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B.A.T Successfully made no sense with his over 4500 words, absolute balderdash laced with semantic malapropism.
He has succeeded in trending a twaddle and baloney statement with a view to boost his 2023 presidential arrogance.

South West governors crossed the line? Condemning AMOTEKUN regional independence on one hand and suggesting lagos neighbourhood watch as an alternative? Tinubu needs to think again and most importantly,  disassociate  himself from creating and forming  the Neighbourhood watch, it’s simply a Governor  Ambode initiative and not his personal achievement.

I am glad he addressed himself as the National Leader of APC and Asiwaju of APC and not the Yoruba’s.  As far as i am concerned,  he only addressed us on his personal and family stand on the AMOTEKUN, in actual sense there was notting significant he said other than sitting on the fence abd calling on Governor Akeredolu to have a meeting with him.

Mr Bola  stylishly compaired Ekiti State and Ondo State to Lekki,  this is an insult on the collective sensibility of the the people of this two states,  particularly Ondo state. His plan to oppress and suppress the Governors of this two states like he did to other south west states excluding Oyo, was graphically evident in the bumkum he wrote as an official statement. 

B.A.T remains a local cobbler suffering from quandary yet assuming the role of a leader who wish to amalgamate the South West.  Faulting the SW governors on the proprietary or otherwise of not involving the A.G of the federation is notting but ass-licking. It is the fundamental obligation of the governors of southwest Nigeria under section 13 CFRN, 1999 as amended to protect their citizens.  Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria. The governors of the SW under Section 14(2)(b)  of the 1999 constitution are empowered to provide Security and welfare for the people. The word government as used is not exclusive and i see no reason why the Governors of the states in South Western Nigeria need to consult the President or the Attorney General of the Federation before securing and providing welfare for their citizens.   The part 1, second schedule of the constitution defines “Government” defines government to include the Federation of a state or of a local govt council or any person who exercise power or authority on his behalf. Therefore the state governors are government unto themselves and has no business reporting to the A.G. or consulting on security issues. Is the Attorney General a security guard or expert?

B.A.T should not use the Yoruba people and the AMOTEKUN initiative as a window of ventilation.  He’s not a governor of any yoruba states nor a traditional leader in any of the Yoruba community hence he should not assume the role of trado-political generalisimo. His jurisdiction remains and restricted to his ikoyi burdillion residence, where he enjoys exclusive lordship.

“AMOTEKUN needs no coloration or political opinionist” we are our own AMOTEKUN.

“Every Yoruba is an Amotekun”… Ooni of Ife.

Fade’ Ojamomi Esq.

The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the People’s Democratic Party and gubernatorial aspirant of the party in Ondo State, Dr. Eddy Olafeso has reiterated his believe that Ondo State will join the league of PDP States later this year, 2020. Olafeso spoke at a meeting he had with stakeholders and members of The Real Deal Ambassadors across the eighteen local governments in the state at his campaign office in Akure, Ondo State.

“The PDP is primed for victory in the coming polls with the abysmal performance of the incumbent Governor and his party and no matter how hard they try, Ondo people are fed up with their lies and deciet.” he said.

Announcing that he will begin touring the state in the next few days, Olafeso urged the PDP to choose wisely and must be prepared to do what is necessary to win.

At the meeting were party leaders who double as Local Government Coordinators of the The Real Deal Ambassadors across the eighteen(18) local governments and saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the campaign set up of the Eddy: The Real Deal campaign.

A coalition of youth and students groups across Ondo State has has bemoaned the high rate of insecurities in the state. In a communique released after a meeting held in Akure on 12th of January, 2020, the group acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in the past while proffering solutions to the lingering menaces of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cultism.

The statement reads:

BEING THE COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF ONDO YOUTH ON SECURITY AFFAIRS IN  AKURE, ONDO STATE ON  12TH DAY OF JANUARY , 2020:

 A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE

Safety and security don’t just happen, they are result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear. – Nelson Mandela

The leadership of Youth organisations in Ondo State met today at the state capital to deliberate on security challenges confronting the state.

The leadership of this various Organizations agreed to be addressed under a single umbrella as the “COMMITTEE OF ONDO STATE YOUTHS ON SECURITY AFFAIRS” to identify and proffer resourceful and pragmatic security solutions as part of a lasting effort to improve security across Ondo State.

