The British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter, has applauded the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his remarkable, visionary and impactful leadership as anchored by the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on Governor Eno at Government House, Uyo, Baxter said he was really impressed by the friendly ambience of the State, adding that the infrastructure, especially road network were pointers to quality leadership.
He particularly expressed satisfaction with the exceptional service delivery by the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, and described it as one of the best airlines in this part of the world. He further said that Ibom Air was a major avenue to boost the rich tourism and hospitality potentials of the State, adding that the State also has a huge potential in agriculture given its green and lush environment.
The British envoy assured the Government of his country’s readiness to partner with the State on key economic areas to promote investments and ensure good bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Britain, and the sub-nationals, with a duty-free trade assurance.
Meanwhile Receiving Baxter and his team, Governor Eno commended the delegation, acknowledging Nigeria’s age-long historical relationship with the United Kingdom and its diverse humanitarian programmes. He disclosed that the State Government had in recent past, sponsored students from the State for strategic educational tour to the United Kingdom to enrich their knowledge and expose them to a different learning environment.
According to Governor Eno, the idea was to make them see the limitless possibilities in life to underscore the fact that places of their birth cannot limit them if they are focused on learning, and are disciplined enough. The Governor revealed that the State is developing its economic zones, including the Liberty Oil and Gas free trade zones, Ibom Industrial City, and Itam Industrial Park in Uyo.
Governor Eno further highlighted projects planned to be kick-started by the State to include: Tree crop revolution, Ikot Ekpene International Market and Rural Electrification Project, amongst others.
Governor Eno reeled out the potentials and positive ripple effects of the State’s ARISE Resort to be completed and inaugurated before the year runs out, reiterating that the Resort promises to be a tourist hub in the country.
Government house correspondent Jane Uwa reports that Baxter who was Impressed by the Governor’s achievement within two years as captured by a brief documentary presentation, thereafter took a tour of some facilities of the State government especially the ARISE Resort, and expressed satisfaction with the project transformed from a 70 – hectare erosion ravine disaster.
