Akwa Ibom At 39: UNN alumni celebrate state’s peace, development, call for unity

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Alumni Association, Uyo Branch, has congratulated the people and government of Akwa Ibom State on the 39th anniversary of the state’s creation, describing the state’s journey since 1987 as one marked by resilience, sacrifice and development.

Akwa Ibom State was created on 23 September 1987 from the then-Cross River State by the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida. The creation followed decades of agitation by the people of the area for a separate state.

The Akwa Ibom State Government says the anniversary is being marked with the commissioning of 39 projects across the state, covering sectors including roads, healthcare, education, aviation and tourism. The commissioning programme runs through September, with some of the projects already unveiled.

In a goodwill message on Wednesday, signed by its Branch President, Etefia Ekanem, and Secretary, Imo Abiaran, the alumni association said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices of the state’s founding generation and the contributions of successive leaders.

The branch president, Mr Ekanem, is a professor of law at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“We celebrate our dear Akwa Ibom State as she turns 39 today. We celebrate our remarkable journey, our collective victory on many battlefronts, the sacrifices of our forebears and leaders, and our uniqueness as a people created by God for greatness,” the association said.

The association described Akwa Ibom as a “blessed people,” citing what it described as the prevailing peace and security in the oil-rich state.

It commended Governor Umo Eno, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for the peace and security in the state.

The association said the security situation had made it possible for residents and visitors to move around the state without fear of kidnapping or attacks by violent criminals.

It also praised the resilience and enterprising spirit of the Akwa Ibom people, as well as what it described as the warmth and communal bonds among residents.

Alumni in Eno’s administration

The alumni association expressed pride in the number of its members serving in Mr Eno’s administration.

It listed Director General of Government Business, Assam Assam, SAN; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Eno Ibanga; and Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Offiong Samuel Offor.

The association said the recognition extended to other alumni serving at different levels in the administration, to those who served in previous administrations, and to members of the association working in the private sector.

Call for unity

Since its creation in 1987, Akwa Ibom has been governed by military administrators as well as civilian governors.

The state’s first civilian governor was Akpan Isemin, who served from 1992 until the military takeover in 1993. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, four elected governors have led the state: Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio, Udom Emmanuel and the incumbent, Mr Eno.

As part of its anniversary message, the University of Nigeria Alumni Association called on Akwa Ibom people to renew their commitment to peace and unity.

“Let us continue to build an Akwa Ibom State that future generations will be proud of,” the association said.

It concluded by wishing the people of the state a happy 39th anniversary and praying for continued progress and development.