UMO ENO: Developing The Blue Economy and Maritime Security.
One cannot over emphasis the need for lasting energy and maritime security in the riverine communities of Akwa Ibom State, as this is most requisite and of utmost priority if the natural endowments in these coastal areas must be harnessed, while paving way for collective growth and development of a blue economy.
The blue economy according to World Bank, is the “Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, facilitates job creation while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”.
Governo-elect, Pastor Umo Eno understands the wealth of Akwa Ibom state lies largely in its ocean resources, and hopes to create jobs, energy, food sufficiency, tourism and improve lives of indigenes of these coastal communities – and by extension Akwa Ibomites. For Pst. Umo Eno, he is fully aware that to achieve these, he must reconcile aggrieved communities and provide topnotch maritime security presence for indigenes and businesses in the coastal communities, in order to create an enabling environment for the blues economy to sprout.
In his words, “I’m aware of the Atabong beach and the market where we have all our sea food, and that because of pirates, the market is not functional, and I can promise that within the first 6 months, that market would be very functional with the necessary security in place. We would make sure we equip them with all they need; such as more gunboats, so that piracy would come to an end.
“I’m giving the pirates notice now that they would no longer disturb the trade or steal from our people anymore.”
“”I remember Itu had a Boat Regatta festival and I understand a conflict with neighboring community has affected it, but by the grace of God that problem would come to an end, because Itu has to have a tourist festival in the State, so that at a time every year, we would come for that Boat Regatta and tourists
too would come. The festival itself creates jobs and puts Itu on the Tourism map of Nigeria.”
“”One thing I want to assure our brothers in Oro nation is that the seaport will be pursued to a logical conclusion to the benefit of Akwa Ibomites, and it will be located in Oro nation””
Through concerted efforts of stakeholders in the ‘Blue Economy’, it will be novel to expect a well equipped maritime police, reduced sea piracy, increased fish farming and canning, improved storage facilities, favourable market opportunities, good access roads, safer waterways and access to soft loans, with all these in place, indeed, it will be a ‘Golden Era, Moving Forward’ with Pst. Umo Eno, Governor, Akwa Ibom State come May 29, 2023.
ARISE… THAT SAME GOD!
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