The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has assured that his administration is working to ensure protection of the state’s shoreline as a key towards enhancing the potential of the blue economy, following his participation in the United Nations Organisation’s Conference on the effects of ocean rise on some coastal States.
Governor Eno, who made this known on his arrival at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, noted that the conference became necessary and significant considering the prevailing effects of Ocean rise on the coastal States.
The Governor mentioned key strategic action plans as vital gains derived from his recent participation at the United Nations Organization’s Conference on the effects of ocean rise on some coastal States.
“The Ocean Rise Conference draws the world’s attention to the effects of the ocean on our world as a result of climate change. And, there are some key and strategic moves and action plans that Sub-Nationals surrounded by the Ocean have to make in order to checkmate any upsurge effects of the Ocean,” he stated.
According to the Governor, “Akwa Ibom has the longest coastline of 129km in Nigeria, as such, we were invited along with other Sub-National Governments to participate in that conference.”
Pastor Eno noted that the essence of the Conference was to create awareness, alertness, understanding, and readiness among the concerned State Governments in order for them to begin to put the necessary action plans in place against any sudden effects of the Ocean rise in their coasts.
“The Conference armed us with the necessary action plans for us to come back with the understanding that if we don’t take care of this Ocean, in the next couple of years, we will not have our cities again.
“So, it was a nice Conference, and we made our contributions. We are back with some actionable points, and we will follow through. The important thing is that Akwa Ibom State is now a member of the United Nations Organization on Ocean Rise Collaboration.”
On the massive reception by his supporters on his arrival, the Governor appreciated the people for their unity and unflinching support for a more progressive Akwa Ibom State.
Source: IKECHUKWU AGBAMEGBUE, FRCN, Uyo.
