Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has sought stronger economic and technological cooperation with South Korea, urging the country to explore investment opportunities in the state’s technology, agriculture and blue economy sectors.
Governor Eno made the call in Uyo during a special lecture delivered by the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-An, at the University of Uyo.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor said Akwa Ibom’s vast economic potential, human capital and natural resources positioned the state to play a significant role in expanding the existing economic relationship between Nigeria and South Korea.
He noted that bilateral trade between both countries, estimated at more than $2.1 billion, could increase through the active participation of Akwa Ibom.
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“Our State can benefit from the well-known South Korean technology, manufacturing prowess and first-rate products,” Eno said, urging the Ambassador to give serious consideration to the investment opportunities available in Akwa Ibom.
He described the focus of the lecture as timely and relevant to his administration’s development agenda, stressing that Artificial Intelligence was rapidly transforming the global economy and that young people must be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the digital age.
The governor said the Youth Development Centres established across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state were designed to equip young people with digital, entrepreneurial and vocational skills to foster innovation, job creation, employability and economic empowerment.
On agriculture, Eno described the sector as a major pillar of the ARISE Agenda, citing the establishment of model farms, incentives for farmers and the recently launched Tree Crop Revolution as key interventions by his administration towards food sufficiency.
Transform the state
He expressed confidence that the tree crop revolution would position Akwa Ibom as a major player in the oil palm value chain and ultimately transform the state into a net exporter of palm oil.
On the blue economy, the governor highlighted Akwa Ibom’s approximate 129-kilometre coastline, numerous rivers and other water bodies, as well as its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, as strategic advantages for investment.
He said the multi-billion naira maritime hub project at Oron Beach, provision of gunboats to security agencies and other government interventions were deliberate efforts to unlock the state’s maritime potential, create jobs, strengthen security and attract investment.
Eno commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Ekong, and the university management for creating the platform for the South Korean envoy to share knowledge and perspectives on issues of global relevance.
The governor, ann alumnus of the university, said the institution played a significant role in his intellectual grooming and leadership development, assuring it of the state government’s continued support in producing quality human capital.
He described the Ambassador’s visit as strategic, expressing optimism that it would open a new chapter of stronger economic, technological and institutional cooperation between South Korea, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
Presenting his special lecture, Ambassador Jeong Yo-An stressed the importance of strong institutions and human capital in driving sustainable national development.
He said South Korea’s transformation from poverty to prosperity was anchored on diligence, self-help and cooperation, encapsulated in the country’s development movement known as “Saemaul Undong.”
The Ambassador said the people remained the greatest resource of any nation, urging Nigerians to rise above current challenges by embracing the values that helped South Korea achieve its remarkable development.
“The real resources are people, strong institutions and patience. The story of the next 50 years is yours to write, and South Korea will help you to write.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Christopher Ekong, commended the Governor Umo Eno-led administration for prioritising the development of Akwa Ibom State and supporting the University of Uyo.
Ekong also appreciated the South Korean Ambassador and government for their growing interest in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, and appealed for deeper collaboration with the university in Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, particularly through the establishment and upgrading of ICT centres and other digital infrastructure.
He further called for skills acquisition centres equipped with modern facilities and supported with the necessary technical expertise, as well as greater collaboration in the development of smart agriculture.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Muiz Banire, and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere, separately called for deeper collaboration between South Korea, the University of Uyo and Akwa Ibom State.
The event featured the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Ambassador Jeong Yo-An by the University of Uyo.
