AKSG Strengthens Ties With UN Towards Economic Diversification
With the current challenges rocking oil production globally, the United Nations and the Akwa Ibom State Government are collaborating on programmes to help diversify the State’s economy through tourism and the deployment of technology across various sectors.
The UN Envoy commended the level of development in the State, noting, “Akwa Ibom State remains the favourite for many."
“You are leading well, especially in putting the resources of the State into investments that generate income."
“I came to Lagos on Ibom Air. They are doing well, and their services are good.”
She spoke about the global price fluctuations in the petroleum industry, maintaining that the situation warrants a new mindset on how to diversify the economy and look beyond oil.
She said her organization is committed to assisting the State through accelerated development models, especially for those at the bottom.
This, she noted, is in the area of technology, digitization, and technology adoption to address the low standards of education, food security, and more.
“There is a technology that deploys drones for irrigation and other innovations to support farmers. The private sector cannot do it by itself, hence the need for government to invest in technology infrastructure,” she said.
In his response, Governor Eno congratulated her for being the first Nigerian to attain the position of United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (UNDP) and thanked her for the emerging partnership and collaboration between her organization and Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno said that the meeting was an indication that the earlier visit to the State by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative, UNDP Nigeria, was already yielding positive results.
The Governor expressed excitement that the UNDP is now focusing on sub-nationals in its quest for economic development.
He informed her that his economic blueprint, as encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda, aims to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are globally driven and supported by the UN.
“For Akwa Ibom State, the SDGs can only be attained in a sustainable and durable manner through the diversification of the local economy."
“We welcome the food security technology to enable us feed our people well.”
He said Akwa Ibom is well positioned by virtue of its rich natural resources, peaceful nature, and a viable airline to take advantage of the UNDP’s collaboration.
He added that the State is organizing tourism, power, and corporate summits later in the year to fine-tune ways of harnessing the abundant potentials.
“We are prepared for a future without oil. That’s why we are investing in the real estate business."
“We are building a high-rise tower and other estates, as well as turning our moribund assets into commercial value.”
He welcomed the UNDP’s decision to support the State in tourism, economic transformation, and other technical assistance that would ultimately lead to the socio-economic upliftment of the people.
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