The Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged indigenes of the state living abroad to contribute their valued skills and resources towards boosting the socio-economic potential of the state.
He gave the charge while addressing the 2024 Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN, USA) at Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
The governor commended the unity
among Akwa Ibom people across the fifty states of America and their promotion of the rich cultural heritage of their motherland.
He also thanked the diaspora group for its interest in the affairs of their home state, especially for their support towards the success of his election as the governor.
The governor who also felicitated with Miss Ukeme Awakessien-Jeter, on her emergence as Mayor of the Upper Arlington City in Ohio, said being the first person of colour to be so elected in over a hundred years is historic and described her as a proud daughter of Akwa Ibom.
The Akwa Ibom Chief Executive assured that his government would further position the state as one of the most peaceful, most enterprising and most growth-driven subnational in Nigeria.
He said: "It is always heartening to see the love that you all radiate, the deep affinity and passion you show towards our cultural heritage and the intentional manner you have launched and introduced your children to the strands of this rich cultural tapestry is heart warming.
"I see unity here in full display as our people come together from the forty-eight contiguous states and even from Alaska and Hawaii to celebrate our culture and wear our identity as badges of honour and pride.
"I urge you, as our ambassadors, to join hands with us, and let’s grow our state by bringing in your unique gifts and skill sets. Akwa Ibom is your dear state, you must invest in her growth and development. "
Governor Eno who also presented a scorecard of his administration's giant strides in the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, said his government has recorded huge successes in agriculture, education, health, security, among other sectors.
