A’Ibom@35 and Nigeria@62: We Must Not Rest On Our Oars To Achieve A Great Nation

As Nigeria clocks 62 years of Independence and Akwa Ibom State is still neck deep in the euphoria of her 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, the international coordinator of 1001+ Voices Initiative for People Empowerment, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko has called on Nigerians in general and Akwa ibomites, in particular, to remain steadfast in prayers for divine intervention on the several challenges confronting the nation.

Ide, a renowned advocate of democracy and good governance in a press statement made available to Journalists explained that the many challenges confronting the nation could be addressed with sincerity of purpose and sheer political will.

According to Ide, “There is no better alternative to democracy and good governance and our dear nation needs a fundamental restructuring to genuinely confront the pitiable state of our country.

“We must be willing to sacrifice our various personal interests for the collective good of the people and must be willing to resist bad governance and leaders to birth the Nigeria of our collective dream.”

Ide Owodiong-Idemeko reminded Nigerians of yet another opportunity provided by the coming 2023 elections to elect quality leaders and prayed electorates to shun anything that will compromise their determination to choose the best crop of leaders for the country and save the nation.

He further highlighted, “Currently, the stark reality is that of a troubled nation or a country in turmoil vis-a-vis the hyperinflation and ever-rising cost of living, massive insecurity, poor power supply, collapsed road network, near collapse of tertiary education with ASUU strike among others. Nigerians must not lose hope but remain resilient in their determination to elect and support trustworthy leaders to pilot the affairs of the country in the years ahead”.

Related: Politics Without Bitterness: The Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko Example

Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko in the same vein saluted Mr Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State for his giant strides in his over 7 years in the saddle as Governor, stressing that his commitment to the infrastructural development of the State has brought out several democratic dividends for the people, especially in the areas of agriculture, health facilities aviation, industries, etc.

“Akwa Ibom State has been blessed with good, visionary and result-oriented leaders, who have shown unparalleled zeal and commitment to the progress and wellness of the people. I sincerely extend my warmest regards to the Governor and the people and pray that the state once again gets it right from 2023 by choosing the right people for every available elective position.”

He maintained that the future generation of Akwa Ibomites will be only better off if the leaders and the people genuinely shun divisiveness, and corruption and embrace hard work true love and unity of purpose in building a virile state for the collective good of all.

According to him, “Akwa Ibom is blessed with abundant human and material resources and has the capacity for self-sustainability if we look inwardly to harness and develop our several potentials buried across the entire state. Every part of our State has one or many natural resources that can add essential value to the upliftment of our great state.”