The committee is committed to assisting all security agencies to ensure a safe haven for all residents in Ondo state.

We acknowledged the roles of security agencies in the past, on its community policing efforts specifically by reaching out to various youth bodies. However, considering the shape of events, it becomes imperative to unify all groups and organizations through a committee, ONDO STATE YOUTHS ON SECURITY AFFAIRS. With this committee, communication gap across all structures and local government will be bridge and first hand solution driving ideas will be put together in a single bulk with direction.

There are growing concerns on insecurity and we realize that only a collective effort can take our people from these menace. While the issues of kidnapping is now a household name in our dear state, we equally identify that there are issues of communal unrest, brutalities of citizens, case of illegal arrest, delay in prosecution amongst  many other disturbing news.

We cannot say, that leadership of various security apparatus haven’t been making frantic efforts on these issues. However, much needs to be done as we believed that securing our communities is a collective responsibility of all.
Hence, our people must be able to communicate and report suspicious moves and happenings to the appropriate authorities for action.

As an organization committed to support the government and the security agencies towards a peaceful Ondo State, we have began massive mobilization and sensitization of our people on the need to be security conscious and speak up whenever the peace of the community is been threatened.

Owing to our proximity to all structures of the society, we will help drive the required change and upgrade in the security of lives and properties of our people. We shall also  provide formal and native intelligence to security agencies. This we believe will help in ensuring a safer society.

We call on all security apparatus to braze up to ensure a safer Ondo State. Enough of all the mishap which can be curtailed. There is a need to restore the confidence of the people vehemently on our security agencies.

Recall that this uniting youth groups and organization were instrumental to curbing the ugly situation of communal crises in Ajowa, Akunu, Ikaram as a result of in flocks of people to the community through its intervention and report to appropriate quarters on necessary steps to take. We have declared a critical war and hostility on rape. Therefore, we want to encourage victims to speak up so that they can be heard and helped.

Conclusively, a new dawn has come and as youth bodies we are ready to join hands with all security agencies to guarantee peace and prosperity in our land. We are conscious of the eternal wisdom of Prof. Wole Soyinka, *the man dies in him that keeps silence…*

Ladies and gentlemen of the press thank you and God bless you for your presence.

SIGNED :
Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel (President, Youth Advancement Initiative)
Ambassador Ologun William Seun Emmanuel (Chairperson, ECOWAS Youth Council)
OJO BRIGHT I. ENIAFE (YAYON National Spokesman)
Comr. Obatola Jonathan (Coordinator, Ondo State Youth Network)
Comr. Tayo Akintade Oluyi (President, Oodua Youth Coalition)
Comr. Kikiowo Ayoade (NAOSS President)
Comr. Folajimi Adewumi (State Coordinator, YAI)
Comr. Ade-Aworetan Juwon (Coordinator, OSAWA)
Comr. Owoeye Oluwatoyin (Chairlady, National Youth Council of Nigeria)
Comr. Babatunde (Chairman, National Association Of Nigerian Students)

The National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) South West Zone has declared unalloyed support to the Western Nigeria Security Network(WSTN) code named ‘Amọtẹkun’. In a press statement held in Abeokuta today, the South West  Zonal Coordinator of NANS, Comr. Kowe Odunayo said it has come to stay as opposed to the Federal Government declaring the security exercise as ‘illegal’.

The statement reads:

Our attention has been called to tactical moves to make our zone unsafe for continuous attack on our people and mostly students by the Fulani herdsmen. 


It is no news that insecurity has engulfed the South west among other regions of the country. This prompted our ever thinking southwest leaders most especially our Governors to come up with a security architecture specially designed to safeguard the southwest. 


But it became mouth watering surprise for us when we heard that the powers that be outside our zone are not pleased with the move. This became more evident when a Fulani/Hausa youth group spoke though recently condemning out security architect even when it has nothing to do with them. 


But, we became perplexed when the Anthony General of the federation, Abubakar Malami said the security group runs fowl of the law, the news we received with great shock. 


In the press statements, which was signed by the media aide to the AGF, reads in part; “The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.


“As a consequence of this, no State Government, whether singularly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organization or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts. This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorizing the Police and other Federal Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.


