The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Akanimo Udofia, has promised to accelerate the infrastructural and human capital development of the state with a view to making the state a destination of choice for investors and tourists if elected in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Udofia made the pledge at the official flag-off of APC campaigns in Akwa Ibom State at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium on Wednesday.

The governorship candidate also extolled the visionary leadership of the APC presidential flag-bearer, Bola Tinubu, saying he would partner with him as president to unleash development in the state.

Udofia, who vowed to prioritise the welfare of workers through the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, promised to continue from where the administration of Godswill Akpabio stopped by paying workers an extra month salary in December, returning free and compulsory education, and pay bursary, scholarship, and grants to Akwa Ibom students.

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He said: “Upon assumption of office as the governor of Akwa Ibom State after my swearing-in on May 29, 2023, I will grant the local government administration full autonomy; support our local economy and the development of the grassroots people.

“Also, I will be very intentional about the educational development of our youths and healthcare of the young and old citizens of Akwa Ibom State.”

On his plans for aviation development, Udofia said: “Akwa Ibom State Airport will be designed with full capacity as an international airport in three months after my swearing-in as the governor and within 90 days in office, I will conduct the groundbreaking for the construction of underground road from the international airport down to Oron. That project was conceived since Akpabio’s government but abandoned by his successor.”

The gubernatorial candidate further expressed gratitude to the APC and the people of Akwa Ibom State for what he described as their resilience, unwavering support, and show of love, and urged them to join hands with him in the forthcoming general election to build the state of their dreams.

On his part, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senatorial candidate of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Akpabio, said Udofia was “not chosen by man but by God who would grant him victory at the poll come March, 2023”.

Akpabio described the APC governorship flag-bearer as an international businessman with the needed experience and connections to turn things around for the better in Akwa Ibom State, adding that Udofia would provide food, employment, and connect the state to the centre of Nigerian government if elected as the governor of the state.

The highlight of the flag-off ceremony was the presentation of flags to all candidates of the APC by the state chairman of the party, Obong Ntukekpo, who urged the candidates to carry the message of prosperity to be instituted by the party’s administration to every nook and cranny of the state.

The Star