Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has performed the foundation laying of a science and technology park in Uyo, the state capital.
The proposed park is known as Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park, to be funded by a consortium of Chinese investors, will comprise a power plant, technical university, vocational training centre and a hi-tech building materials plant.
It is expected on completion to unleash employment opportunities and further aid industrial development of the state.
The park is also seen as a replacement of a similar project initiated by the former governor of the state, Victor Attah, which was later abandoned even after more than 90 per cent of the contract sum had been paid by the state government. Attah governed the state from 1999 to 2007.
Attah’s successor in office, Goodswill Akpabio, (2007-2015) had raised a committee to investigate the abandoned science park project. Although the committee submitted its report, its findings and recommendations were never implemented.
As at the time the project was abandoned in 2006, its estimated cost was N6 billion, of which more 95 per cent had been paid to the contractors, according to the findings of the committee.
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Speaking, Governor Udom called on foreign investors to explore the vast business opportunities in the state, assuring of good returns on their investments.
“We’ve created an environment for people to come and invest, we are calling on other investors, other Chinese companies that are here, let them come, we will collaborate and make sure they invest in Akwa Ibom and reap returns on their investment,” said Udom.
He added that the project would be funded by China Blue Sea International Holdings, and would be a major breakthrough in the industrial development of Akwa Ibom.
Victor Attah, who was present at the event, applauded Udom’s decision to revisit the project.
Attah said the Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park was an expansion of his initiative with the inclusion of facilities such as the vocational training centre, university of technology and a five-star hotel.
“I have come here because I feel really fulfilled. I thank the governor, not just because he has revived what I know is going to be a life-transforming project, but because in so doing, he has brought an end to that era of destructive politicking whereby we turn our back on projects initiated by our predecessors.”
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Chu Mac Ming, acknowledged the existing mutual diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China and commended Akwa Ibom State government for revisiting the science park project.
Ming emphasised the readiness of his home government to partner with the state in the development of the economy and directed China Blue Sea International Holdings to deliver the project on schedule and in high quality.
“I require that the Chinese company will finish this project and deliver the project in due time and in high quality, that is a requirement, that is not a request. We must ensure the quality, we must ensure the efficiency”, he stated
