By Tony Esin
The Labour Party governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Michael Bush, has pledged to revive the moribund Science Park as part of efforts to reposition the state for technological advancement, industrial growth and economic diversification.
Bush, who made the commitment during a world press conference at the NUJ Press Centre, Uyo, said the revival of the Science Park would provide a platform for the state to harness its potential in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and reduce its dependence on monthly federal allocations.
He described the Science Park as a critical component of his eight-point development agenda, which he said was designed to address the state’s economic challenges and create opportunities for its people.
The governorship hopeful declared: “In God’s name, bring back our Science Park.” He further maintained that the facility was essential to the state’s economic future, insisting that if we are serious about Akwa Ibom Beyond Monthly Allocations from the Federal Government, the Science Park is the way to go.”
Bush argued that Akwa Ibom possessed the resources and potential to become a major ICT destination, stressing that “Akwa Ibom has all it needs to explode in ICT!”
He said his proposed advancement agenda would complement other pillars of his manifesto, including access to government, knowledge development, wealth creation, industrialisation, business support, opportunities and manpower development.
The Labour Party candidate also promised to pursue industrialisation by reviving struggling industries and attracting local and foreign investors, particularly those willing to establish industries close to available raw materials.
According to him, his administration would also invest in developing the skills of young people to enable them to take advantage of employment opportunities in major economic establishments, including the proposed Ibaka Deep Seaport which he promised to actualise.
He declared that his administration would prioritise training and manpower development, stressing that the solution to unemployment was “training, training, traning!”
Bush said the broader objective of his proposed government was to transform Akwa Ibom’s economic fortunes and ensure that the state’s resources translate into tangible benefits for its people.
