A’Ibom 2023: Luke pledges to leverage on technology to expand state economy

House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Judiciary and one of the contenders for the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Onofiok Luke, has pledged to leverage on existing technological policies and facilities to develop the state economy.

He made this pledge Tuesday during his formal declaration of his intention to run for the governorship position of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023 at Ibom Hall in Uyo the Akwa Ibom state capital.

According to the former Speaker of the state assembly and member representing Etinan Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, stressed that making the state a technology hub is his priority.

“Akwa Ibom State is an emerging technology hub, and we will make it a priority to provide access to IT education, mentorship programs, and technology incubation facilities for our youth.

“We will ensure that Information Technology becomes a fundamental part of our educational system in Akwa Ibom. This is the only way that we can produce a globally competitive next generation of leaders from Akwa Ibom,” he said.

In addition to expanding existing capacities in agriculture, health, industry, education, food sufficiency and agriculture development, tourism, sports, youth, women inclusion, security, environment, infrastructure, and good governance, he added that he would invest in human capacity development in order to increase productivity level to place the State at a vantage position to compete favorably with other emerging economies.

“We can do this easily if we engender a greater sense of inclusiveness by ensuring that as we build together, we will also partake in the benefits, and grow together. Akwa Ibom is one of the most peaceful and resource-rich states in Nigeria, blessed with brilliant minds.

“It is therefore important for us to invest in human capacity development to improve skills and empower our people to build and grow while improving infrastructure and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the state.

“We also see immense potential in partnering the private sector, our diaspora community, Developmental Financial Institutions (DFIs), and International Donor Agencies to accelerate economic growth, improve quality of life, and create sustainable jobs for Akwa Ibom indigenes.”

He expressed dismay over the shrinking statistics in the agricultural sector and pledged to build the capacity of the people towards growing internal production capacity expanding scientific research and training opportunities, technical assistance, and training to farm groups and agribusinesses.

“When these capacity enhancement efforts for our people are made, sizable investments will be made to boost our agricultural sector, and we will provide the much-needed infrastructure, funds for agricultural loans and access to knowledge of best practices to boost production and provide jobs for our teeming youthful population while improving food security.”

On education, he said he would invest in building the capacity of the faculty reviewing the curriculum to meet with the current reality and providing infrastructure to ensure safer schools initiative.

His administration Luke said would also upgrade infrastructure in schools and improve the welfare of teachers and students across the state through the provision of educational support via merit-based scholarships and bursaries, and upskilling opportunities for teachers.

“This will in no small measure prepare our students and afford them the needed boost to compete with their peers anywhere in the world”, he added.