“The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organization, administration and participation in “Amotekun” or continuous association with it as an association.”


Even if we want to play politics with everything, must we do same with our collective and individual security ???


As much as we have played apt attention to the wordings of the statement, we have noticed no other thing other than politics  and an attempt to block the west from defending itself against attacks by the north . 


We have realised that, the north only want the South west to continue to suffer insecurity because they know that, if security could be achieved in the Southwest, our economy in this region will boost and we would have all that we are suppose to have even for us to attain the status of a sovereign state ( country).


With the refusal of the federal government and the northeners, it is clear that the northeners are clearly behind insecurity in this country and we would not accept that in our zone. 


We however use this medium to appeal to our Governors to stand on their feet and ensure that this laudable initiative is not allowed to be killed by some enemies of our peace. 


As students leaders who are also interested in the security of our students and the zone at large, we are using this medium to express our ready to support  in entirety all that ‘Amotekun’ stands for because Amotekun has come to stay. 


It is however important for me to appreciate the Governor of this state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his effort to make the state safe and to as well build the tomorrow of the state from today. 


I have been in the state for the past two days and have toured major parts of this city and all I can say is that may God help the Governor to continue his good works. 








Signed 


 Kowe Odunayo 
Southwest Coordinator,
National Association of Nigerian students, NANS ZONE D

The National Vice President(South West)  of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) and a gubernatorial aspirant of the party, Dr. Eddy Eniola Olafeso, has advised the Ondo State chapter of the party to unite in order to win the upcoming gubernatorial election of the state that will be held later in the year, 2020. He said this at a get together party he hosted at his Okitipupa, Ondo State country home for leaders and stakeholders of the party in the southern senatorial district of the State.

While addressing the party leaders, Olafeso told them he has never left the party since his leader and mentor, Late Dr. Olusegun Agagu, invited him into the party and he will have no reason to leave the party irrespective of the outcome of the party primary. He informed the gathering of his unwavering loyalty to the late Governor. He said “I was loyal to my boss and leader till his final moments on earth. I stepped down my aspiration to contest for Senate when my leader threw his hat into the ring. I am in this race to continue from where he stopped.”

While harping on unity of the Party, he explained that the only times PDP has lost in the state has been when it contested against itself. “If we are united, no party can defeat us. So, we must resolve within ourselves that it is PDP first. Our unity is the key to winning and God will crown our efforts.” he said.

He used the medium to highlight some of the cores of his campaign which included tackling insecurity, education, economic development, industrialization, joblessness etc.

At the event was delegates of the party led by all local government chairmen of the six LGs that make up Ondo South and their ward chairmen, former LG Chairmen, state party executives, SW Publicity Secretary of PDP, women leaders, youth leaders, Senators, Hon. Yayu, former House of Assembly members, etc. Two persons per LG responded on behalf of their LGs and they all gave glowing remarks about Olafeso and promised to support his aspiration.

The Students’ Union executives of Ondo State College of Health Technology, Akure, Ondo State has described what they call ‘undue interference’ of their school management as the source of the crisis currently engulfing the college. In a press statement signed by Comr. Rukayat Kamaldeen, acting President of the students’ union, the union berated their suspended President, Comr. Omoboyowa Oyewole Isaac as being the source of the crisis.

Below is the full press text.

SAVE OUR SOULS FROM THE TYRANT AND UNDUE INTERFERENCE OF MANAGEMENT BEHIND OUR UNION CRISIS – CHTASU EXECUTIVES


Frankz Fanon had us in mind when he posited that “every generation out of relative obscurity must define its mission; either to fulfil or betray it.” For too long, we have remained silent and fought in silence against the bastardisation of a legacy handed down to us by our predecessors by one single wolf in sheep’s clothing, Omoboyowa Oyewole Isaac. Omoboyowa masked himself a comrade and rode on the back of a grossly ineffectual management team to become the Students’ Union President of Ondo State College of Health Technology, Akure. That singular mistake by the students have spelled untoward gloom over the campus. 

As elected executives of the students’ union, it is a privilege given to serve the mass and should be jealously guarded against the whims and caprices of those who our colleagues gave us the mandate to protect them from – management. It breaks our heart to inform our esteemed colleagues that not only have we been led to failure in this onerous task, but have been successfully handicapped. We owe it a point of duty to relay to you all what have been happening behind the scenes since the unfortunate proscription of the union and the subsequent appointment of a bootlicking Caretaker Committee.

