BRIEFS ON THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION OF AKWA IBOM STATE

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE
Ministry of Information and Social Re-orientation,
Block II Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat

BRIEFS ON THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION OF AKWA IBOM STATE AND ITS SECTORAL ACHIEVEMENTS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF GOV. GODSWILL AKPABIO, PRESENTED BY MR ANIEKAN UMANAH, COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND SOCIAL RE-ORIENTATION .

Protocol/Preamble

CREATION AND THE PEOPLE:
Akwa Ibom State was created on September 23, 1987 by the General Ibrahim Babangida’s Administration.

The people of Akwa Ibom numbering about 3.92million (2006 National Population Provisions) are known for their hospitality – a very friendly and peace-loving people. They have a homogenous culture with common identity and linguistic heritage. There are three major intra-ethnic groups – Ibibio, Annang and Oron. Ibibio language is widely spoken and understood by all indigenes of the State.

With a fond sobriquet, “The Land of Promise”, Akwa Ibom is rich in human and natural resources. The traditional occupations of the people include farming, trading, raffia work, carving, poultry, cane-work, blacksmithing and craft.

The State has a coastline of 129km and a landmass of 8,412sq km. Their food ranks among the best in the world such as edikang ikong, afia efere ebot, ukwoho-afang and ekpang nkwukwo

ADMINISTRATION:
Successive governments have vigorously pursued the development of the State after years of neglect and battered economy. Different administrations had instituted and established various ministries and agencies to ease and enhance governance.

The present administration, the 9th on the leadership row of the State, with Governor Godswill Akpabio as the Chief executive has tailored his transformational administration, working with nineteen (19) Ministries and five (5) Bureaus for efficient delivery of the dividends of democracy
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On May 29, 2007, Akwa Ibom State went agog with palpable joy and excitement for the priceless opportunity of witnessing change ,a generational shift and indeed the inauguration of Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio as the third democratically elected governor of State Chief Executive, the State

Thirty five months after, the euphoria is still in the air largely due to the zeal, determination and pragmatic ways the Governor Akpabio is handling the affairs of state putting the people first in the scheme of things. His approach to the governance has been bold, decisive, and methodical. He has left no one in doubt that he is in a hurry to develop the State. This, he is doing by embarking on unparalled development projects that is changing the face of the entire State

Since assumption of office, Governor Akpabio’ has left no one in doubt as to his determination to turn the State around the provision of infrastructure and service delivery to the people and providing an enabling environment for investors to come to the State and partner with government in order to change the state from a pedestrian state to a world class destination which is hoped will become the biggest economy within the Gulf of Guinea.

Numerous awards and accolades have continued to pour into the State due to the excellent delivery of democracy dividends to the people by the Governor Akpabio – led administration through proper harnessing and coordination of the activities of these Ministries and Agencies. Highlight is as follows:-

Education
One of the greatest legacies, Governor Godswill Akpabio has bequeathed on the people of Akwa Ibom State is the free and compulsory Education policy. Under this policy, Akwa Ibom children of school age go to school free from primary to senior secondary level. In addition to free tuition, the State pay a subvention of N100 per primary school pupil and N300 per secondary school student to cater for logistics and expenses for the administration of each child..

Also, Governor Akpabio has ensured the provision of a conducive learning environment in schools for the Akwa Ibom children through massive rehabilitation and reconstruction of schools’ blocks, provision of Science and Laboratory equipment, construction of hostels and supply of desks etc. Other achievements are:
• Free and compulsory Education from primary to senior secondary School level. So far over N10 Billion has been expended on the programme
• Payment of SSCE fees for all students in Public Secondary Schools
• Payment of NABTEB fees for all students in Public Technical Colleges.
• Procurement and distribution of science equipment and materials to public secondary schools
• Implementation of the 27.5% new TSS for teachers
• Payment of grant to law students, pie medical and medical students
• Provisions of Laptops to all law students in the 2008/2009 batch of the Nigeria Law School.
• Provision of facilities/construction of internal roads in the University of Uyo
• Construction of an e-library in the State to serve as a reference centre for researchers in the State in particular and the south-south region generally.
• Provision free text books in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematic and Integrated Science (200,000 each).

Works and Transport
Prior to the assumption of office by Governor Godswill Akpabio, various major roads, especially federal roads were in very deplorable condition. Such roads as the Afaha Obong – Etim Ekpo, Iwukem road; Abak – Ikot Ekpene road; Nung Udoe, Itak – Use Ikot Amama road, Enin Nsit and Ikot Ekpene internal roads were completely impassable, thereby cutting off residents of those areas from activities of the state.

In keeping with his electioneering campaign promises, upon assumption of office, Governor Akpabio awarded contract for the construction of the roads. So far over 205 roads covering more than 600km have been constructed. Reputable companies like Julius Berger, Setraco, Stemco, Gitto alongside Indigenous Companies etc handle the construction of these roads. Highlights of achievements in this sector include:
• Well constructed paved and asphalted roads across the State. More than 205 roads with an investment profile of over N250 billion
• Installation of modern digital traffic lights in Uyo
• Awarded contract for the Uyo Urban renewal and regeneration project.
• Dual carriage ways for all roads into Uyo, the State capital
• Flyovers construction to ease traffic
• Street/traffic lights
• Reconstruction of collapsed concrete bridge at Ikot Abiaenyie at about N65million
• Procurement of 1 grader each for the 31 LGAs of the State to ensure periodic maintenance of rural roads
• Construction of a N13.8 Billion underground drainage for flood and erosion control in the State capital city.

Agriculture:
Agriculture is one of the most critical sectors of our economy. Government has the statutory responsibility of providing the needed enabling environment to ensure availability of adequate and affordable food for food security, supply of agro-based raw materials for industry, generation of employment, creation of wealth and economic emancipation of the people.

In line with this therefore, government formulated the policy thrust on Agriculture to cause a quantifiable annual growth in the production of cash crops, staple food, livestock and fish through institutional and infrastructural support for private, small, medium and large scale farmers.

