Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Korea, urging the Asian nation to consider the state as a strategic destination for investment and technology transfer.
Eno made the call on Friday in Uyo during a special lecture delivered by the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-An, at the University of Uyo.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor said Akwa Ibom’s vast economic potential, human capital and natural resources positioned it to contribute significantly to strengthening Nigeria-South Korea economic relations.
He noted that bilateral trade between Nigeria and South Korea, currently estimated at more than $2.1 billion, could grow significantly with increased participation by Akwa Ibom.
“Our state can benefit from the well-known South Korean technology, manufacturing prowess and first-rate products,” Eno said, urging the ambassador to explore the investment opportunities available in the state.
The governor described the theme of the lecture as timely, particularly as Artificial Intelligence continues to transform the global economy.
He stressed the need to equip young people with the knowledge and skills required to compete in the digital age, noting that his administration had established Youth Development Centres across the state’s 31 local government areas.
According to him, the centres are designed to provide young people with digital, entrepreneurial and vocational skills to promote innovation, employment and economic empowerment.
On agriculture, Eno identified the sector as a major pillar of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, citing the establishment of model farms, incentives for farmers and the recently launched Tree Crop Revolution.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would make Akwa Ibom a major player in the oil palm value chain and ultimately transform the state into a net exporter of palm oil.
The governor also highlighted the state’s blue economy potential, pointing to its approximately 129-kilometre coastline, rivers and other water bodies, as well as its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
He said the multi-billion-naira maritime hub project at Oron Beach, alongside the provision of gunboats to security agencies and other interventions, was aimed at unlocking the state’s maritime potential, creating jobs, improving security and attracting investment.
Eno, a former student of the University of Uyo, commended the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Christopher Ekong, and its management for providing a platform for the South Korean envoy to share ideas on issues of global relevance.
He assured the university of the state government’s continued support, describing the ambassador’s visit as strategic and expressing optimism that it would usher in stronger economic, technological and institutional cooperation among South Korea, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
South Korea: People, Institutions Key to Development
Delivering the special lecture, Ambassador Jeong Yo-An emphasised the importance of strong institutions and human capital in achieving sustainable national development.
He said South Korea’s transformation from poverty to prosperity was driven by diligence, self-help and cooperation under its development movement, known as Saemaul Undong.
The envoy described people as the greatest resource of any nation and urged Nigerians to confront their challenges by embracing the values that contributed to South Korea’s development.
“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 the Eno administration for its investment in Akwa Ibom’s development and support for the university.
Ekong also appealed for stronger South Korean collaboration with the university in Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation, particularly through the establishment and upgrading of ICT centres and other digital infrastructure.
He called for the establishment of modern skills acquisition centres, supported by technical expertise, as well as greater cooperation in smart agriculture.
In separate remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Uyo Governing Council, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, and former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Nsima Ekere, advocated deeper collaboration among South Korea, the university and the state.
The event featured the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Ambassador Jeong Yo-An by the University of Uyo.