Of a truth, while some of us took it upon ourselves to effect the desired change, Omoboyowa Oyewole Isaac enthroned himself a clog in the wheel. While snakes, scorpions, dangerous ants invade our hostels as a result of poor sanitary conveniences, bushes around the hostels, epileptic power supply, the management board cared more about what happens within the Union. We know this is not unconnected to the fact that they know a united executives council would have put them on their toes and demand for what’s right. The effective use of divide and rule implemented by the management team suck deep into the fabric of our constitutional rights and since Omoboyowa Oyewole, in connivance with Management, has refused to inaugurate a Senate arm which constitutionally should serve as a watchdog to check and balance our excesses, we were left in the hands of a monstrous cartel that is dedicated to gagging us.

Nothing hurts more than to see a crime being committed by those who are expected to curb such crimes. Our institution, being a training College, is expected to be a decent place where the best behaviour are expected of not only the students but the trainers who should lead by example. One might mistake our campus for an NDLEA Dump Site as students smoke Indian hemp indiscriminately on campus without check. We have complained bitterly about this to the provost, Dr. Olawoye Felix and the Dean of Students Affairs, Mr. Ogunro but they seems incapable of doing the needful. Omoboyowa Oyewole that is expected to lead us to demand a clean up of the whole messy scenario is unfortunately the chief culprit. On numerous occasions, we’ve been threatened fiercely by Omoboyowa Oyewole and his fellow junkies -among the junkies  were arrested one day and  locked up at the security unit ,at midnight they broke the place and escape,when we informed the management, they did not do anything about it. How can a student of College of Health Technology dress like a rockstar to school? It smirks of every logic of reasoning. However, we’ve traced this to the gross selfish act of management to admit, for instance in the Community Health Department, Six Hundred(600) students for a class and the regulatory body will only accept Sixty(60). To prune the students after they have been duped of their hard earned money, Management set numerous traps on the way in the names of exams. The names of these exams are even as funny as the process; probational exam e.g A situation where six hundred(600) students sat down for the exams and over four hundred (400)students will score above 60-63% and management will still weed them after they might have paid huge amount of money . These students most times remain on campus and wreck massive havoc. They tint their hairs, smoke weed and rape our colleagues. When we confront management, they feign ignorance by claiming the weeded students are not under their care, again.

If only all these atrocious acts weren’t enough, Omoboyowa Oyewole and management treat us with disdain for asking questions. Omoboyowa Oyewole became an emperor and ditched the constitution of the Union. Without a legislative arm, other executives met and wrote to him on 13th of December, 2019 to tell him we have passed a vote of no confidence in him and that he should forward a letter of resignation to us as we are setting up an audit committee to investigate numerous financial recklessness levied against him, which he complied with by resigning on the 16th of December, 2019 and the executive make use of Aticle 2 Section 3 of subsection 2 A&C of the union constitution and declare the Vice President Kamaldeen Rukayat to be the Acting President. To our utmost dismay, we got information that Omoboyowa Oyewole had constituted an Electoral Committee led by one Olajide Tolulope which he has no constitutional right to single handedly constitute. Out of nowhere, management proscribed the Union and in a funny reversal endorsed the fraudulent Electoral committee Chairman led by one Olajide Tolulope constituted by the suspended President Omoboyowa Oyewole now as the interim student union chairman. This is nothing but an act of provocation, invite to anarchy and abuse of powers. To turn the heat on us, management labelled us “anti-government”. What’s anti-government when the management has been sponsoring the suspended President Omoboyowa Oyewole against the government e.g NANS Zonal convention and other? What’s anti-government in demanding for an independent executive council that will work to clean the school of the uncountable messes it’s been thrown into? What’s anti-government in asking that management stop duping the masses with its poor admission process? For too long, we have respected constituted authorities but it will be in the interest of all that everyone respects it’s boundaries. Our eyes aren’t blind nor are we dumb to talk. Let it be on record that it is the management that has encouraged Omoboyowa Oyewole to go against government and it’s agents in the past. An example is the sponsoring of Omoboyowa Oyewole to Lagos for NANS Zonal Convention without informing the executives council. It is sheer overzealousness to name it anti-government when management has been the one taking maintenance and medical fees from us with nothing to show for it. Students believe all these money is going to government coffers which obviously reverse has been the case. What could be more anti-government than painting government bad in the face of students? For the records, when a student had an accident and was referred to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, the school management refused to released any of the buses or cars in their care to transport the student. If not for the intervention of the DPO of Ala Police Station, the student would have died and a massive crisis would have engulfed the institution. Sometimes, one wonder if the current management care about our welfare?


