VP Osinbajo Attends Celebration of Akwa Ibom’s 30th Anniversary on 23/09/2017

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Video Transcript

This is a state with a great history of progressive political activism. It was on this soil that the Ibibio Union was formed which fought from 1953 for the creation first, of the core states and in 1987 Akwa Ibom state.

You have carried on this great tradition of patriotism and development by ensuring progress has been made. We are in this spectacular stadium, the vision of the immediate past Governor Godswill Akpabio.

Building on that, today I have commissioned three projects; a syringe factory, a meter production factory and a state-of-the-art general hospital built by his Excellency Governor, Udom Emmanuel. The latter must be greater than the former and I pray for you all in this state, that your latter days will be greater than the former, and that you will see progress daily.

President Buhari has consistently emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership for development between the Federal Government and Akwa Ibom state. And this is the reason the Federal Government has awarded the contract for the dualization of Odukpani – Itu (Spur Ididep Itam) – Ikot Ekpene Federal highway covering parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states in the sum of N54 Billion Naira.  Also provision has been made in the budget of the Nigerian Ports Authority to support the state in the development of the Ibom deep seaport at Ibaka. This I believe is an important innovation of the present government and the Federal Government will support financially and any other way

We must not however, take for granted the steady progress of our economic growth and social stability.  Peace is the foundation of enduring prosperity, and for peace to reign everywhere in Nigeria, we must all, government and people, make the necessary sacrifices.

We are in a situation where we must take seriously the admonition to “love our neighbours” as ourselves. Whatever complaints we might have, must not be an excuse for subverting the social order.

The Buhari government is prepared to engage and listen patiently to all sections of the country and act in the best interests of our nation and its people. But you and I, as individuals also have a major role to play.

Citizens everywhere should never sit idly when misguided elements in our midst recklessly destroy, the common bonds and relationships built across tribe and tongues for decades! It is our duty to speak up and convey the message of peace and reconciliation – a message which is common to all cultures and religions in Nigeria.