With the looming global food crises coupled with his zeal to ensure food security for the teeming people of the State, Governor Godswill Akpabio initiated various programmes to boost Agriculture and food production. These include:
• Approval of N11billion for the accelerated livestock and fish production programme (ALFIPP) in the livestock and fisheries sub sector.
• Empowerment of 620 youths with N500,000.00 each under the Integrated Farmers Scheme (IFS) 2009; of approval for 910 participants for 2010.
• Procurement of 180,000 metric tons food storage and processing infrastructure at Abak at the cost of N1.5billion under the Akwa Ibom State Reserve Food Programme.
• Procurement and distribution of over 26,000 metric tons of assorted fertilizer at 60% subsidy to farmers in the last 2 years at the cost of N2billion.
• Conversion of college of Agriculture, Obio Akpa to a campus of the Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin.
• Acquisition of 72 nos of farm tractors and implement at the cost of N150 million.
• Support for externally-funded programmes, such as Fadama, Community based natural resources management programme (CBNRMP), IFAD- assisted rural finance institution building programme (RUFIN) and World Bank/ Federal Government of Nigeria poverty alleviation programmes.
• Entered into understanding with some foreign companies under Foreign Direct Investment in Agriculture for commercial Agriculture. For instance, Organizations in Vietnam, United Kingdom, Israel and Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding for commercial production and processing of rice and palm oil in the state for export. The company is funding the project 100%. The state government is providing the required minimum of 10,000 hectares of land for the project and is also to retain 22% of the net profit.
• Generated 4,000 jobs for Akwa Ibom people under the commercial Agriculture programme and also generated additional 1,500 direct employment opportunities through its various programmes and projects.
• Management of central abattoir and the institution of Akwa Ibom Meat Hygiene/ Van Project.
• Partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria for the on-going Itu irrigation, drainage and flood control project which is aimed at developing up to 2,000 hectares of land for an all-year-round Agricultural production.
• Partnership with the Federal Government for the on-going construction of 25,000 metric ton grain storage silo at Okobo in Ibiono Ibom Local Government.
• Obtained approval for Agricultural Extension Service Providers in which 275 Akwa Ibom Youth are to be recruited.
• Establishment of 3 nos cassava processing centres at Nung Udoe, Ikot Okudom and Ikot Ekang in Ibesikpo Asutan, Eket and Abak LGAs respectively.

Finance and Revenue Generation:
Wealth creation is a panacea for the overall development of the economy. To this end, Governor Godswill Akpabio has put in place numerous programmes to boost revenue generation and wealth creation for all categories of people in the State.

Some of these programmes include:
• Re-invigorating the State Life Enhancement Programme, LEP to take care of Skill apprenticeship and job creation opportunities for unemployed youths.
• Re-invigorating the Staff Housing Scheme aimed at encouraging all Civil Servants to become house owners.
• Training of all cadres of Finance and Revenue staff on ICT
• Secured approval from the World Bank for the implementation of the Akwa Ibom Community – Based Urban Development Projects.
• Constructed tax offices in Ini, Mbo, Essien Udim and Mkpat Enin local government areas.
• Hosted the 1st ever Akwa Ibom State Revenue Summit aimed at diversifying the internally generated revenue of the State.
• Installation of Revenue Enhancement and Electronic Monitoring System (REEMS)
• Evolving on-line real-time monitoring system.
• Supply of 110 laptops to Revenue officers
• Purchase of 8 Hilux Pick-up vans and 4 Eighteen-seater buses for Revenue staff
• Purchase of 60 Q-link motorcycles for Revenue staff
• Sponsorship of staff training at the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, JTB Course at Kaduna and Intermediate Tax Technical Course at Abia and Nasarawa States.
• Establish Revenue Courts in the three (3) Senatorial Districts of the State
• Purchase and installation of a 250 KVA Perking’s Sound-proof generator for the Internal Revenue Service headquarters.
• Computerization of the Budget Office.

Health:
The health sector in Akwa Ibom has experienced an unprecedented revolution since the advent of the administration of Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio. The present government has invested enormous financial resources through the Ministry of Health to revamp and restructure the sector in order to make health care delivery not only accessible and affordable for every Akwa Ibom person but also to ensure that nobody dies from a preventable disease.
Other achievements in the health sector include:
• Construction of a world class Specialist Hospital at Ekim Itam – 20th Anniversary Hospital
• Donation of N50million to University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) and building of a pediatrics block
• Building of an oxygen plant at General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, the first in the history of the State
• Activation and expansion of 8 Anti-Retroviral therapy centres, 15 prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) centres and 37 HIV counseling and testing centres. All rendering free services.
• Procurement and commissioning of State-of-the-art ambulances
• Construction of new PHCs in the three (3) Senatorial Districts of the State
• Procurement of utility vehicles to 159 doctors in the State government employ to facilitate theirs transportation.
• Construction of Cottage Hospitals in Essien Udim, Ibeno, Ukanafun, Eastern Obolo and Ika
• High immunization coverage to eradicate polio and all other childhood killer diseases.
• Provision of counterpart funding for all health programmes by donor organization like UNICEF, UNFPA, Operation Roll Back Malaria, HIV/AIDs World Bank Assisted Programme.

Housing and Urban Renewal
One of the basic necessities of man is shelter and Governor Godswill Akpabio is vigorously tackling the housing needs of the people. As a promise keeper, he has kept to his avowed pledge of providing modern and affordable houses to the people of the State. In line with this, work is ongoing on the construction of 10,000 modern and affordable houses to the Akwa Ibom populace. Other major achievements in this sector include:
• Construction of a functional Governor’s Lodge complex
• Build 310 prime units mini estates at 10 per local government in all the Local Government Areas mainly for local government chieftains. The project is undertaken through the State/Local Government Joint Account Committee.
• Re-Construction of Ikot Ekpene Federal Prisons.
• Construction of Akpan Andem Market Phase II
• Rehabilitation of Government Guest House, in Uyo
• Construction of Police College and Mopol in Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Women Affairs and Social Welfare:
Governor Godswill Akpabio is committed to ameliorating the living conditions of the people of the State. In this regard, special attention is given to the vulnerable groups in the society consisting of the women, children, the aged as well as the socially disadvantaged. So far, efforts have been geared at producing a vibrant, productive and socially balanced society where human resources are maximally developed for equal access to opportunities created by government.
Measures taken by government to achieve this include:

• Signing a MOU with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Union Bank of Africa for an Agricultural Loan facility of N28million to 300 women beneficiaries from the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State with a collateral deposit of N7million.
• Provision of free medical treatment to women including free eye glasses, hearing aids, nutritional supplement, beverages, free symposium on HIV/AIDS, Hypertension and breast cancer.
• Free legal services as well as Human Right Education to over 3,000 women of which 76 had surgical intervention.
• Free medical attention to 1000 women on cervical cancer, breast cancer, diabetes and free talks on women and security consciousness.
• Provision of anti-natal kits to over 1000 pregnant widows.
• Promotion of women participation in politics
• Removal of lunatics from the roads and capacity building for the rehabilitated lunatics.
• Spent N8million for the rehabilitation of the socially disadvantaged citizens in the State by providing them with wheel chairs, Cain guides and financial empowerment.
• Free health care services to pregnant women, children and the aged in the society.
• The passage of the Child’s Right Law to enable the children of Akwa Ibom to enjoy all the privileges enshrined in the National Child’s Act 2004.
• Sponsorship for the children parliament to attend academic programmes within and outside the country.
• Rehabilitation of orphans through scholarships and skills acquisition.
• Yearly sponsorship of computer appreciation holiday cam programme for over 200 children from all the local government areas of the State.
• Sponsorship of children programmes which has yielded positive results. An Akwa Ibom child is the National Deputy Speaker in the National Children’s Parliament.

