SibaKeAkwaibom: Akwa Ibom: The Making of An African Dubai
Akwa Ibom State under the Udom Emmanuel adminstration is gradually becoming a destination for investors and entrepreneurs owing to the huge development in agro sector, establishment of industries, economic/ business-friendly policies of the government and good road network.
And as a show of support and solidarity to the result-oriented administration of Governor Emmanuel, the Federal Government recently gave approval to the business case of Ibom Deep Seaport project, which has received much attention from this present administration.This approval is coming on the heels of the vigorous push by the Udom Emmanuel led administration for the actualization of this long awaited vision. It will be recalled that previous administrations since 1999 have made several attempts at kick starting the seaport, without success.
The huge attention given to the project by the present administration is necessitated by the myriad of benefits the project will bring to the state and Nigeria in general, on Completion.
The Ibom deep seaport has been described by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development, Akan Okon as a project that will be of immense value to Nigeria, in terms of employment generation, increase in port capacity, and also improve efficiency in shipping business.
He explained that the deep seaport, which is designed for very large vessels that can load over 13,000 containers in one voyage, will also serve as a trans-shipment port as smaller vessels will be used to lighter cargoes from the mega vessels to seaports, and river ports closer to the consignee’s within and outside Nigeria.
Akwa Ibom State is becoming the Dubai of Nigeria, and has seen tremendous increase in population as a result of the safety and government-investor friendly disposition enjoyed in the state.
From a small fishing village, Dubai has become the heartbeat of business.Today, Dubai is a city of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, where big business takes place alongside sun-seeking tourism. Because of its large expatriate population, it feels like a Middle Eastern melting pot, and the atmosphere is generally tolerant, noted a public affairs commentator, Eric George.
The same can be said of America. The modern American economy traces its roots to the quest of European settlers for economic gain in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The New World then progressed from a marginally successful colonial economy to a small, independent farming economy and, eventually, to a highly complex industrial economy.
This is what Akwa Ibom State under Governor Emmanuel is evolving into. The industrial revolution he has brought to the state, and in most cases through the relationship he built during his years in the banking sector is what is strategically positioning and expanding our economy, on the same path that Dubai and the US started their journey from.
One may mock this assertion when a comparison between what is happening now in the US and Dubai, and what we have today in Akwa Ibom is made. We may not have been there now, but truly, we are on our shortest route to greater economic glories.
Rome was not built in a day. Today's Dubai is not a year's plan. Infact, it was a 20- year plan, and it took more than 20 years for them to get to where they are today.
Governor Emmanuel has already positioned Akwa Ibom on a good standpoint, and by 2050, history will speak loud of this noble economic foundation led by Gov. Emmanuel.
There's no greater glory that a leader would leave behind, than to leave a generational legacy of self independence, economic renaissance, entrepreneural development and mental reorientation.
With the huge backing of the Federal Government towards the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport, Governor Udom Emmanuel will soon layout a full scale implementation plan for both the Deepsea port and the Liberty Oil and Gas free Zone, also recently approved for commencement, observed the Information and Strategy Commissioner, Ini Ememobong.
Indeed, these are best times to live as Akwa Ibomites. In our time, an economic roadmap for the Akwa Ibom of our dream is laid, through the able hand of our dear visionary leader, Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Rev'd Richard Peters writes from Uyo
Why showing us picture of sea ports. Show us infrastructures replicating DUBAI.
I know of 10 (names) men in this country that this death would befall and 90% of the masses will be in jubilation and this country would reset to near default.
I know in your mind u are already making up the 10 names.
The names you have made-up in ur mind is the same here.
Alfarisiey: Indeed, even the recent #Endsars protest was set up just to cripple the security strength so they can carry on their terrorism as result of disbanding sars many states that were able to peaceful life turn to abduction units and no one is relating that to the disbandment of Sars
What a people, they do things without forecasting what it'll lead to. That's why I always say youth lack the cognitive capacity to leadership because all they think about is today without thinking what it'll cause tomorrow we must strike a balance in our thoughts
Have you not been hearing testimonies of those tortured by SARS in the the ongoing judicial panels Have u not heard of Awkuzu youths killed and thrown into Awkuzu river by Awkuzu SARS. Without END SARS protest how would the entire world know of such gross impunity.
