By Mary Emmanuel
UYO-Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has solicited stronger economic, technological and institutional ties between Nigeria and South Korea, urging the Asian nation to leverage the investment opportunities and abundant resources available in the state.
The governor made the call on Friday in Uyo while receiving the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-An, who was at the University of Uyo to deliver a special lecture on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Agriculture and the Blue Economy.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said Akwa Ibom’s strategic economic position, extensive natural resources and growing pool of skilled human capital made the state an attractive destination for foreign investment, technology transfer and knowledge exchange.
He noted that the existing trade relationship between Nigeria and South Korea, currently estimated at over $2.1 billion, could be significantly expanded through deliberate partnerships and increased investment.
“Our State can benefit from the well-known South Korean technology, manufacturing prowess and first-rate products,” Eno said, while inviting South Korean investors to explore the numerous opportunities in Akwa Ibom.
The Governor described the Ambassador’s lecture as timely, particularly against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement across the world. He stressed that equipping young people with relevant digital knowledge and skills was critical to preparing them for emerging opportunities in the global economy.
According to him, the establishment of Youth Development Centres across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state was part of his administration’s strategy to develop a skilled and productive workforce through digital, entrepreneurial and vocational training.
On agriculture, Eno identified the sector as a key component of the administration’s ARISE Agenda, highlighting the establishment of model farms, support for farmers and the recently introduced Tree Crop Revolution.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would reposition Akwa Ibom within the oil palm value chain and ultimately make the state a net exporter of palm oil.
“There is a smart and better way of farming. That’s what today’s lecture has opened our eyes to,” the Governor remarked.
Turning to the maritime sector, Eno said Akwa Ibom was endowed with enormous blue economy prospects, given its approximately 129-kilometre coastline, extensive network of rivers and other water bodies, as well as its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
He explained that the multi-billion-naira maritime hub project at Oron Beach, the provision of gunboats to security agencies and other interventions by his administration were designed to unlock the state’s maritime assets, generate employment, enhance security and stimulate economic growth.
Eno commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Ekong, and the university management for providing a platform for the South Korean envoy to share expertise on issues shaping the future of technology, agriculture and the global economy.
The Governor, who is an alumnus of the University of Uyo, acknowledged the institution’s contribution to his intellectual and leadership development, assuring the university of the state government’s continued support.
He described the Ambassador’s visit as an important step towards establishing a new era of mutually beneficial cooperation among South Korea, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
In his presentation, Ambassador Jeong Yo-An emphasized the importance of human capital development and strong institutions in achieving sustainable national transformation.
He attributed South Korea’s transition from poverty to prosperity to the principles of diligence, self-help and cooperation, which he said were embodied in the country’s development philosophy known as “Saemaul Undong.”
The envoy maintained that people remained the most valuable resource of any nation and encouraged Nigerians to confront existing challenges by embracing the values that contributed to South Korea’s remarkable economic transformation.
“The real resources are people, strong institutions and patience. The story of the next 50 years is yours to write, and South Korea will help you to write,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Christopher Ekong, commended Governor Eno’s administration for its commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom and its support for the university.
Ekong also appreciated the South Korean Ambassador and government for their increasing interest in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, while advocating stronger collaboration with the University of Uyo in Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation and technological development.
He particularly called for the establishment and upgrading of ICT centres and other digital infrastructure, as well as the creation of modern skills acquisition centres backed by technical expertise.
The vice chancellor further sought enhanced partnership in the area of smart agriculture to promote innovation, productivity and sustainable food production.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 10th Governing Council of the University of Uyo, Dr. Muiz Banire, and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obong Nsima Ekere, advocated deeper cooperation among South Korea, the University of Uyo and the Akwa Ibom Government.
The event climaxed with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Ambassador Jeong Yo-An by the University of Uyo.