Commerce and Industry
In realization of the potency of industrialization in the transformation of the society the present government places high premium on the rapid industrial development of the state.
To this end, government has worked toward the identification of industrial raw materials available in the different local government areas of the State, through a resource survey.
Other programmes and achievements of government toward the industrialization of the State include:
• Attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and promotion of public private partnership (PPP) in the State.
• Enhancement of manpower development needed to drive the burgeoning industrial and commercial activities in the State
• Provision of conducive environment for the development of small and medium enterprises (SME) as well as large scale industries and consortiums in the State.
• Creation of wealth and employment opportunities, thereby reducing poverty amongst the citizenry.
• Exhibition of the State’s products and services at 2009 Abuja International Trade Fair
• Development of a 5-star blueprint to guide in the State’s industrial development
• Provision of 100KVA generating set at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Introduction of Micro credit scheme for small scale industries and small and medium enterprises, SMEs.

Lands and Town Planning
As a static economic variable, land poses a great challenge to the development process of any government. With this realization, Governor Godswill Akpabio had since assumption of office, places great emphasis on Land as an important factor in the development of the State.
Barely two months in office as the State Governor Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio elevated all issues pertaining to land with the creation of an autonomous Ministry of Lands and Town Planning from the former Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. This gave added impetus to issues boarding on land and Town Planning.
The following achievements have so far been recorded:
• Acquisition of Lands for residential, commercial and industrial purposes at:- Nwaniba, Ifiayong Usuk and Mbiakong for Eco-Tourism and expansion of Ibom Golf Resort,
• Ibaka, Mbo/Ibeno local government areas for Ibom Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone;
• Ikot Abasi for development of North Industrial Estate;
• Ikot Ebom and Nkim Ibiono in Itu and Ibiono Ibom local government areas respectively for the development of State Government residential estates;
• Ifa Ikot Okpon, Etoi for Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance Agency;
• Owot Uta, Ikot Ambon and Nung Ette for residential estate;
• Ekpedip and Ibiaku Ikot Ukpong for residential estate;
• Ikot Obong Erong/Ikot Otu and Uruk Uso at Ikot Ekpene local government area for residential estate (on-going);
• Udo Udoma Avenue for Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Galleria
• Ekit Itam Akpan Obong in Itu local government area for integrated Solid Waste Management.
• Review of Uyo master plan and draft master plan for 3 urban centres of Eket, Ikot Abasi and Ikot Ekpene.
Paid compensation for the lands used for:-
• College of Health Science at Use Ikot Ebio, Offot, Uyo
• Owot Uta – Nung Ette – Ikot Ambon residential estate.
• Oron Road dualization to Akwa Ibom Airport.
• Site for Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Galleria
• Opened up roads to ensure access to and immediate development of land allocated to the people at Anua and Ifa Ikot Okpon residential estate
• Bulldozed the site for the Library Headquarters along Babangide Avenue and State Specialist Hospital along Ikot Ekpene Road
• Issuance of 130 Certificates of Occupancy;
• Appointment of Consultant Estate Surveyors and Valuers for the valuation of properties around the fly-over areas in Itam Peace Column and Ikot Oku Ikono junction;
• The Ministry is working on the establishment of a land bank system which, on completion, will provide information on availability of land to any investor who comes to the State.

Rural Development:
Governor Godswill Akpabio has been very passionate about the development of rural communities in the State. Accordingly several measures have been put in place for the transformation of the rural areas. These include:
• Complete take-over of rural electrification projects from the local governments to ensure that rural communities are linked to the national grid on or before 2011.
• Extend electricity to 450 communities under awarded contracts for the electrification of over 860 villages, out of which 450 were being connected under phase 1 and 11 rural electrification programme.
• On-going implementation of the tripartite Japanese, Federal and State Governments electrification aid grant at Nsit Atai.
• Provision of relief sub-station and changing of sub-standard Lt cables at Hajia Turai Yar’Adua Reform Centre
• Restoration and improvement of electrification supply in Ukana Ikot Akpabio, Essien Udim local government area.
• Grading of Ikot Akpasia – Ikot Otu - Ibakang – Ikot Nkpene – Okoro Atai – Okoro, a – 23 kilometer farm road.
• Reconstruction of the collapsed concrete bridge at Ikot Abia Enye at the cost of N65,052,240.00
• Construction, reconstruction and renovation of Rev. Sisters’ quarters, staff quarters, fence/gate house as well as installation of security fence wire at Loreto Girls Secondary School, Eriam Afaha Obong, Abak local government area
• Renovation of classroom blocks, construction of physiotherapy block with walk way, construction of demolished fence and installation of security fence wire all at St Joseph Rehabilitation Centre, Ukana Iba, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Environment and Mineral Resources:
Safeguarding the environment for a healthy living of the people is a commitment of the State government. In order to facilitate Environmental Management and waste disposal services, government has employed the services of renowned and professional Resource Persons and Consultants in this area.
Strides so far recorded in this sector include:
• Ensure safe climatic conditions for the people by sponsoring participation at the Copenhagen Summit
• Ensuring that all companies and multi-nationals operating in the State have accepted impact assessment profile by the host communities
• Facilitate the stoppage of Ikot Ada Udo oil spill in Ukanafun LGA
• Awards N13.8billion underground erosion control project for the State by Julius Berger
• Engage Resource Persons from tested companies to handle different aspects of waste management, air pollution and sanitation
• Procured 6 smoke free Bluetech environment-friendly compactors and 1000 receptacles for waste disposal at the cost of N400million and built a modern waste4 management complex
• Facilitated the stoppage of gas leakage at Odoro Ikot in Ukanafun LGA
• Made an investment of N16billion for erosion control at Uruan Street and Itam junction
• Undertake clean up exercise in local government areas.
• Paid N200million for acquisition of a 50 hectares of land and payment of compensation for the permanent dump site at Itam by Domville Group
• Set-up Sanitation Committee at Akpan Andem Market
• Complete work at the IPP to ensure constant power supply to cushion the effect of air pollution caused by use of generators due to erratic power supply.

