By Wilson Adekumola
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has commissioned ultra-modern Asan Ibibio complex to provide a befitting place of gathering for the people of the state.
According to Vanguard, while speaking on Monday shortly before commissioning the new ultra-modern building located at Ikot Oku Ikono in Uyo Local Government Area, Emmanuel disclosed that the Asan Ibibio his administration met was an Eyesore.
Explaining why he completed and inaugurated the Building before leaving office, the Governor said the people of Ibibio nation did not have a befitting place to assemble.
He state further that when he came into office he promised to built an ultra-modern Asan Ibibio complex and this he has fulfilled.
He noted that the new Asan Ibibio complex was built to cater for any kind of event including Church conventions, conferences and even weddings, while calling on the citizens to take advantage of the benefits.
Udom said, ” Today the Ibibio nation is commissioning new Asan Ibibio. When we came in, this place was an eyesore, it was totally dilapidated. It did not represent anything good.
“We now said no, a place like this should be built to serve the entire state. So let me sincerely thank the people who stood by me and who supported this project. Let me also thank our traditional fathers who stopped once in a while to offer their piece of advice.
“What we are commissioning today has a whole lot of economic benefit. So you now have an Asan Ibibio that can cater for any event. I pray that this structure will serve to unify the entire people of this state, and also serve as an alternative to Ibom Hall.
“Let me also say to our young people that when we are talking about the Ibibio nation it connotes the entire Akwa Ibom. Ibibio does not refer to the tribal sentiments some people are trying to play with now. Not at all, it refers to the entire Akwa Ibom people and even some across the Rivers”
The outgoing governor also stressed that the edifice needs high level maintenance, noting “I believe if this building is well maintained it will stand the test of time. And today I am going to handover this building to the Oku Ibom Ibibio in trust.
“He will hold it in trust until when he decides on who to hand it over to for proper administration and maintenance and other services required here. So I stand here with the authority invested on me as a leader to dedicate this place. Whoever uses this place shall use it in peace, love and Unity”
The Commissíoner for Work and Fire Service, Professor Eno Ibanga, who spoke on the project commended the governor for his determination and support towards the completion of the building.
“His Excellency you are a leader that thinks about your people. I thank you for your support, determination to see that we completed the new Asan Ibibio complex. This Asan Ibibio Auditorium is the largest anywhere in Akwa Ibom State. The landscaping is one of the best. It can accommodate over 200 cars”, Ibanga said.
Remarking, the Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Eno, praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for his numerous achievements, saying,“His Excellency even as we draw close to the end of your administration we still have so many projects to Commissíon. You are finishing very strong and we are proud of you”
The Chairman of the Uyo Local Government Area, Dr Uwemedimo Udoh, had earlier thanked the governor for his achievements in every sector including the tradition and, religious institutions as well as the area of human capacity development.
“His Excellency you are a super performer. This particular project has brought dignity and honour to the Ibibio nation. What you have done for us we cannot quantify. We remain eternally grateful to you and to your administration” the LG chair said
