Prepare for Ibom Deep Seaport project- SSG tasks Engineers
The Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government and Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem has called on Engineers in the state to strategically position themselves in readiness for the construction of the multi-billion dollars Ibom Deep Seaport Project in the state.
Dr. Ekuwem, who is also a member of the technical committee for the actualisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport made the call on Wednesday when he played host to the Executive Members of the proposed Oron Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Government House, Uyo.
A statement from the Press Unit, SSG’s Office quoted Dr Ekuwem as describing engineering as a profoundly important profession, stressing the need for the branch to establish an “Engineering Museum” that would become a study centre for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The State Chief Scribe maintained that since works at the seaport require technical skills, members of the proposed Oron branch of NSE in particular and the people of the state in general should train and retrain themselves in relevant areas in order to take maximum advantage of unfolding opportunitie that would be open for employment in the seaport.
He reiterated the commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel led-administration towards the actualisation of the project, noting that with the coming of Liberty Free Trade Zone, Industrial Estate/Park, NNPC Oil and Gas Logistics Centre, Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, thousands of jobs will be created for the unemployed youths of the state.
The SSG recalled that the Oron Local Government Area before the split into the present five Local Government Areas of Mbo,Okobo,Urue Offong/Oruko and Udung Uko, paraded the highest number of Engineers in Nigeria in the eighties; a feat which he said was recognised by the National body of NSE.
He, therefore, assured members of the proposed Oron branch of NSE of his support towards the inauguration of the branch.
Earlier,the Protem Chairman of the branch, Engr Ben Edenseting said they were in the SSG’S office to consult him and solicit his support as one of the critical stakeholders in the engineering profession of the steps so far taken towards the establishment and inauguration of the Oron Branch of NSE.
Engr Edenseting thanked Dr Ekuwem for his contributions in the expansion of engineering profession across the state, adding that the Fellowship of NSE conferred on him is well deserved.
While thanking Governor Udom Emmanuel for his commitment towards the realisation of the seaport project,Engr Edenseting said when work commences in earnest at the Ibom Deep Seaport and Industrial City, Engineers will form the largest part of the workforce.
He said the body is proud of the sterling performance of Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem as Secretary to the State Government and thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in him.