Culture and Tourism:
Tourism is one of the greatest revenue earners in the world today. Therefore, in order to boost tourism for increased revenue generation in this sector, the State Government has undertaken the following:
• Expansion work at Le Meridien Ibom 5 Star Hotel and Golf Resort
• Construction of a Multi-million Naira Ibom Tropicana entertainment centre, complete with Cineplex, galleria, malls, dry and wet parks, hostels and convention centre etc
• Sponsorship of the State Arts and Culture troupe to arts and cultural fiesta and festivals in foreign countries.
• Sponsorship of a children’s cultural troupe “Ekemini Cultural Troupe to represent Nigeria at a cultural festival in North Korea.
• Construction of a hall of fame within Ibom museum complex
• Providing the enabling environment for private ownership of over 50 standard hotels in Uyo the State capital.

Information and SOCIAL Re-Orientation:
Information management is very crucial in the development of any organization or institution, even as re-orientation is important for the shaping of the mental process of the people The need to keep the governed abreast with the programmes and policies of government is therefore very vital, especially in a democratic setting such as the present day government. In keeping with this knowledge the Akpabio-led government has vigorously harnessed the information machinery in the State for good governance.
Attainments so far in the Information and Communication sector include:
• Procurement and commissioning of a digital ultra-modern OB van for AKBC
• Supporting the 24hours transmission by AKBC television
• Sets up Media and Citizen’s Feedback Centre
• Provision of mini-water supply for the NUJ press centre
• Expansion of pioneer Newspaper from a 2 times a week outing(Monday and Weekend Pioneer) to 4 editions (Monday, Midweek, Weekend and Sunday Pioneer)
• Provision of buses for the NUJ and other Chapels of NUJ in the State
• Creating the enabling environment for all National Newspapers to operate in the State as well as electronic Channels.
• Linking the State to the global web through internet service in all government offices.
• Introduction of electronic news letter for prompt and wide coverage of State activities

Cooperatives:
With the low income profile of indigenes of the state mostly those in semi-urban and rural communities; government initiated the formation of cooperatives as a catalyst to boost income earning.

Through cooperatives, private and small scale entrepreneurs engaging in business like farming, trading, fishing, tailoring, carpentry and other vocations such as hair dressing, soap making, weaving, catering services etc, come together with their pooled income to meet the required capital necessary to access loan facilities for their business concerns.

This team work approach towards increased income earning by low profile entrepreneurs had served as a major intervening variable employed by the government to boost the yields of low profile entrepreneurs and create wealth in the society.

Different organs have been set up by government to oversee the formation and nurturing of cooperative societies for the overall benefit of the people. These are mostly the state Life Enhancement Programme and the Bureau of Cooperative Development.

Life Enhancement Programme:
The Life Enhancement Programme, a parastatal of the Ministry of Economic Development has since its inception pursued vigorously:
• The training and skill acquisition for unemployed youths.
• The provision of loan facilities for unemployed youths
• Empowerment of cooperative societies
• Empowerment of trained and skilled-improved youths and cooperatives.
The major beneficiaries of this scheme are hairdressers, tailors, soap makers, caterers, computer operators etc.

Bureau of Cooperative Development:
The Bureau of Cooperative Development has through its surveillance and supervision stimulated the spirit of cooperatives mostly among agro-based entrepreneurs and industrialists.
Working through the Akwa Ibom Cooperative Movement and the Akwa Ibom Cooperative Federation (AKCOFED), several cooperatives have been formed with remarkable improvement on the income profile of low earners.

So far the following achievements have been recorded:
• Provision of N27million to about 91 cooperative societies with negligible interest rates of only 8% in 2 years.
• Distribution of mini-mill worth N1million, complete with digester, presser, fiber separation, boiler-pot, sterilizer and generator to 95 cooperative societies to boost oil palm production in the state.
• Establishment of 3 (three) nos palm oil/kernel processing and bulk storage depots at Essien Udim, Ukanafun and Ibesikpo Asutan local government areas.
• Establishment of coalition centres for palm produce products to cater for the clearing of palm kernel preservation and packaging for export.
• Partnering with Financial Institutions for easy access to credit facilities by cooperatives such as the Akwa Savings and Loans Ltd and the Mutual Alliance Savings and Loans Ltd etc.
• State-wide sensitization workshop for Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of Cooperative Societies in the State.
• Sponsorship of the training of 22 Cooperative Officers at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River in Enugu State.
• Oganised a seminar for 123 cooperative Societies benefiting from government micro credit loan facility.

Public Service Matters:
The Public service is the machinery that wheels the day to day activities of government for efficient, result-oriented governance. It is the machinery which formulates government’s policies and programmes and implements them for rapid and sustainable development. In realization of this, the Governor Godswill Akpabio –led administration established the Bureau of Public Service Matters to build an effective virile, result-oriented and responsive institution that will bridge the demands and challenges of good governance.

The mission of the Bureau, is to act as a catalyst to enhance the transformation of the state Public Service through independent advisory consultancy and functional guidance in line with global best practices.

The Bureau of Public Service Matters, though a new creation, has recorded many laudable achievements, including:
• Capacity Building for workers
• Professionalisation of the Public Service
• Creation of a Data Base for Personnel Audit Exercise
• Streamlining of Ministries and Parastatals in the Public Service

• Capacity Building for Bureau Staff: The Bureau provides advisory consultancy services to organizations to enable them acquire sufficient capacities that would help them to perform and realize their objectives as well as discharge their responsibilities.
The Bureau embarks on routine training and re-training of its workforce on vital areas of management, consultancy and Information Technology (ICT). So far, staff of the Bureau was sent on overseas training to acquire skill on optimum productivity.

• Professionalisation of Public Service: One of the core objectives of the Bureau is to foster professionalism and enhance the managerial and technical effectiveness of the Public Service. One of the strategies adopted by the Bureau, in addition to sensitization and orientation workshops, is the publication of the management Journal -The Public Service Manager. The publication has provided a platform for experienced Civil Servants (Bureaucrats), professionals and academics to share their experience and knowledge through well researched articles. The Bureau has already published two editions of the journal.