1: Hold the scene writer and ochestrator of the drama ''kankara school boys'' accountable for the poorly written script there by causing tension in the land. 2: Hold the northern governor accused of promoting banditry in the north accountable and prosecuting him. 3: Hold Buharyy accountable for not sacking all the service chiefs before now.
4: URGE THE PRESIDENCY TO APPLY THIS SWIFTNESS IN RELEASE OF LEAH SHARIBU BEING THE ONLY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRL STILL UNDER CUSTODY OF BOKO-HARAM.
Anybody who survived this 2020 and stayed alive after 2023 should go for special Thanksgiving.
Going out from the house and coming back alive in this country remains by the grace of God.
Who said that this abduction/release is not a SCAM
BIGPREEQ: First of all aren't they supposed to be on Uniform Or did the kidnappers provide clothes for all of them?? This whole kidnap saga is beginning to look like a scam to me
Don't you know it is a scam before Poorly written & orchestrated script. --Science students indeed. --No uniform --The one called to address public amongst all couldn't speak English. -- How many trucks could abduct 333 male children from the hostel in the night & no vigilante or security personnel on the road.
We are doomed indeed & we still have more than 2 yrs to go. Even going out from your house & coming back in this country is by the grace of God.
Arranged abduction!!! That's why he never talked and he waited for his own time to play his script. He was calm & visiting his cows while one of the service chiefs was busy with his reptiles farm and you thought they never knew how the whole drama would play out.
ziondaughter247: Nairaland men and their usual inferiority complex rant! So because you brought your wife over, did you bring her to heaven! Many of you useless men dish out a lot of shit to your Nigerian wives, half of these you can't even try with with foreign women! Honestly it is saddening to read this these kind of useless rants everyday. Travelling abroad is no biggie nowadays! You are not doing anyone a favour, if you want to marry from over there do so and stop insulting Nigerian women. Many of you obviously came from disfunctional homes where your father beat and was controlling your mothers.
I am so glad at the way you #AlphaApes go to jail abroad! Yes, you think you can take your uselessness from Nigeria to developed countries. they will just treat your fuckup! In all the countries(western) countries that are doing so well which you #AlphaApes are running to, have gender equality. In some of them, the women are even the presidents/prime ministers. But checkout retarded and backward Africa and Middle east, the useless men have nothing to offer except shouting respect, submission etc. The average Nigerian woman is really sick and tired of you apes. You have lost respect and relevance the world over, hence the regular rantings on nairaland. I can assure you that most of these AlphaApes cleaning toilets abroad that came home to marry women, did so because they are looking for who to bully and subdue. They take the poor lady abroad and start mistreating her, because they feel that they own her and they did a big deal bringing her over. Any lady that wants to relocate and still believes that she needs and AlphaApe to do it for her is a nicoompoop. There are serveral countries one can relocate to now and it's as simple as ABC, you can do it yourself. Lol. Gone are the days when travelling abroad was such a big deal. As long as you take your useless behaviour outside, they will keep treating your Bleep up and throwing you in jail. Bunch of nothings! Empty vessels.
Someone (Male folk) must have treated this Ziondaughter bad in the past.
Can this woman be appointed chairman of a customary court on marital issues
JovialJune: What are you saying and what is the thread about?
A traditional man wants a stay at home wife because he likes it that way, and his authority cannot be questioned which is fine with the wife
A working class wife here is expected to submit and abide by the rules of her husband regardless of equal financial responsibility they both provide, and most times, she has no choice but to follow suit, because well, this is Nigeria
Now, in the abroad
A husband who brings his wife over there and sponsors her education and whatnot, still expects the wife to obey and abide by his rules regardless of her bringing 90% of her income, when she doesnt comply, issues start to happen whereby the husband will question himself as the man of the house, wife decides to use the law to her advantage, she realises she doesnt have to continuously be married to him hence divorce, he flips and becomes vengeful by killing her, or loses everything to her, becomes depressed and kills himself
Now, what is the root cause of the problem? The root cause is the inability of a typical naija man to tame his domineering persona cos he feels since he brought his wife over, therefore he owns her, their law doesnt give fvck about that, in other to be safe than sorry, why not see her as an equal, do things like equal human beings and live peacefully, surely it shouldn't be that hard,
Pls focus on what the thread is about next time, I like intelligent debate.
