Ati Annang to partner A/Ibom govt on industrialisation

A  socio-cultural organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Ati Annang, is to partner  Akwa Ibom State government in  its  industrialisation drive.

In a communique issued at the end of  its  first international convention in London, the foundation commended the Mr Udom Emmanuel -led administration in its efforts to industrialise the state.

The foundation, therefore, offered itself as a ready partner with the  current administration  in the state, especially in identifying willing investors for its  industrialisation drive.

It further advised the state  government to ensure equity in the location of identified industries, infrastructure and other services to ensure even spread of development  projects across the state.

Also, the foundation  stressed  its continuous  commitment to execution of life-impacting projects for the benefit of its people and   embark on several projects, including but not limited to award of scholarships to deserving indigent students in tertiary institutions, the provision of Back Packs with relevant school materials for pupils in primary schools, provision of diabetes and blood pressure screening,  among others.

It  will be recalled that the foundation, during  its last annual general meeting (AGM),  awarded 100 scholarships to students from various tertiary institutions and also donated Back Packs to pupils in over 50 primary schools in the state.

The Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the occasion, called on various governments in Nigeria and, indeed, Africa, to devote more of  budgetary provisions towards capital  projects.

Speaking on the topic. “Addressing Africa’s infrastructural deficit – The Akwa Ibom example,” he noted that during his tenure as  governor  in the  state, he consistently budgeted 80 per cent or more for capital expenditure and 20 per cent or less for recurrent, while deploying global practices in project management.

Earlier, the chairman of the convention, Mr Paul Usoro,  had commended Ati Annang for  its life -impacting projects to the less privileged people of the  state and urged the foundation to remain focus in delivering on its aims and objectives.

Also,  the international president of the foundation, Sir Udo Kieran, reiterated the organisation’s resolve to continue lending  itself  as a platform for Annang sons and daughters both home and abroad to render selfless services to the people

Kieran said  that the organisation had recently identified opportunities for tertiary institutions in the state to obtain free on-line educational materials which are used by  universities globally