Conclusively, we plead that the Supervisory Ministry set up an investigative committee to confirm or debunk these claims, as if serious care is not taken, we will not be shy to go to the barricade. The massive infrastructural decay on campus is enough to preoccupy the management but for pecuniary gains, a blind eye is shown to our plight. Attached are pictures of hills wastes, bushes, dilapidated hostel, etc. We have nothing against government and this is not about government. The ineffectiveness of the management lead by Dr. Olawoye Felix to our plights is going to turn majority of students against government. Our right is our right!


Kamaldeen Rukayat
Acting President

The Global President of National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS), Comrade Bamidele Danielson Akpan has announced the naming of the Students’ Union Building of The Polytechnic, Ibadan after Comrade Adeyemi Adeniran(Likedat) a former Joint Campus Committee Chairman of Oyo State.

On Thursday, December 19, 2019, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel flagged-off the reconstruction of the moribund Science and Technology Park in Uyo amidst cheers from the host community and the people of the state.

The Blue Sea Science and Technology Park which is situated in five villages in Itu and two villages in Uyo Local Government Area, covers a stretch of 548-square-kilometer in the state.

The project which was initiated 13 years ago by the Victor Attah administration was stalled by the immediate past administration on grounds that its location is erosion prone, and that no matter the building erected there, it would be threatened.

However, the China Blue Sea International Holdings, after surveying the region and certifying it as most suitable for the edifice has assured that the same abandoned site which was said would be more costly to fix, than the cost of the project itself; will comprise a Technical University, Vocational Training Base, a High-Tech Building Materials Plant, a five-star hotel and a hospital.

From all indications, the project which will carry the design concept of leading science and technology, intelligence, foresight and ecology, will become of symbolic historical significance.

The decision by Gov. Udom Emmanuel to revisit the Science and Technology Park Project initiated in 2006 by the then governor, Arc Victor Attah is another well-thought-out initiative of Gov. Emmanuel to create an enabling environment that will situate Akwa Ibom strategically in the world’s technological map. This project on completion will  leave generations unborn in awe of the visionary disposition of a man who sees tomorrow.

Without any dispute, we are living in a world of technology. In fact, technology drives our world. Our economy, Banking system, Automobile industry, Agriculture, Medicine, Education, Fashion, Media, and many others are technology- dependent. Till the end of time, the world will still be sustained by technology and without which, life will be miserable.

A cursory look at this shows that the future of Akwa Ibom state is not only sealed, but we are on our way to creating a guaranteed destination for our children and youths.

Analysts have foreseen that the Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park will bring jobs, employments and development to the people of the Area and as well promote the construction and transformation of the state power plant, Sea port and free trade zone when fully constructed.

This initiative is in line with Gov. Emmanuel’s determination to make Akwa Ibom a tourist destination and project the state to the world. Investors are already trooping into the state to be a part of this generational blessing.

This is the kind of project that leaders of nations initiate for their countries and are celebrated throughout their lifetime, and Akwa Ibom is so blessed to have a governor who is not only technology-driven, but has a clear vision for the future of Akwa Ibom people.

For those who do not know and are still in the dark of what a Science Park portends for a nation, a science park is an infrastructure of the global knowledge economy which provides locations that foster innovation, development and commercialisation of technology where governments, universities and private companies can collaborate.

According to Link and Scott (2015), Science parks are commonly described as physical areas where multiple knowledge-intensive organisations and institutes co-locate and where innovation is formally and informally leveraged.
They differ from high-technology business districts in that they are more organized, planned, and managed and lead to commercialized products from research.
They also differ from industrial and business parks which focus on manufacturing and administration only.
Its benefits are numerous as it offers a number of shared resources ranging from programs to activities, uninterruptible power supply, telecommunications hubs, reception and security, management offices, bank offices, convention center, parking, and internal transportation; where one can shop at a stop.

