Chidi Tony| The immediate past speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Onofiok Luke has on Wednesday made official declaration of his intention to run for 2023 governorship election in the state.
During the declaration event held at Ibom Hall grounds, Uyo, the state capital, Luke who is currently the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Judiciary explained that his government shall be people oriented since the past administrations had dwelt on infrastructural development.
He said, “We have built roads and the infrastructure built has opened up our dear state and brought opportunities. It is now time to build our people.
Luke added that his policy direction will be anchored on nine pillars which include, Food Sufficiency & Agricultural Development, Education, Healthcare, Technology Development, Entrepreneurial & Industrial development, Tourism, Sports & Entertainment, Youth, Women & Social Inclusion, Security, Environment & Infrastructure, Good Governance & Administration.
He noted that he would leverage on existing technological policies and facilities to develop the state economy.
“Akwa Ibom State is an emerging technology hub, and we will make it a priority to provide access to IT education, mentorship programs and technology incubation facilities for our youth.
“We will ensure that Information Technology becomes a fundamental part of our educational system in Akwa Ibom. This is the only way that we can produce a globally competitive next generation of leaders from Akwa Ibom.” He said.
Luke also expressed dismay over the shrinking statisrics in the agricultural sector and pledged to build the capacity of the people towards growing internal production capacity expanding scientific research and training opportunities, technical assistance and training to farm groups and agribusinesses.
On education, Luke said he would invest in building the capacity of the faculty reviewing the curriculum to meet with the current reality and providing infrastructure to ensure safer schools initiative.
“One example of such transformative policies is the area of education, free and compulsory education program, which was initiated by the administration of his Excellency Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio and sustained by the administration of Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel with the aim of improving access to the education for young people.” He said.
He explained that there are immense potentials in partnering the private sector, diaspora community, Developmental Financial Institutions (DFIs) and International Donor Agencies to accelerate economic growth, improve quality of life, and create sustainable jobs for Akwa Ibom indigenes.
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