PRESS RELEASE

 

CONFERENCE OF ONLINE PUBLISHERS IN AKWA IBOM STATE (COOPA)

4th January, 2023.

2024: A YEAR TO MOVE FORWARD

As we come into the New Year, 2024, the Conference Of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), welcomes all Akwa Ibomites to a fresh journey where hope should be renewed with a sense of purpose, focus and clarity on the ideals that will drive the wheels of development in our dear state to a desired destination.

COOPA wishes to commend the efforts of the present administration led by Pastor Umo Eno, who has been proactive in delivering on the pillars of the A.R.I.S.E Agenda mantra in the Agricultural sector, especially, with the establishment of Ibom Model Farm; ecological intervention projects; education; infrastructural development; Aviation; Power; Man power development with the payment of gratuities; Health; Tourism; ICT; and Security. 

On security, we wish to salute the forward steps of the state government to boost security by putting in place the Ibom Community Watch programme, the signing into law of the Akwa Ibom Security Trust Fund Bill, and the recent launch of the Akwa Ibom State Waterways Security Assets. It is also pertinent to emphasise that these machineries should be put into optimal use in securing lives and properties of the citizenry and residents of the State. Government should redouble efforts to  tame the spate of insecurity and ensure the release of the remaining Corps members kidnapped on their way to the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), as in the case of the State High Court Judge, Justice Unwana Joy.

Importantly, too, we urge the government to prioritise the establishment of stable ICT platforms for the teeming youths of the state, in line with 21st century technological  innovation and revolution. With the 'Bill for a Law to Establish the Akwa Ibom State Bureau for ICT, Innovation and Emerging Technologies (AKIBCT)' before the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, we believe, when passed, more opportunities for job creation, skills acquisition and intellectual engagement of the youths will be achieved, while crime rate will be reduced to the barest minimum.

COOPA hopes to remain an impartial partner in the development process of Akwa Ibom State and looks forward to a more productive year, even as we collectively work to foster democratic dividends to our people. 

Signed:

Mr. Utitofon Ukpong,

Chancellor.

Comrade Priscilla Akpanettot,

Secretary