By Nelson NseAbasi
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Transport, Rt. Hon. Orman Esin has stated that the governor, Pastor Umo Eno is committed to developing the blue economy of the state to better the lot of his people.
Mr Esin made the remark when he appeared as a guest on Comfort 95.1 FM breakfast show with Jay Abai on Tuesday, 23 January 2024.
According to him, the move by Governor Eno to establish Ibom Jetty is to ensure that all transportation channels to the state are open to visitors, as a way of complementing Ibom Air and as a build-up to the proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port.
“The move by Governor Eno is evident in the series of meetings with the President, to get his blessings and also liaise with relevant federal government agencies to ensure that the vision comes to fusion,” he said.
Mr Esin highlighted the successive efforts of former governors in piloting the affairs of the state, starting from Arc. Obong Victor Attah who laid down the master plan, to Obong Godswill Akpabio who embarked on massive infrastructural development and handed over to Deacon Udom Emmanuel l, who brought about industrialisation and amongst many achievements established Ibom Air, which is the best commercial airline in the country today.
He submitted that Pastor Umo Eno as governor will consolidate on those successes, just as he moves to open up the waterways with Ibom Jetty.
The jetties, according to the transport commissioner, will serve a dual purpose of transportation and tourism with the cruise boats, hereby creating an avenue to boost the local economy.
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On the security of the waterways, he noted that the governor had engaged the Nigerian Navy in possible partnership and had already acquired 14 gunboats to ensure the safety of lives and properties on the waterways.
“Using boats and ferries from Akwa Ibom state to Cross River and vice-versa used to be a wonderful experience in the past, and Pastor Umo Eno wants to bring that back. We are all aware of the state of Calabar-Itu road which is not in our jurisdiction to repair, but as a sensitive government that understands the ties between the two states, it is important to create alternatives for the people, so they can continue with their daily activities on the route to make a living for themselves.”
While fielding answers to questions from listeners, Hon. Orman elucidated efforts by his ministry to tackle issues facing transporters and commuters in the state, issues ranging from ticketing to litigations and injunctions. He announced that plans are in the offing to establish an Akwa Ibom Transport Stakeholders Forum to ensure that government and private sector stakeholders are on the same page to deliver the mandate of the Arise Agenda of the governor for the transport sector.