Governor Udom Emmanuel has asked for help from the United Nations in order for Akwa Ibom state to catch up on the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) which seek to make society a better place.
The 54-year-old gave assurances that any support given to the state will be well utilised and accounted for.
He further urged the UN to add its voice to the call for the institutionalisation of democracy in the Nigerian government through the passage of the pending Electoral Bill by the National Assembly and subsequent executive assent.
“We have heard of your benevolence in many other countries and states,” the governor noted. “Anyway, anyhow you can help us, we are honestly looking up to it. Whatever support given to us will be well utilized and accounted for.”
He also called for appropriate documentation of the state’s historic sites, such as the Amalgamation House and the Bridge of no Return in Ikot Abasi, through the UN Cultural organisation, the UNESCO, as unique areas of cultural heritage.
This, he said, will give the state a remarkable head start for the post-COVID economy in the area of tourism.
“COVID-19 came as a virus but did not touch our climate, vegetation and abundant natural resources, so we still have a whole lot to bounce back as a people and still sustain our generosity to the country after the COVID pandemic,” he added.
The governor spoke when the UN delegation – led by Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon – paid a courtesy visit on him at Government House, Uyo.
Governor Emmanuel was commended by the UN for aligning with the organisation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in his development projects and investments for the people of Akwa Ibom.
The commendation, UN SDGs Champion laurel, was handed down by Mr Kallon, Friday, June 18, who applauded Governor Emmanuel’s performance in the development of infrastructure, industrialisation and economic transformation in the State, declaring him Champion of the UN SDGs.
Governor Emmanuel expressed appreciation to the world’s foremost organisation for acknowledging the efforts of his government.
Earlier, Mr Kallon said the aim of their visit was to partner with Akwa Ibom State to promote dialogue against conflict and further address the impact of COVID-19 in the region and share ideas to enhance response to the pandemic.
He noted that the team visited the Bridge of No Return, used as channel of slave trade, the Amalgamation House where the proclamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates as one, took place in 1914 and other notable places in the state, describing them as worth sustaining as natural heritage.
“I want to commend you and your government for what I see and for what I am calling a visionary leadership with horizons,” Kallon said. “I see you and your team create wealth by enhancing the economic and political inclusion, constructive move to alleviate poverty in Akwa Ibom and the interesting aspect is the consolidation and expansion of the infrastructure and job creation for your people.”
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