• Creation of a Data Base for Personnel Audit Exercise: The Bureau carries out the Personnel audit of all the staff in the State Public Service. The result of that audit is currently being stored in the data base. This exercise is aimed at checking the ugly incidence of ghost workers in the service and falsification of document by staff. At the completion of this exercise, information on any Public Servants in Akwa Ibom State will be retrieved with just the touch of a button.

• Streamlining of Ministries and Parastatals in the State Public Service: To serve the public service from the problem associated with the overlapping of functions among Ministries, Parastatals and Government departments, the Bureau is embarking on the process of streamlining the Ministries, Parastatals and Government Department as well as their functions. An experienced Management Consultant has been contracted to do the job.

Manpower Development:
Manpower development is very crucial for the growth and sustainability of any organized structure as well as an administrative machinery. Manpower is a vital resource in the development and growth of any system as policy formulation, programme implementation and indeed the general day to day activities of a system are carried out by workers who form the bulk of manpower.
Quite aware of the import of manpower development for the overall development of the state, Governor Godswill Akpabio has since assumption of office; work vigorously at improving the skills and capacities of the workforce for maximum performance towards enhanced productivity.
Numerous packages and programmes have been initiated by the Governor Akpabio led administration in furtherance of manpower development such as:
• In-service training with pay for over 20 Medical Doctors within and outside Nigeria such as Cardiff University in Uk, Israel and London for courses like B.Sc Medical Surgery, PG Clinical Pathology, Residency in Community Medicine and M.Sc in Public Health.
• In service training with pay for 70 Nurses within and outside Nigeria for courses like International Health at the Uk, B.Sc Psychology, B.Sc Health Education and Post Graduate Studies in Medical Sciences for Bench Examinations at the University of Calabar, Uyo and Port Harcourt.
• Training of 24 Agriculture Officers for a 2-5 years course in Agriculture Extension, Agriculture Engineering, Animal Science, Soil Fertility, Fisheries Technology and Rural Sociology.
• Training of an Administrative Staff at the Royal Institute of Public Administration, London for a course in Job Evaluation and Workforce Development.
• Train over 150 Education Officers from both the Technical Schools and State Secondary Education Boards in different areas.
• Train High Court Registrars in different institutions of tertiary education.
• Train over 200 staff on levels 01-06 in the Assistant Executive Officers General Duties AEO (GD) Grade at the Civil Service Training Centre. The training is mostly for workers in Revenue, Accounts, Audit, General Duties, Computer application etc.
• Provision of new model BMW, Corolla and KIA vehicles to 159 Medical Doctors working in government hospitals to boost their morale for high performance.
• Provision of luxury buses (Macarpolo) to Civil Servants to ease their transportation to and from work.
• Raise the housing loan to Civil Servants to enable them own their houses.
• Initiate the 13th month salary tagged “Akpabio-mber” for Civil Servants.
• Approve the monthly jogging exercise for Civil Servants to keep them strong and healthy.
• Approve the Best Staff award for hardworking Civil Servants as reward for hardwork.
• Approve other packages like Best dressed Civil Servant, Most beautiful Civil Servant, Most punctual Ministry/Department and the Cleanest Ministry/Department Awards to give workers a sense of worth and pride.
• Provide a congenial working environment for workers at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex with a sound security network, car parks, well kept lawns, portable water, telecommunication facilities and electricity.
• Provision of Internet service in offices and general computerization of the Civil Service.

Labour and Productivity:
Labour is one of the most important factors of production. Labour generally bestows dignity on a person and is therefore sought after as a very essential resource for increased productivity.

The need to develop an active workforce necessary for harnessing the natural resources and endowment of the state for a better standard of living for the people instigated the establishment of the Bureau of Labour and Productivity.

The policy thrust of the Bureau is to achieve industrial harmony, improve productivity of workers to meet global standards as well as enhance employment generation and wealth creation.

So far, the Bureau has recorded the following achievements:
• Instituted an annual State Productivity Award to boost Excellence in the service.
• Mapped out action plans towards productivity improvement.
• Undertook productivity awareness campaigns and advocacy services, capacity building and policy dialogue.
• Inauguration of the state Productivity Committee to lift up the productivity profile of the state.
• Set up Productivity Desk in 27 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state and train the Desk Officers.
• Organize Productivity Summit to raise advocacy on productivity issues.
• Presented certificates of excellences to 59 institutions/persons for high productivity in their different fields.
• On-going research on productivity measurement methodologies for the private and public sector.
• Dialogue with financial institutions for loan facilities to individuals and small business men and women to improve their production.

Science and Technology:
In the present dispensation, with the world as a global village, science and Technology are the major deterring factors, playing vital roles in the world competitive market.

As a fast developing State, eager to meet and compete favorably with its counterparts globally, government has geared its efforts at the development of Science and Technology. Avenues employed by government in this regard include:
• Sponsorship of Akwa Ibom indigenes for ICT training in Canada and other foreign countries to enhance human capacity.
• Creation of Science and Technology and Information Awareness through International conferences and workshop in the State
• Organize Science and Technology Summit in the State
• Sponsorship of yearly Science and Technology fairs and exhibitions to showcased local industrialists, entrepreneurs, engineers, technologists, inventions and products.

Youths and Sports:
Since assumption of office Governor Godswill Akpabio has continued to vigorously tackle the issues of youths and Sports development in the State.
These policy thrust of government in this sector is to improve the welfare of the young people between the ages of 18 and 35 years through empowerment for self actualization as well as promoting and popularizing Sports in all its ramifications.

