Home, in search Of the Truth

By

Obong Akpaekong

Monday, May 10, 2004

Lagos-based journalists of Akwa Ibom State origin go home to verify claims of performance by the State governor

The Akwa Ibom State government, had the opportunity to react to critics recently when it invited journalists of Akwa Ibom State origin based in Lagos to the state for a two-day tour of its projects. The tour lasted between April 23 and 24.

One of the projects the journalists visited in the state was the five-star hotel at Ifiayong Usuk, along Nwaniba road. The hotel, seen by many as a uniquely gigantic ultra modern complex, is being built through a three billion naira facility agreement with the Union Homes Savings and Loans Limited. The hotel has anxillary facilities including an 18-hole Golf course of international standard and a marine area which will add to the scenic beauty of the area and provide enough relaxation environment to tourists. The hotel, said to be very close to Governor Victor Attah's heart, has reached advanced stage of completion. It will be managed by the Le Meridien Group. The journalists also visited the redesigned Uyo roundabout now christened "Ibom Plaza." The Plaza is part of the government's programme of urban renewal. Since its commissioning early last year, the plaza has been a major relaxation spot for youths in the state. The plaza also has a market section.

When the journalists visited, a lot of the young people were seen watching the DSTV from the Digital Biode Screen installed by the state government in the plaza's amphitheatre. Others were also seen taking photographs or drinking with their friends. The plaza was also designed to decongest the Uyo City centre.

Some of Attah's agricultural projects also attracted the journalists. Among them were the eight-hectare rice and plantain plantations at Ikot Ebidang in Onna, Eket. It is a joint project between the government, Midland Rice of United States of America and Mobil Producing Nigeria. The project has an initial investment of $12 million and has farms in Ituk Mbang in Uruan and Okobo, in Okobo local government areas of the state. According to Jerry Bogard, chief executive officer of the Akwa Ibom Rice company, the farm is expected to produce 10 tons of rice per hectare for local consumption and export purposes as well as provide training opportunities for some 10,000 youths on modern rice cultivation.

The journalists also visited some of the road projects in the state. They include Nwaniba and Oron roads which are being rehabilitated and dualised. A N14 billion contract for the rehabilitation of the roads including Uyo-Abak and Uyo-Etinam roads was said to have been awarded by the state government recently. The government also awarded a N4 million contract for flood control within the Uyo capital city. The Attah administration is also constructing 50 units of houses in each local government of the state. The project is being funded from the oil derivation proceeds of the state. The journalists inspected the 50 units of houses in Uruan local government. They also visited the 378 units of houses the government was building in collaboration with the Shelter Afrique in Idiabong area of Uyo.

The State government rehabilitated 20 general hospitals in five years and approved establishment of 12 new ones. Three of such hospitals have been completed. One of the state's newly completed hospital projects located at Amamong was also visited by the journalists. Ise Akpaso, chief press secretary to Governor Attah who conducted the journalists round the project sites, said most of the projects were done in the first two years of the administration before the federal government's cut on the revenue of the state after the resource control judgement.