My wife persuaded me over the years so we can relocate to USA with our kids. I trained her before we got married.
How comes till now none of his family members (Wife,Children) have sent him happy birthday wishes Only politicians!!! What most Nigerians have been arguing about is opening up & making sense now.
ebukajay184: Kidnappings: "Someday Soon It Would Be #BringBackOurParents" - Sowore
Activist, Omoyele Sowore has again stressed the need for an urgent revolution in Nigeria in order to stop the ugly trend of "BringBacks" in the country, IgbereTV reports.
Sowore stated that Nigerian leaders have made Nigerians always begging for something to "bring back".
He said, "with these failed leaders there is bound to be mass kidnappings."
Sowore warned that after #BringBackOurGirls and #BringBackOurBoys, it would soon be #BringBackOurParents, #BringBackOurMothers.
Anoymus: I have a girlfriend I am meaning to propose to during the festive period, she's everything I want in a woman except few exception which might be a hindrance to the proposal. Gist is, my babe is a graduate but lack of work made her to learn fashion designing, she's done with the training and she's very good with what she does.
After marriage, I have told her that I'll assist in her business, I'm planning to get a bigger shop space for her and equip it with modern day machines, tools and tailoring materials goods to help make her work lucrative. I'm budgeting about 1.2-1.5m for this.
The issue now is that, 3 days ago, I asked her what her role would be if eventually after marriage she gets the shop, equipments and all, where she would come in in terms of responsibilities in the house. Her reply was she doesn't want to assume any responsibility and that it's my duty to cater for the family and she can only help & I shouldn't make anything compulsory for her. So many thoughts came through my mind. One of it was that, where the proceeds of her investment would be going to if I should shoulder all the responsibilities in the house knowing fully well that she makes money.
I rang my mum and told her of her response, I was shocked that she backed her saying that I shouldn't have asked her to foot anything in the house that it was my sole responsibility as a man to cater for my family my wife inclusive. My dad too, same thing. Even told my gf mum about it too , she giggled and said I shouldn't have asked her n that it's my duty to provide for my family. They all sounded foreign to me. Or am I the one not understanding?
My question now is, why invest that kind of money in her when I'm not sure of getting little or nothing in terms in return help to run the family. That sum of money could get me 4 brand new bikes and 2 neatly used Keke Napep for transportation business. I'm sure I'll be getting returns from these investment weekly or monthly basis.
I don't want who wouldn't have any sense of responsibility at home after investing in her, even if she's covering 10% or 5% I wouldn't mind. Mere helping doesn't go down well with me, she might have and decide not to give out. I rather not invest at all and expect nothing from her.
I don't know if I'm the one over thinking this things or my parent and her mum aren't seeing things from my perspective or am I being inconsiderate?
Criticism, Insults and bashing are welcomed. Thanks
My friend please go ahead and marry her based on below points & Solution followed. 1: You have checked her attributes and testified she has everything you need in a woman. 2: You really loved her and believed she would make u a happy man as a husband and giving you a good home which is the most important. 3: You are right and lucky to have asked her and at least you have known how far she can go with you. 4: Your mother is right making you know that you remain the man and should keep your head afloat as the bread winner with voluntary contributions from your wife. That will be her stand if such problems occur in the future and the matter brought to her table. 5: U CAN NEVER FIND A PERFECT WOMAN FOR MARRIAGE so put #1 here into consideration.
SOLUTION:
1: Open up a business for her just for her going out and coming back therefore keeping her busy since idle mind is devil workshop as it is said. 2: The amount to invest should now depend on what you can afford to ignore. 3: Let her solve some of her little problems & even helping her family members from the proceeds. WITH THIS SHE STILL CONTRIBUTES IN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. 4: Find a way of having more sources of legitimate incomes to remain afloat financially knowing the woman you have as a wife. 5: Apply wisdom next time you want to discuss anything that concerns money with her but don't punish her for this as she is just human.
