AKBC, AKICORP To Join Arise Park At Reclaimed Gully Erosion Site – Gov. Umo Eno

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has said the reclaimed gully erosion site around the precinct of Dominic Utuk Avenue in Uyo, the state capital, will accommodate four other key projects besides the ARISE Park, a world-class recreational facility with a 9-hole golf course and children’s playground.

The Governor made this known during the foundation laying for a high-tech Command and Control Centre for the networking of operations among security stakeholders in the state.

He said the previously life-threatening, severely eroded and abandoned gully erosion area will accommodate the Command and Control Centre, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC House, the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP House, and Akwa Ibom Geographical Information Systems Agency, AkwaGIS Head Office.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to perpetuating peace and security in the state, saying the centre will serve as a one-stop-shop for intelligence gathering by the various security agencies operating in the state and ensure real-time response against security infractions.

He commended the security agencies for working hard to ensure they maintain the status of Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful and safest states in the nation, adding that the Command and Control Centre will mark another bold step by his administration to make the state unwelcoming and uncomfortable for criminal elements, as their cohorts.

Related: Uyo Recreational Park, Ravine Reclamation Project Take New Shape

“We are gathered here this afternoon to further on our status as one of the safest, most secure and most peaceful states in the nation with the groundbreaking for the construction of our Security Command and Control Centre.

“Centres like this are necessary additions to the security toolbox in most developed and developing societies, and we are proud to follow that great lead. This centre will help make our state uncomfortable and unwelcoming for criminal elements and their cohorts. It will further provide a one-stop shop for information sharing, awareness of infractions, and real-time response to security issues.

“We have about three months to flag off the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Studio that will be constructed here. We will come back to flag off the Akwa Ibom Investment Cooperation Office. We will come back to flag off Akwa Ibom Geographical Information System Head Office. So there are about four facilities that will be on this stretch, and it is part of our commitment to ensure that we flag off 31 projects between now and May 29th. They are key projects that we will all be part of,” he said.

With this, he assured that his administration will continue to be intentional about the security and welfare of the people in line with his primary mandate, to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens.

Affirming commitment to ensuring adequate and timely funding of the project, he charged the contractor to ensure due diligence to deliver the project within the four-month timeline.

He paid tribute to the former Akwa Ibom State Police boss, CP Waheed Ayilara, and former Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien, rtd., for their involvement in birthing the vision and working on the fundamentals for its implementation.

The Governor affirmed his administration’s record-breaking 79.2% implementation for the 2024 budget and urged the people to explore economic opportunities that abound in governance by acquainting themselves with the provisions in the budget, as his administration is committed to a holistic implementation of the 2025 budget, with priority to the interests of Akwa Ibomites who will be able to show integrity and commitment to work.

In an overview of the project, the Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi (RTD.), said the centre will be equipped with cross-cutting modern technological equipment, describing it as a major addition to the security architecture of the state, as it serves as the nerve centre of all security services with the potential to monitor and coordinate events across the entire state.

Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, appreciated the Governor for the initiative and described it as one of a kind, which will enable them to discharge their duties easily and effectively.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council and State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, commended the Governor for his various security initiatives to keep Akwa Ibom safe for business, conveying the commitment of all LG Chairmen to ensure monthly support for the security trust fund initiative as well as the synergy with the Centre.

Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, HRM Sylvanus Okon, appreciated the Governor for the peace and safety witnessed in the State and prayed for God’s blessings upon the Governor, assuring him of the continuous support of the people to his administration.