So far, the Akpabio-led administration has recorded the following strides in youths and sports development:-
 Provide the enabling environment for youth activities with the peaceful institution of the State youth council, the apex body supervising youth activities/programmes.
 Skills acquisition training for more than 500 youths at the Schools of Arts and Science Nung Ukim,. Ikono during the 2008 Easter Youth retreat programme.
 Sponsorship of 75 youths for the first Niger Delta Sea-farer Youth Initiative and Training at Diete-Spiff Stadium, Port Harcourt.
 Sponsorship of an Akwa Ibom Youth, Mr. Onofiok Luke Akpan to emerge as the first Speaker of the Nigeria Youth Parliament.
 Facilitate the emergence of the Secretary General of Akwa Ibom Youth Council, Mrr. Anifiok Iwa Udofia as the President of the African Post-Graduate Stunts Association in Poland Conduct a Workshop on peace and conflict resolution for 200 youths between the ages of 22 to 35 years in the State.
 Construction/rehabilitation of roads and hostels at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Ikot Itie Iddung, Nsit Atai LGA.
 Introduction of 7 new competitive sporting activities including Golf, Dart, Ayo (Nsa Isong), Kick-Boxing, Baseball, Hockey and Cycling Sports to the exiting 18 Sporting activities for National competitions.
 Emergence of the State’s under 13 male football team as the second in the NPA under 13 National Football competition at Abuja.
 Selection of three under 13 male footballers of the State to the NFF National camp (Michael Peter, Inemesit Sunday and Unwana John).
 Facilitate the selection of the best five(5) Akwa Ibom football players for 3 months trial training at Wilsa Krakow football Club, SA, Poland (Iniobong Akpan, Kufre Iniama, Imo-owo Jackson, Idongesit Archibong and Victor Johnson.
 Construction of a world class boxing ring in the State.
 Facilitate the obtaining of a professional Heavy-weight boxing license by an Akwa Ibom boxer, Mr. Enobong Umotte, in Wisconsin, U.S.A.
 Procurement of world class weight lifting facilities for State’s contingents which led to the success of Emmanuel Akpanobong and Margaret Uwa at the African weight lifting championship in South Africa. 3 gold medals each were won by the 2 weight lifters, with Emmanuel Akpanobong setting a new African record by lifting 106kg weight at 58kg category.
 Talent hunt for secondary school students has produced Esatang from Eket, who took second position in the President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s National Squash competition at Abuja in 2008. Esatang has been invited represent Nigeria at the International squash racket competition in Switzerland.
 Facilitate a 30-day swimming camp for 9 swimmers from the State which resulted in one of them, Mr. Nyong Isang emerging with 3 gold medals from the Cross River State invitation Swimming competition at Calabar.
 Procurement of 20 new sports bicycles including 6 female bicycles, 10 male bicycles and 4 mountain bicycles.
 Emergence of the State Squash team (female) as the winner with a golden trophy in the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) National Squash racket at Abuja. The team was selected to represent Nigeria at the International Squash Championship at Manchester, England.
 The State under – 17 boys and girls football team emerged winners amongst the 12 participating States. The maiden edition of Chief Godswill Akpabio National under – 17 boys and girls football competition organize in conjunction with YSFON.
 Sponsorship of U – 13 male and U – 18 female football teams to the 18th National Oba Ereiwa Anniversary Gold Cup competition at Benin City, which they emerge winners, beating 13 other Stats in the competition.
 Sponsorship of the Stat ambassadors in the under - 16 female football club “Ikot Abasi Queens”, to the International Football championship in Brazil where they won the prestigious Cuba golden trophy donated by the President of Brazil.
 Presentation of certificates of recognition to more than 150 Youth Organizations.
 Completion of work on the selection of site an design of an Olympic sized Stadium for the State

WATER SUPPLY:
Water is a fundamental human need necessary for the survival of man. Every human requires at least 20 to 50 litters of clean, safe water daily for survival and domestic purposes.

As a passionate and pragmatic leader, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio has continued to work towards ensuring that water is adequately supplied to the different sections of the State - the rural communities, urban centers and semi-urban centers.

To this end, government has reinvigorated different institutions and organs and given them the mandate to provide portable water to all sections of the State. These include: the Akwa Ibom Water Company limited, the Akwa Ibom Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN), the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee (IMDLCC) and the Ministry of Rural Development. This is an expression of Government's commitment towards a result-based system of water supply to the masses of the State.
The Achievements so far in this regard have been unprecedented, including:

• An upward installed capacity of 196,080m3/day (cubic meter/day) for Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited
• A 70% water demand sustenance for Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket Senatorial Districts.
• Boost the accessibility of people to water infrastructure by improving private water connection from abysmal/6,000 to 70,000.
• Ongoing laying of 6000km water pipelines in Uyo metropolis and 7(seven) other cities in the State.
• Repositioning of Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited for efficient service delivery with the introduction of prepaid metering system
• Provision of 60(sixty) water dispensing kiosk in semi-urban centers to reduce wastage associated with the traditional water stand-post.
• Appropriation of over 5 billion for the execution of the water reticulation project in the State.
• Commissioning of 124 mini-water projects in different communities under the third phase of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee projects inauguration.
• Execution of over 200 mini-water projects in the first and second phases of projects commissioning by the IMDLCC.

SPECIAL DUTIES:
To effectively supervise and ensure the successful implementation of mega projects in the State, government re-energized the Ministry of Special Duties, to oversee the operation of these projects.

So far, the Ministry of Special Duties is effectively monitoring the progress of work at the Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA), the Akwa Ibom Urban Taxi Network Limited (AKUTAN) and the Ibom Tropicana and Entertainment centre project. The following achievements have been recorded.

AKWA IBOM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (AKIA):
Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA) is one of the landmark projects which have attracted limelight and accolades to the government of Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio. Achievements so far recorded include:

• Daily flight schedules at the Akwa Ibom International Airport by DANA Airlines (Lagos-Uyo-Abuja route)
• Completion of work on the Interim domestic terminal (IDT) for Commercial operations.
• 100% installation of Air Rescue and fire fighting facility status.
• Opening - up of a Police Station for the Akwa Ibom International Airport.
• Installation of a bomb-detective/body screening machine at the Airport.
• Due diligence test for the operation of Virgin Nigeria at the AK International Airport.
• Declaration of interest by Aero contractors to use the AKIA route.
• Near completion of the National Hanger/Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

AKWA IBOM URBAN TAXI NETWORK (AKUTAN)
AKUTAN was set up to manage and ensure the smooth operation of the urban taxi scheme of the state government. The agency had since commenced operations with trial blazing achievements including:-
• 200 nos Hyundai Accent Taxi cabs
• 10 nos Marcopollo buses
• 100nos Ford-Focus Taxi cabs
• 40nos Toyota Hiace (18 Seater) buses
• Plans to increase to 500 taxi cabs.
• Plans to increase to 50 Marcopollo buses.
• Boost Private/Public partnership in AKUTAN with the signing of a license Agreement with a public transportation Company.
IBOM TROPICANA AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE:
Ibom Tropicana entertainment centre was conceived through the vision of Chief (Dr,) Godswill Akpabio, to impact positively on the Socio-economic lives of the people of the State. The centre which will boost the Structural landscape of the State was created in the image of Sun City of South Africa and the famous Dysney land in Orlando, Florida, USA. The centre is a revenue generating outlet of government which will also create job opportunities for thousands of unemployed youths of the State. The multi-million naira centre which sits on a landmass of 82 hectares has the following facilities:

• A shopping mall with 59 nos standard shops, and 2nos Bank service corridors etc.
• CNEPLEX which houses 6nos screen cinema halls with a seat capacity of 1030.
• An Ultra modern convention centre with a multi-floor capacity of 5000
• A 15 storey hotel with 250 rooms.
• A Theme Park with various Dry and Wet Rides/Attractions covering an area of 3 hectares.