This is so that knowledge can be shared, innovation promoted, and research outcomes progressed to viable commercial products.
For a nation, a Science park contributes to national economic development, stimulating the formation of new high-technology firms, attracting foreign investment and promoting exports., while a host community enjoys the presence of a science park in the area of job opportunity.

This is because people from all fields and skills are needed to assist the developers of technology to bring their work to commercial fruition.

From masons, to artisans, stone carvers, bricklayers, skilled and unskilled labourers, all forms of crafts are required in the make-up of the Park.

For example, sports facilities, restaurants, crèches or pleasant outdoor areas would require the inputs of vendors from within.

Notably, Science parks are found across the globe. Research has it that they are most common in developed countries like North America which has over 170 science parks.
For us in Nigeria, the Akwa Ibom situated Blue Sea Project is the first of its kind and will yield huge benefits if lauded and allowed to sail through.

The project, when completed, will boost our sagging economy which is its paramount essence.
It will provide abundant space for growth courtesy of its large outdoor spaces that facilitate business growth and expansion.

Comprising adequate office space, fully-equipped laboratories, proper storage and warehouse facilities, and high-quality conference rooms and meeting centers, organisations with limited funds and high preliminary expenses can benefit from these facilities.

As startups grow, they often require bigger offices and more facilities. Most technology parks provide ample space for business development.

A key advantage of the Blue Sea project is that it will be a consistent following stream of the latest technology equipped with high-speed broadband internet and telecommunication facilities that will make it easy to establish and manage a business.
Also, Science Parks come with a range of social amenities such as gyms, shopping centers, swimming pools, restaurants, recreational centres, nurseries for rest, workers’ and family recreation.

Furthermore, a Science Park is equipped with various security features for the protection of workers, properties and information.
To prevent data theft and vandalism, technology parks are equipped with state-of-the-art security features. From surveillance cameras to a network of security guards, these parks have several measures in place to reduce the likelihood of criminal activities.

With these juicy prospects, it is of cardinal importance that Akwaibomites key into the making of this emerging giant in the state which will not only upgrade Akwa Ibom on the pedals of industrialised states, but will as well seat Nigeria among developing nations.

Just as some leaders of thoughts has called for the protection of the project by the host communities, Akwa Ibom  people should also ensure that the hitherto abandoned site which had become a beehive of criminal activities, returns to its intended state of prestige and tourism.
The Blue Sea project has come, let us make it stay.

Akwa Ibom people in particular, and Nigerians in general will ever live to be grateful to Gov. Emmanuel- A man who sees tomorrow and “seizes” it for his people.

Richard Peters is a public Affairs Analyst, writes in from Uyo.

On Thursday, December 19, 2019, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel flagged-off the reconstruction of the moribund Science and Technology Park in Uyo amidst cheers from the host community and the people of the state.

The Blue Sea Science and Technology Park which is situated in five villages in Itu and two villages in Uyo Local Government Area, covers a stretch of 548-square-kilometer in the state.

The project which was initiated 13 years ago by the Victor Attah administration was stalled by the immediate past administration on grounds that its location is erosion prone, and that no matter the building erected there, it would be threatened.

However, the China Blue Sea International Holdings, after surveying the region and certifying it as most suitable for the edifice has assured that the same abandoned site which was said would be more costly to fix, than the cost of the project itself; will comprise a Technical University, Vocational Training Base, a High-Tech Building Materials Plant, a five-star hotel and a hospital.

From all indications, the project which will carry the design concept of leading science and technology, intelligence, foresight and ecology, will become of symbolic historical significance.

The decision by Gov. Udom Emmanuel to revisit the Science and Technology Park Project initiated in 2006 by the then governor, Arc Victor Attah is another well-thought-out initiative of Gov. Emmanuel to create an enabling environment that will situate Akwa Ibom strategically in the world’s technological map. This project on completion will  leave generations unborn in awe of the visionary disposition of a man who sees tomorrow.

Without any dispute, we are living in a world of technology. In fact, technology drives our world. Our economy, Banking system, Automobile industry, Agriculture, Medicine, Education, Fashion, Media, and many others are technology- dependent. Till the end of time, the world will still be sustained by technology and without which, life will be miserable.

