Ibom Deep Seaport: AKHA Calls for Training and Retraining of Akwa Ibom Indigenes in Maritime Sector

Ifiok Itiaba - Uyo

 

Prince Ukpong Akpabio II during Thursday's Plenary

 

Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a resolution mandating the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport to initiate a sustainable educational programme for training and retraining indigenous highly skilled manpower in the maritime sector.

The programme, according to Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, will ensure that indigenes of the State commercially maximize the maritime resources of the State by equipping them with requisite technical know-how and skills that will increase their productivity in the maritime sector. 

Presenting the motion during Thursday's Plenary, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, noted that Akwa Ibom State was endowed with huge maritime potentials with its 129 km Atlantic Coastline which is the longest in the country and Gulf of Guinea.

He also informed the House about the maritime potentials of the State, which according to him holds huge economic opportunities in areas of commercial shipping and fishing operations as well as hydro-electricity generation.

The Essien Udium Lawmaker, stressed that the Ibom Deep Seaport from commencement to completion will attract unparalleled commercial and employment opportunities to the State.

While urging the House to commend His Excellency Governor Umo Eno for his overall investment in the maritime sector of the State, he also urge the house to mandate the Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport to submit a quarterly report to the House Committee on Special Projects, monitoring and implementation. 

In their respective contributions to the Motion, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreAbasi Edidem; Hon. Kenim Onofiok (Oron/Udung Uko); Hon. Ubong Attah (Ibesikpo Asutan); Hon. Uduak EkpoUfot (Etinan), commended the Sponsor of the motion, describing it as a timely development that will improve workmanship and effectiveness in the Maritime Sector.

They also mentioned that initiating programmes on safety tips and security will enhance careful dealings and expose our indigenous manpower to compete favourable in global maritime sector.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, to communicate the House's resolution to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.