Local Government Administration:
The local government system was designed to endanger the grassroot participation I government towards the growth and development of rural area.

Local government administration became imperative because of the unique and peculiar nature of each group of people in their different localities. The differences are glaring in almost all sectors-social, political, historical, customs, beliefs and culture among others.
The third-tier of government is therefore emphatically very relevant in the holistic development of every facet of the State. Having served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, at a time, Governor Godswill Akpabio knew exactly where the anus rested for efficient and effective administration of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Soon on assumption of office, the governor took the bull by the horn by over hauling the local government administration to the state to enable it work in consonance with its counterparts in the country.

Steps taken by the governor for an improved local government administration include:
• Provision of modern state of the at ambulances to all the 31 LGAs
• Donation of a jeep to each of the then Paramount Rulers in the state.
• Reversal of the local government administration from the Parliamentary system to the Presidential system through an executive bill to the State House of Assembly.
• Youth empowerment at the local government administration level
• Payment of N2billion as severance gratuity to political office holders for the period of 1999 - 2002 and 2003 - 2007.
• Donation of N20million each to 3 paramount rulers of Ini, Ika and Eastern Obolo for the reconstruction of their Palaces.
• Procurement and distribution of 31 Nos Kia Cerato Jeeps as official cars to all members of the State Council of Chiefs.
• Distribution of 31 Nos. Graders and 31 Nos Hilux Patrol vehicles to all the local government areas of the State.
• Sponsorship of trainings and workshops for local government clerks, sergeants-at-arm, leaders of council and their deputies within and outside the State.
• Provision of official cars to all the Clan/Village Heads in the state.

POWER SECTOR
The Ibom Power Plant Project (IPP), incorporated in 2001 as a special purpose company by the Akwa Ibom Investment Promotion Council (AKIIPOC), the investment arm of the Akwa Ibom State Government, has signed a 20-year agreement with Nigeria Gas Company for the supply of gas.

To achieve its objective, the Akpabio-led administration has completed the Power Plant project to enable the state to reap from the huge investment. According to Governor Akpabio, the Ibom Power Plant “occupies a strategic position in the quest of the government to fast-track the multi-faceted developmental strides of the State.”

The Ibom Power Plant located at Ikot Abasi, about 65 km from Uyo, the State capital, is adjacent to the Aluminium Smelter Company (ALSCON). The plant will generate 685 megawatts of power and is being implemented in two phases. Phase 1 will have a capacity of 191 MW while Phase 2 will be 505 MW.

The plant is to enhance power generation in the South-South region of Nigeria through the existing national grid and to provide much-needed uninterrupted power supply to existing and future industries in the State and in the region. The plant will be the catalyst for industrialization of the State. The project is driven by AKIIPOC, the State Investment arm has achieved the following:
 Power Purchase Agreement with Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN);

 Federal guaranty of payment with the Federal Ministry of Finance;

 Support Agreement with the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel.

 Negotiations on the Gas Supply Agreement have been concluded and agreements reached.

 Relevant Environmental Permits have been obtained. Already Federal Government has granted relevant licences to start generating power.

 Installation of power transmission lines from Ikot Abasi to Eket.

SECURITY

In a deliberate effort to tackle holistically the challenges of insecurity in the state, the State governor, Chief Godswill O. Akpabio, stated unequivocally at the commencement of his administration: “the enviable position we occupy as a safe state in the Niger Delta region must be maintained at all cost. This is the only way by which the much needed investors , with the multiplier effect of employment for our people, can be encouraged and sustained.”
Today, the Administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio has put in place measures to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

These measures can be summarized as follows:

- Formation of the joint security task force code named Aduma;

- Training seminars/ workshop for security personnel;

- Procurement of over 90 Hilux patrol vehicles for Aduma and the police for pre-emptive operations against violent crimes in the State;

- Equipping of security agencies with modern gadgets;

- Aggressive mobilization of traditional rulers in security of their domains.

- Provision of Armored Personnel Carriers and Support to Gun Boats operation in the coastal areas.

- Logistics support to security agencies ,especially the anti kidnapping squad

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INTER MINISTERIAL DIRECT LABOUR COORDINATING COMMITTEE

Since assumption of office by the present administration, the concept and strategy of rural development in Akwa Ibom State assumed a new dimension with the inauguration of Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, coordinated by the Ministry of Finance.

The committee was conceived as a clearing house for the expeditious implementation of identified rapid impact projects that could easily be felt by the rural people by adopting an implementation model that would be devoid of bureaucracy.

The interministerial direct labour option is fast becoming a replicable model for other states. As with his other policy strides, Governor Akpabio is employing this approach to rural development as a tool for translating his vision for Akwa Ibom into reality, which is the hallmark of true leadership.

The aim of the Committee is to improve the quality of life and standard of living of rural dwellers. This new approach to rural development is multi-sectoral, and comprises programme packages integrated and designed to be mutually re-enforcing in the achievement of rural transformation.
So far, the committee has completed over 1,600 out of the 3000 initiated. They include rehabilitation and construction of school blocks, health centres, mini water works, electrification, etc
The Judiciary:
The Judiciary is the third arm of government with the primary responsibility of rule adjudication and the dispensation of justice.

With the knowledge that an efficient state administration is precipitated on a harmonious relationship with all arms of government, Governor Godswill Akpabio had since assumption of office expressed his determination to work in tandem with the Judiciary.

Barely two months on assumption of office, Governor Godswill Akpabio extended his hands of fellowship to the state Judiciary by hosting the then Chief Judge, Justice E.O. U. Idiong in the Governors Office in a courtesy call.

Since then, it has been a trail blazing story in the state Judiciary with numerous achievements through the instrumentality of the state government.

