The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana, has commended Akwa Ibom State Government and its people for achieving remarkable development strides barely 35 years since the state’s creation.
Aside from the developmental strides, the minister said the state was also blessed with leaders who are developmental-driven.
Umana gave the commendation during an award ceremony held at Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, Uyo, according to a statement on Wednesday.
The minister was honoured with a productivity award for patriotic service to the state as part of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of state creation.
The minister, who was represented by his wife, Florence, commended the state government on its policies and its commitment to upholding peace and security in Akwa Ibom.
He said, “I’m grateful to God and Akwa Ibom people for this honour. I congratulate the Akwa Ibom people for the peaceful nature of the state.
“It’s a different state from when it was created 35 years ago and God has blessed the state with good leaders.”
On its part, the state government disclosed that the minister has shown great interest in the development of the state, specifically thanking him for his part in securing the approval of the federal government in the citing of the largest oil and gas free trade zone in Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Udom Emmanuel commended the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs for the new structure of development proposed for the region which seeks partnership and collaboration with governors of the Niger Delta Region.
Udom, who identified partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission as a critical success factor in the development of the region, pointed out that without NDDC partnering with the Niger Delta region governments, projects executed by the commission may not address the peculiar needs of the people.
He noted that, once there is synergy between both parties, the purpose of bringing developments to the people will be achieved.
He, therefore, commended Umana for his unwavering commitment to state-building over the years. Emmanuel described Obong Umana as an eminent son of Akwa Ibom State who has made invaluable contributions to the state, leaving imprints of achievements wherever he is assigned responsibilities.
He called on the ministry and the NDDC to give Umana support and cooperation to succeed.
