The Government of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has forged agreements with the London Borough of Southwark and Akwa Ibom indigenes residing in the United Kingdom to facilitate exchanges on both educational and cultural levels.
These agreements were reached during meetings held by Governor Umo Eno with the Mayor of Southwark, Michael Situ, and members of the Akwa Ibom diaspora community in the UK.
At the Council Hall of the London Borough of Southwark, Mayor Situ proposed a twinning arrangement between his borough and the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, Uyo. This alliance is expected to be mutually beneficial for both regions. Mayor Situ expressed his delight in the Governor’s visit and his optimism about the potential benefits that can result from collaboration between the two governments. He also expressed a readiness to visit Akwa Ibom State for in-depth discussions on areas of mutual interest.
Governor Eno appreciated the Mayor’s proposition for a twinning partnership and directed the Commissioner for Local Government to facilitate the process. The Governor also proposed education and cultural exchanges at the government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) levels. Additionally, he suggested an exchange program involving teachers and students from both regions to share knowledge related to teaching methods and other education-related initiatives.
Governor Eno further attended a meeting with Akwa Ibom citizens in the UK, during which he briefed them on the promises and prospects of his administration’s ARISE Agenda. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom diaspora throughout his tenure and encouraged them to contribute positively to the state’s economic development.
Several Akwa Ibom professionals in the UK, including academics, construction experts, banking professionals, and cyber security experts, offered their expertise to support the state’s integrated development. They appealed to the Governor to maintain regular interaction with the Akwa Ibom community in the United Kingdom.
This initiative reflects a significant milestone in creating and strengthening international partnerships, fostering cultural and educational exchanges, and promoting a sense of community among Akwa Ibom citizens in the United Kingdom, as noted by Comrade Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information.
Governor Eno also attended the London Political Summit and promoted Akwa Ibom State as a desirable destination for investment and leisure. He presented an award to Rt. Hon. Jonathan Ashworth, the Member of Parliament for Leicester South and former Parliament Member of the Year. The Governor congratulated Ashworth and other award recipients at the event.
Members of the Akwa Ibom State delegation included the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong; Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem; CEO of HENSEK Construction Company, Engr. Uwem Okoko; and the Senior Special Assistant on ICT and Digital Matters, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong.
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