Christmas: Group urges Akwa Ibom indigenes in Diaspora to invest in state’s development

Photo: The new National President, Akwa Ibom Indigenes Organisation South Africa (AIIOSA), Dr. Akaninyene F. Willie, receiving his Certificate of Return from the Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Ekerette Tim Umoh at the his inauguration during the End of Year Celebration/Award Ceremony at DaVinci Hotel, Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg on Dec. 7, 2024.

By Peter Ejiofor

Dr Akaninyene Friday Willie, President, Akwa Ibom Indigenes Organisation South Africa (AIIOSA), has urged their relatives in the Diaspora to begin to invest in areas that would promote all-round development of Akwa Ibom State.

Akaninyene, who made the call in his Christmas message to the people of Akwa Ibom, said that it was time for the people of the state in the Diaspora to think about home and ways to develop huge resources the state was endowed with using their vast professionals.

“There is a need to invest at home to move the state forward. As we celebrate Christmas and New Year, we advise our people in the Diaspora to invest in the development of our state.

“This will encourage international investors to participate in the spirit. Our state is blessed with professionals in various fields of human endeavour. It’s my humble opinion that we should use these talents to develop our state,’’ he said.

Willie said that the state needed investments in areas like agriculture, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), health, water resources, education and engineering.

“As we visit home to celebrate the Christmas and New Year, let’s also think of investing in these areas. Our state will benefit in terms of employment, training, funds transfer, jobs and wealth creation.

“Our youths will be the greatest beneficiaries and they will re-train their fellow youths from the knowledge they acquired.

“Also, this move will assist our Golden Governor His Excellency, Pastor Bassey Umoh Eno in his `Arise Agenda’ in transforming our state,’’ Willie said.