Pray and ask God to guide you further.
I have never seen a man that have graduated from this institution called MARRIAGE.
presidency: Ask for a President beleaguered from all sides, and I’ll show you Muhammadu Buhari, the ramrod straight man from Daura, in Katsina State, who turns 78 today.
In the build up to the 2015 presidential election, we used to say everything had been thrown at him as projectiles, except the kitchen sink. Permit me to update that expression. Today, everything possible has been thrown at President Buhari, including the kitchen sink. Anything. Everything. Fake news. Hate speech. Lies. False propaganda. Evil thoughts. Malediction. Odium. Opprobrium. Ogbunigwe. Ogulutu.Surface to air missiles. All offensive weapons. But the man trudges on. Calmly, sedately, peacefully.
If only more Nigerians knew this President. If only they knew the essential Buhari, the quintessential patriot and gentleman, they would behave differently, handle him with more care, and show him more kindness. Yes, everyone needs kindness, even Presidents.
Remember that song by Mary Mc Kee and The Genesis? You’ve got to try a little kindness Yes, show a little kindness Just shine your light for everyone to see And if you try a little kindness Then you’ll overlook the blindness Of narrow-minded people, on narrow-minded streets.
Too many people have chosen to believe the wrong things about President Buhari, and have ossified their minds against the truth. But then, those of us who have had the privilege to work with him, studied and known him at close quarters, have a duty to tell what we have seen. And what better day to do it, than on his birthday.
Oh, he eats from the President. What else would he say than to sing his praises. True? False. If need be, I will serve this President for free. I consider it a great privilege to serve a man I admire. Even gratis.
Somebody commented that a blitzkrieg has been launched against Buhari and the government he leads, from all quarters. Some elements in the media, human rights groups, so-called activists, NGOs, Boko Haram, ISWAP, all at once. But is Buhari the loser? Not at all. It’s the country that ultimately loses, just as Eric Donaldson sang in ‘Little Did You Know:’ You think that you are hurting me But little did you know you are only hurting yourself Little did you know you are only hurting yourself.
In about two years and five months, with God being merciful as He always is, President Buhari will land safely, and retire to Daura for a well-deserved retirement at 80. And if those engineering distraction against his government continue, it is the country that would have lost. A great deal.
What are the things some people hurl against the President, which shows that they don’t know him at all?
He’s a religious bigot. Really? I’ve not seen a scintilla of evidence in the past five years. Every Christmas and Easter holiday, he calls those of us who are Christians, working with him, and asks us to stay off work, and enjoy the season with our families. That’s not the way of bigots, who would never acknowledge any religion, except their own.
As a military commander, history has it that Buhari would always give soldiers working under him time to go for worship on Sunday mornings, just as he did to the Muslims on Fridays. Yet, bigot, bigot, some people continue to shout.
He’s a Fulani, he rears cows, and all Fulani herdsmen are criminals, that’s why he tolerates them. Really? Some people even say all Fulani are herdsmen, whether they see them with cattle or not. Truth is; every ethnic stock has its deviants, its criminal elements. You can’t just demonize all Fulani, simply because you want to excoriate the President. Did he choose to be born Fulani? Did I choose to be born Yoruba, and did the Ishan, Idoma or Ijaw man choose the ethnic stock he wanted to be born into? It’s a biological accident. You have nothing to do with it. A man then doesn’t go repudiating where he comes from, simply because some people have decided to tar his people with the brush of infamy.
He’s nepotistic. A common refrain, but non-scientific. About three years ago, we did a scientific exercise. We chronicled all the appointments made by the President since 2015, and allocated them to states and regions. The result showed that the Southwest had the largest share. Followed by Imo and Kano states. Then Edo and Katsina. And on and on. But the naysayers ignored facts and figures, and stuck to their false narratives. Nepotism.
One day, the President had given me an appointment to announce in the early days of the administration. By then, some people had started talking of northernisation agenda. So I said, “Mr President, this is the murmur we hear. Why don’t you consider giving this position to another part of the country?”
