In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State highlighted the abundance of essential resources available to the people of his state, enabling them to thrive as local entrepreneurs.
When asked about the ease of doing business in Akwa Ibom and the access to education necessary for locals to excel in their trades, Governor Emmanuel acknowledged that uninterrupted power supply was a primary challenge mentioned by many residents.
Governor Emmanuel discussed the considerations taken by the state government regarding the power sector. He emphasized that before entering power generation, the government assessed several factors to address the existing hurdles. Additionally, he emphasized the provision of free basic education in the state. This initiative includes covering the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for residents, who can subsequently enroll in vocational centers.
The governor stressed his commitment to ensuring a comprehensive approach to development. “If I go that far—I make sure I generate, and now I want to make sure they have light, I want to make sure they have access roads, I want to make sure they are trained, and if I get that now as government—I think the onus is on them, individuals, to rise up to that occasion,” he explained.
Governor Emmanuel highlighted his state’s significant achievement in electricity generation, underscoring the challenges that arise further along the value chain. “Today, I’m one of the very few that generate electricity in this country, and I generate, on average, every day, 150 MW,” he proudly stated. However, he acknowledged the limitations caused by the absence of transmission ownership. This limitation obstructs the progression of the power generated, as the distribution companies currently operating follow a semi-privatization model that does not align with the sociocultural systems in place.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the existing distribution framework, Governor Emmanuel justified the establishment of a utility company in response to the deficiencies of the distribution companies. This decision was made to address the inadequacies and ensure efficient and effective electricity distribution within the state.
Governor Udom Emmanuel’s insights shed light on the concerted efforts made by the Akwa Ibom State government to provide its residents with the necessary resources for entrepreneurial success. By focusing on power generation, access to education, and other critical infrastructure, the government aims to create an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive and contribute to the state’s overall development.
