Emmanuel flags off science park project — 12 years after its conception

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom state,  has flagged off the construction of a science and technology park in the state, 12 years after Victor Attah, a former governor of the state conceived the idea.

According to a statement issued by the state government, the facility, which will be called Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology park, is to be built by China Blue Sea International Holdings.

It will have a university of technology, vocational centre, a five star hotel, a hospital and power plant.

Performing the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, Emmanuel said the state has enormous business opportunities and called on interested foreign investors to open businesses in the state assuring them of a guaranteed conducive environment.

“We’ve created an environment for people to come in and invest, we are calling on other investors, other Chinese companies that are here, let them come we will collaborate we will make sure they invest in Akwa Ibom and reap returns on their investment,” he said.

He thanked Chen Xuewen, chairman China Blue Sea International Holdings, for collaborating with the state government, saying the park will be one of the best in Africa when completed.

“I want to thank Mr. Chen who had believed so much in our capacity, collaboration and what we can do together. Once this vision is realised which I believe God it will, the science park will be number one in Africa,” he said.

The governor assured Chu Mac Ming, consul-general of the Peoples Republic of China, of his administration’s readiness to ensure the completion of the science park, while calling on youths of the state to take advantage of the project to create wealth through their creativity.

Speaking at the occasion, Attah expressed delight over Emmanuel’s adoption and expansion of the project.

“I have come here because I feel really fulfilled and I have come to thank Governor Udom Emmanuel, not just because he has revived what I know is going to be a life transforming project, but because in so doing, he has brought an end to that era of destructive politicking whereby we turn our backs on the projects of our predecessors. That for me is a landmark lesson for Akwa Ibom people to learn, particularly those who are seeking office,” Attah said.