He looked at me calmly, smiled, and said: “If a search has been conducted for a position, and someone has been thrown up as the best candidate. And I then bypass him because of where he comes from, or because of his religion, haven’t I been unfair to that person?”
Food for thought, indeed.
This is Jubril from Sudan and not Muhammadu Buhari, who had died during the medical vacation in 2017, some people say. You have a clone in Aso Villa, not Buhari. Idiocy, sadly believed by even some intellectuals.
Let me tell you a story. On the day the President finally returned to the country in August 2017, after months of absence, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin, was giving out his daughter in marriage. I had attended the church service, decked unusually in complete Agbada, with cap to match. From the wedding, I went straight to the airport to join the reception party.
We formed a welcome line, as we usually do. And as the President shook each person, he had one wisecrack or the other to say. When he got to me, he took my hand and said: “Adesina, this is the best I’ve seen you dressed.” We both laughed heartily, and the television cameras captured it. I remember that many people asked me later what had tickled me and the President, that we laughed so uproariously.
Jubril from Sudan? Would he know my name as Adesina? Would he know I rarely wear Agbada? How ridiculous can some people be?
Another story. The journalist Lindsay Barret had been a long time friend of the President. One day, he sent me to give his greetings. When I did, the President said: “Lindsay Barret. I remember meeting him at the war front in 1968. He was covering the war. There was a day he was almost killed in an ambush, and he then described himself as a ‘devout coward,’ who was lucky to be alive.”
Jubril of Sudan? And he remembers Barret, whom he met at the warfront in 1968? Tell it to the marines.
Ask me for a loyal man, who never forgets a good turn, and I’ll show you Muhammadu Buhari. Among the last class of Ambassadors, he had personally picked Justice George Oguntade, who was sent to United Kingdom, and Justice Sylvester Nsofor, who he deployed to America. The latter died only last week, aged 85.
How did the two men gain the favour, loyalty and respect of the President? In his many legal battles after disputed election results in 2003, and 2007, they had given dissenting judgements at both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, nullifying the election results, saying Candidate Buhari had been cheated. The man never forgot, and sought them out in due time. The same also happened to some of us working with him today.
A kind man. I have lots of stories to tell, but let me restrict myself to a few. In December 2015, I had lost my elder sister, a Professor of Dramatic Arts, in an auto crash. While I was crying like a wailing wailer, who was on the phone, consoling and condoling with me? Muhammadu Buhari.
And before he became President, when my mother passed on in 2013, and we had a commendation service for her in Lagos, who flew in all the way from Kaduna to attend? Muhammadu Buhari. He sat through the Christian service. Yet, they say he’s a bigot. I hear. Bigot from Sudan.
And in January 2017, I was to receive the traditional title of Nwanne di Namba of Mmaku Kingdom, in Enugu State. Courtesy demanded I tell the President. This man, who prides himself as ‘very stingy’ gave me a handsome amount of money to ferry my friends and family to the ceremony. How much? I won’t tell you, lest you ask for a belated share.
And in May 2018, I was billed for China for a 12 days course for senior government officials from Africa. He said when the journey was two days away, I should come to see him. I did. You know what he said? “Adesina, I know that you don’t have money. But you are too shy to ask.” We both laughed, and he gave me an envelope which contained foreign currency. How much? You think I’ll tell you? For where?
This President is a patriot. He loves this country dearly. A man of personal discipline. Single minded about the infrastructural development of the country. And he’s succeeding at it. I have loads of stories to tell to justify each virtue. But time and space won’t permit.
However, let me tell this final one, as told to me by a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army.
He said he was a Major at the Second Mechanized Division, Ibadan, when the then Major General was posted there in early 1983, as General Officer Commanding.