The list of achievements includes:
• Swearing-in of the first female Chief Judge of the state, Justice Eno Otu rtd.
• Construction of an additional court hall at the Judiciary headquarters complex along Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo.
• Provision of different brands of vehicle to the Judiciary including a Toyota Hilux, Pilot cars, BMW 600series, Peugeot 406 and a Honda Accord.
• Swearing-in of 4 new Judges of the High Court including Justice Eno Isangedighi, Justice Pius Idiong, Justice Bassey Frank Etuk and Justice Ime Umanah.
• Presentation of brand new high brow vehicles to the new four Judges of the High Court.
• Swearing-in of 5 New Magistrates for magisterial districts of the state namely: Magistrate Princess Eme yo, Magistrate Nsikak Ibanga, Iwakowo B. Essien and Magistrate Margaret Ekpedoho.
• Swearing-in of 31 Customary Court Presidents and members for al the 31 LGAs of the state.
• Introduction of a new level of judicial structure in the state with the opening-up of the “Multi-door” Court in the state.
• Acquisition, equipping and staffing of an ultra modern office for the take-off of the “Multi-door” Court along Samuel Okon Peter Road (former NEPA Line) in Uyo.
• Inauguration of the Family Court in the state with branches in the local government areas, to fast track all litigations relating to the child.
• Commencement of sittings in the Family Courts in the state High Court as well as the Magistrate Court presided by Justice Eno Isangedighi and Chief Magistrate Edet Obot respectively with members drawn from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

These are some of the modest contributions of the present administration at giving the third arm of government a befitting face lift towards repositioning the State Judiciary for enhanced productivity.

Youth and Sports

The administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio has placed a high premium on sports as a tool for youth mobilization and development with the philosophy of catching them young. To this end, the administration has developed school sports by organizing football, track and field competitions in primary and secondary schools for the discovery of new talents in the various sports for future development.
To fast-track youth and sports development in the state, the administration had embarked on the renovation of Uyo sports stadium to provide facilities for adequate preparation of athletes for better outings at national and international competitions.
The administration has also concluded plans to construct a 30,000 capacity stadium and a comprehensive sports park. It would be a one stop sports arena with up-to-date sports facilities, outdoor and indoor facilities. We learnt that design and other preliminary work is on and it is expected to be delivered in 2011.
Already the investment of the Akpabio administration in sports development has yielded results. For instance, the state emerged tops at the Nigerian Sports Festival held in Kaduna, Kaduna state winning five gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze medals to bring its total medal haul to 26. The state also won medals in the National judo/cadet junior championship and won six medals just like it won medals in the NNPC/Mobil Track and Field championship.
Through the support of Governor Akpabio, Samuel Peter successfully defended his World Boxing title against Michael Jude at West Jude at West Germany, winning by a knock out in the fourth round on November 24, 2009. Also an amateur boxer from the state based in the USA, Mr Enobong Umoete defeated Sunny Ajent by a knock out in the second round in USA. To discover other future talents a talent hunt boxing championship has been regularly organized. Indeed for Governor Akpabio there ia a consensus that he is sports-loving Governor.

The State House of Assembly:
The present State House of Assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 2.35pm as the fourth State House of Assembly with Obong Engr. Ignatius Kevin Edet, as the Honourable Speaker of the House.
The inauguration of the House was precipitated on Governor Godswill Akpbio’s proclamation for the inauguration of House barely few weeks on assumption of office.

It is common knowledge that the legislature is the body empowered to make, amend or repeal laws necessary for the smooth running of the state or nation.

Knowing fully well the need for a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, Governor Godswill Akpabio had made bold to solicit understanding and mutual cordiality with the law makers to enable both arms of government face the challenges of fast tracking the development of the state.

In his inaugural speech, Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio had understood the necessity for the House of Assembly to work in conformity with the Executive to protect the nascent democracy and make the state a good referral in governance.

Within the period under reference, it has been a success story of harmonious relationship between the State Executive and the Legislature.
True to the Honourable Speaker’s acceptance speech tagged” My Dream”, Rt. Hon. Obong Engr Ignatius Edet has propelled the 26 law makers towards protecting democracy in the state for efficient delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

So far, the state House of Assembly has passed 20 bills into law. These include:
• Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2007
• Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Establishment Bill 2007
• Appropriation Bill 2008
• Public and Political Office Holders Remuneration (Amendment) Bill 2008
• Customary Court of Appeal Establishment Bill 2008
• Customary Court (Amendment) Bill 2008
• Rent Control and Recovery of Premises (Amendment) Bill 2008
• Contributory Pension Scheme Bill
• Agency for Maintenance of Roads, Bridges and other Infrastructure in the State Bill
• Local Government (Administration) Amendment Bill 2008
• Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2008
• Child Right Bill 2008
• Appropriation Bill 2009
• Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development Establishment
• State Joint Local Government Account Bill 2009
• Akwa Ibom State Internal Security and Enforcement Bill 2009
• Local Government (Administration) Amendment Bill 2009
• Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2009
• Akwa Ibom State University Bill 2009
• Appropriation Bill 2010

President’s Visit
President Goodluck Jonathan was in Akwa Ibom State on a two-day working visit from July 15 to 16, 2010. While in the state, President Jonathan commissioned and inspected several projects. Among the projects that the President inaugurated include the ultra-modern and state-of-the-art Governor’s Lodge built in a record 16 months, the first phase of the Ibom International Airport, Banking District road network, fly-overs 11 and 111 located on Atiku Abubakar Avenue, the 21 kilometer Ekid Itam – Idoro – Ekom Iman dual carriage way, phase 1. Other projects that were commissioned included: the 25 – kilometer Abak – Ikot Ekpene dual carriage way, the 56 – kilometer Afaha Obong – Etim Ekpo – Iwukem road, Etim Ekpo bridge, text books for free education, Use-Ikot Amama road the 12 – kilometer Top Faith road, the Police Secondary School, the Mobile Police base, Essien Udim, the Independent Power Project, Ikot Abasi, access road, among many others.
President Jonathan was so impressed with what he saw in Akwa Ibom that the day after his return to Abuja, he wrote on his facebook page: “I just returned from a working visit to Akwa Ibom state where I had the privilege of commissioning a number of projects executed by the Governor Akpabio administration including the Akwa Ibom International Airport and also a Book Project to boost the Free and Compulsory education programme of the State. This airport is a source of employment and will help generate income to the citizens and open up the state to other economic opportunities…As I said in Akwa Ibom 'Anybody who invests in children education is investing in their future and the future of the society'. I commend the initiatives of the Akwa Ibom State Government and lend the support of the Federal Government under my leadership to any state that wants to invest in its citizen’s future.”

The success story of Akwa Ibom State could not have been, without the able-leadership of the pragmatic governor Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio and the supportive role of members of the state Executive Council. They include:
• His Excellency Engr. Patrick Ekpotu -Deputy Governor
• Mr Umana Okon Umana -Secretary to the state Government.
• Elder (Mrs.) Grace Anwana -Head of the Civil Service
• 19 Commissioners
• 5 Special Advisers

Thank you for your kind attention, God bless.