Leaders Flock To Former Gov Attah’s 87th Birthday/Book Launch

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

The 87th birthday celebration of Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, a man generally described as the ‘Father of Modern Akwa Ibom State’ will be a convergence of notable Nigerian leaders.

An event which will feature the launching of a book of Obong Attah’s Biography titled “Attah: Architect of a New Democratic Dawn, will hold this Thursday in Abuja.

Dr. Udeme Nnana, who is the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee for the book launch disclosed the name of the invited officials to include Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria as the Chairman of the occasion while Special Guest of Honour is expected to be President Bola Tinubu. The Chief Host is the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

According to Dr. Nnana, the Book Reviewer is Professor Effiong Johnson of the University of Uyo while the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka is expected to unveil the Book.

He said that the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee is a former Federal Permanent Secretary and Ambassador, Dr. Godknows Igali while a former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State and former Minister for Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, is the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee.

Other Members of the Committee are Otunba Supo Shonibare, Dr. Stella Dorgu, Dr. Jerry Nwohu, Eka Rob, Dr. Jalal Tafawa Balewa and Professor Tunde Esan.

Dr. Nnana, who himself, is the Founder of Uyo Book Club and who is regarded as the Father of the Book Club initiative in Akwa Ibom State, disclosed the programme of the Obong Attah’s birthday celebration and book launch during an interactive session yesterday with journalists in Uyo.

He described Obong Attah projects milestone in the development of Akwa Ibom as economic enablers, saying, “the Independent Power Plant was to supply 24 hours electricity to the people of our state. The Power plant has transformed the economic profile of the state.

“The Ibaka Deep Seaport envisioned by Governor Attah was to change the industrial profile of our state. Had it been completed, it would have driven the economy of our state and transformed the lives of our people.

“The Airport which has been named after him was to have a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul MRO facilities for Airlines to carry out checks on their planes. It wasn’t designed for flights only. When completed and operational, it’s our people who would acquire skills needed to run it.

Others milestones mentioned include: The Science and Technology Park; Le’ Meridien Hotel with an 18-hole Golf Course as complement; Creation of the Shelter Afrique Housing Estate which today, has become a prime residential estate; Built 1550 housing units in the state; Built the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja and the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Office Complex in Abuja; Built General Hospitals in Abak, Okobo, Oruk Anam and INI LGA; Built the road now popularly called 4 lanes with traffic light; Dualized Abak road, Ikot Ekpene road, Oron road, remodeled the IBOM Plaza, and built world class motor parks in Uyo, to mention just few.

“Above all, he fought boldly for the payment of 13% derivation funds to Akwa Ibom State and other Mineral bearing States in Nigeria. He has continued to lead the advocacy for the practice of the true tenets of Federalism which would devolve more powers to the Federating units. He remains a resolute advocate of fiscal Federalism and the rule of law in Nigeria.” Dr. Nnana noted.

Dr. Nana, who is also a Chief Lecturer with Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, commended Governor Umo Eno for projects and programmes in his ARISE Agenda that would boost the economy of the state when completed and put into use.

He said “some of the projects which would serve as economic boosters and enablers include the ARISE Park, with all the facilities in the park creating jobs, in addition to providing recreation.

“Another is the move to complete the International Conference Center and a five-star hotel at the Udo Udoma Tropicana Area. Akwa Ibom would become a destination for big local, national and international conferences. That would create jobs and boost the economy of the state. Our youths would be gainfully employed and would build capacity in the management of those world class hospitality facilities.

“In the area of agriculture, the decision to encourage the cultivation of oil palm trees through distribution of seedlings to people in all the villages, wards and local government areas in the state is a huge and positive step. Oil palm is a very viable economic tree. There are various uses to which palm fruits could be put and no part of it is useless. Most people only know about the basic products from it, like palm oil and palm kernel but there are uses for palm fronds, palm trunks, palm kernel cake and several by-products.

“I really commend the Governor for this focus on agriculture and trying to motivate our people to take advantage of the policy and improve their standards of living. It’s a big leap which we shouldn’t stand and watch.”