportunities in Akwa Ibom.
“We are dedicated to partnering with Governor Udom Emmanuel for the task of industrializing Akwa Ibom State. He emphasized their resolve to spread the information of AKICORP as a one-stop-shop for all Diasporans to come in and invest in Akwa Ibom.
Secretary of the AKISAN Board of Trustees and only ever female president of the organization, Ms Obot Okoko recalled how as NTA education correspondent, she, together with other prominent Akwa Ibom
ladies, worked hard to raise funds at Lagos to contribute to the welfare and Development of AkwaIbom State at creation She also reminded the forum ,how she impressed on Ex President Ibrahim
Babangida and Jibril Aminu, the then Minister of Education, to add a second Federal Government college to Akwa Ibom, Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong; after just one Unity school had been
approved for the State.
Also, The AKISAN Miss Akwa Ibom USA, Samantha Nkanta, who was part of the delegation, called for Akwa Ibom people to contribute their quota, each one, to developing the State.
Ita Anwan James, a California based nurse, praised the changes she has seen in Akwa Ibom since she arrived for the 28th anniversary of the state; particularly the facelift of St. Lukes General Hospital, Anua.
“I worked at Anua before relocating to the United States. As someone who is planning to come back home to help serve my people, having acquired a lot of skills and expertise in my field, what I saw when I
visited that hospital yesterday is highly commendable.” She enthused.
In appreciation of the group, Mr. Etukudo expressed his contentment
with AKISAN’s enthusiastic commitment to invest in the growth of the state and encouraged other groups to participate in the same vein
He stressed that the state will benefit tremendously from their
willingness to return with skills acquired in foreign countries to add value to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s development programme of the Akwa Ibom Project. Mr Joseph emphasized on the need for all AkwaIbomites in the Diaspora to come together as one,in Love ,peace , harmony and Unity as the Power of Oneness will cause a defining revolution for the Unity of Purpose .He assured them that the Governor is set to make Akwa Ibom an enabling
environment for successful investment.
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