There was a cocktail reception, billed for 8 pm. Fifteen minutes to the time, the new GOC walked briskly in. Only a sprinkle of officers had arrived. He moved round the venue, surveying the place, and at the dot of 8 pm, with the hall still scanty, he went to the gate, and directed the sergeant-major on duty to lock the inner one firmly, admitting nobody. Nobody. Yes sir! The GOC went back inside, held the cocktail with the few officers available. Event over, he went back to the gate, to see the battery of latecomer officers huddled there. He surveyed them, and then instructed: All of you, see me in the office tomorrow by 8 am. Yes sir! The GOC walked briskly away. And you know what? As early as 6 am next day, most of the officers had reported in his office. Once bitten, twice shy.
At 78, the President still scrupulously respects time. Do they make them like this anymore? Doubtful.
Yet, many people are plotting, and engineering all sorts of artifices, to ensure Buhari does not succeed. Who loses? The country!
There is this classic Yoruba film, Saworoide, which I watched years back. Adebayo Faleti, who wrote and starred in the film, looked at the stratagems and underhand dealings of man. And he sang, rather philosophically: Koi ye won, yio ye won lola.
Translated freely, it means: They don’t understand today. They’ll understand tomorrow.
It’s better for a lot more cynical Nigerians to understand this President today, rather than tomorrow, for the good of the country. That would be the best birthday gift they can give him.
*Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity
FEMMI! I know him.
He is a man that see his cows as first class citizens.
He is a man majority of the populace still doubt if he is the same person they voted for.
Eriggs: DJ Witch , we are waiting for another set of lies to back up your previous lies. Nigerians are still waiting for the pictures and names of 78 youths that were 'massacred' by your village gods. Idiotic specie.
No kind d idiotic witch. All the innocent people she caused to die and all the private businesses she caused the owners to cry will be on her head and the bastards sponsoring her.
U are the most idiotic person. I am sure you are benefiting from this evil government.
The only lasting solution to force that man to resign and all the service chiefs replaced. We need a man with the heart of IDIAGBON to cleanse this country. TOTAL CLEANSING is what this country need to reset to default.
I know they will not push for his resignation b'cos his next in command being a Southerner will constitutionally take over.
Iegendhero: Ishaq Akintola is far better than the IPOB terrorists that blew up church in Rivers.
Rest assured that Prof. Ishaq is only standing up for Muslims just like CAN always do and I’m sure the Prof. himself won’t love to end his life unjustly by indulging in terrorism.
Prof. Ishaq even value life more than you!
Ask Wiked man if IPOB actually attempted burning any church. That's why he never commented as d secrets unfolded. You decided to believe what you were told.
galaxylauncher: Police officer captured on camera while controlling traffic in a dramatic way at Stadium road Port Harcourt. Motorists were equally happy with the way and manner he was doing his job with happiness. Some motorists were seen dashing him money.
1: Do you worship in the pastor's church with your girlfriend? 2: Is the pastor aware that she is your girlfriend. 3: Is the said pastor married?
If NO is the answers to the 3 questions then you don't blame the pastor but your girlfriend because you don't know if she is a girlfriend also to the pastor before now.
Anyway some pastors can sweet tongue even married women in their congregation to bed.
WHY DID U NOT TAKE PICTURE OR VIDEO OF WHAT U SAW AS EVIDENCE. Even better if u had made the pictures or video public if that would satisfy your conscience then work away than burning them alive.
The reverend that a bishop bleeped his wife in EKITI STATE did not burn the wife or the bishop but he made it public and the bishop (Rufus Victor Adepoju) was suspended for 1 year via a letter dated December 11, 2020 signed by Primate of the Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba.
That opening in between women leg has taken most men to (Death) journey of no return and the ones alive still putting head.
Sponsors of the abductors hands are on this TRUST ME, otherwise how did the hoodlooms know meeting of such is being held and in that venue So no security in or within the environment that could apprehend the hoodlooms
You see why I believe that North is problem to themselves.
1: Till date government claimed they have traced the location. 2: How are the children of such magnitude being fed daily?
Politicians are the main THIEVES in this country & so unfortunate that our military have ..........
Reps should blame themselves first for not pushing harder until all service chiefs were sacked before now. Most of them benefits from these insurgencies. Deadly politics!!!
Politics › Re: Akwa Ibom: The Making Of An African Dubai by annyz: 3:49pm On Dec 18, 2020