A cursory look at this shows that the future of Akwa Ibom state is not only sealed, but we are on our way to creating a guaranteed destination for our children and youths.

Analysts have foreseen that the Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park will bring jobs, employments and development to the people of the Area and as well promote the construction and transformation of the state power plant, Sea port and free trade zone when fully constructed.

This initiative is in line with Gov. Emmanuel’s determination to make Akwa Ibom a tourist destination and project the state to the world. Investors are already trooping into the state to be a part of this generational blessing.

This is the kind of project that leaders of nations initiate for their countries and are celebrated throughout their lifetime, and Akwa Ibom is so blessed to have a governor who is not only technology-driven, but has a clear vision for the future of Akwa Ibom people.

For those who do not know and are still in the dark of what a Science Park portends for a nation, a science park is an infrastructure of the global knowledge economy which provides locations that foster innovation, development and commercialisation of technology where governments, universities and private companies can collaborate.

According to Link and Scott (2015), Science parks are commonly described as physical areas where multiple knowledge-intensive organisations and institutes co-locate and where innovation is formally and informally leveraged.
They differ from high-technology business districts in that they are more organized, planned, and managed and lead to commercialized products from research.
They also differ from industrial and business parks which focus on manufacturing and administration only.
Its benefits are numerous as it offers a number of shared resources ranging from programs to activities, uninterruptible power supply, telecommunications hubs, reception and security, management offices, bank offices, convention center, parking, and internal transportation; where one can shop at a stop.

This is so that knowledge can be shared, innovation promoted, and research outcomes progressed to viable commercial products.
For a nation, a Science park contributes to national economic development, stimulating the formation of new high-technology firms, attracting foreign investment and promoting exports., while a host community enjoys the presence of a science park in the area of job opportunity.

This is because people from all fields and skills are needed to assist the developers of technology to bring their work to commercial fruition.

From masons, to artisans, stone carvers, bricklayers, skilled and unskilled labourers, all forms of crafts are required in the make-up of the Park.

For example, sports facilities, restaurants, crèches or pleasant outdoor areas would require the inputs of vendors from within.

Notably, Science parks are found across the globe. Research has it that they are most common in developed countries like North America which has over 170 science parks.
For us in Nigeria, the Akwa Ibom situated Blue Sea Project is the first of its kind and will yield huge benefits if lauded and allowed to sail through.

The project, when completed, will boost our sagging economy which is its paramount essence.
It will provide abundant space for growth courtesy of its large outdoor spaces that facilitate business growth and expansion.

Comprising adequate office space, fully-equipped laboratories, proper storage and warehouse facilities, and high-quality conference rooms and meeting centers, organisations with limited funds and high preliminary expenses can benefit from these facilities.

As startups grow, they often require bigger offices and more facilities. Most technology parks provide ample space for business development.

A key advantage of the Blue Sea project is that it will be a consistent following stream of the latest technology equipped with high-speed broadband internet and telecommunication facilities that will make it easy to establish and manage a business.
Also, Science Parks come with a range of social amenities such as gyms, shopping centers, swimming pools, restaurants, recreational centres, nurseries for rest, workers’ and family recreation.

Furthermore, a Science Park is equipped with various security features for the protection of workers, properties and information.
To prevent data theft and vandalism, technology parks are equipped with state-of-the-art security features. From surveillance cameras to a network of security guards, these parks have several measures in place to reduce the likelihood of criminal activities.

With these juicy prospects, it is of cardinal importance that Akwaibomites key into the making of this emerging giant in the state which will not only upgrade Akwa Ibom on the pedals of industrialised states, but will as well seat Nigeria among developing nations.

Just as some leaders of thoughts has called for the protection of the project by the host communities, Akwa Ibom  people should also ensure that the hitherto abandoned site which had become a beehive of criminal activities, returns to its intended state of prestige and tourism.
The Blue Sea project has come, let us make it stay.

Akwa Ibom people in particular, and Nigerians in general will ever live to be grateful to Gov. Emmanuel- A man who sees tomorrow and “seizes” it for his people.

Richard Peters is a public Affairs Analyst, writes in from Uyo.