Akwa Ibom’s Misplaced Priorities
In a move that can only be described as tone-deaf and grossly misaligned with the needs of Akwa Ibom’s citizens, Governor Umo Eno has announced plans to construct an 18-floor “Ibom Towers” in Lagos. This decision, coming amidst a severe food crisis in Akwa Ibom, raises serious questions about the priorities and judgment of the state’s leadership.
Let’s break down the layers of absurdity in this decision:
- Misplaced Investment: Akwa Ibom, like many Nigerian states, is grappling with the fallout from the removal of fuel subsidies. Citizens are struggling to put food on the table. In this context, investing in a luxury high-rise in another state is not just misguided—it’s borderline offensive.
- Geographic Disconnect: Why is Akwa Ibom State building in Lagos? This isn’t just about constructing a building; it’s about allocating resources, attention, and potential jobs away from the state that desperately needs them.
- Lack of Transparency: The governor has not disclosed the cost of this project or its intended purpose. This lack of transparency is alarming, especially given the controversial history of Akwa Ibom’s investments in Lagos property.
- Historical Context: This isn’t the first time Akwa Ibom has pursued questionable property investments in Lagos. The previous administration’s N1.2 billion governor’s lodge in Lagos faced significant public backlash. It seems lessons haven’t been learned.
- Unutilized Local Infrastructure: The state’s existing 21-story Dakkada Towers in Uyo is reportedly underutilized. Why build another high-rise when existing infrastructure isn’t being maximized?
- Misalignment with Local Needs: Akwa Ibom faces high unemployment and poverty rates. The state’s focus should be on job creation, poverty alleviation, and improving local infrastructure—not on vanity projects in other states.
- Food Crisis Response: While the governor’s bulk purchase agency for food distribution is a step in the right direction, it’s a band-aid solution. Long-term investments in agriculture and local economic development would be far more beneficial than a Lagos skyscraper.
- Opportunity Cost: The resources being allocated to this project could be used to address pressing issues within Akwa Ibom—improving healthcare, education, or supporting local businesses.
- Symbolism and Optics: This decision sends a troubling message about the government’s priorities. It suggests a focus on prestige projects over the immediate needs of citizens.
- Governance Questions: This decision raises concerns about the quality of advice the governor is receiving and the decision-making processes within the state government.
The irony of Governor Eno challenging the contractor to prove their capability with a local luxury estate project before entrusting them with the Lagos tower is not lost. It inadvertently highlights the disconnect between these grandiose projects and the realities faced by most Akwa Ibom residents.
Akwa Ibom’s Misplaced Priorities While it’s true that strategic investments can yield long-term benefits, the timing, location, and nature of this project seem fundamentally misaligned with the current needs of Akwa Ibom State. The government’s primary responsibility is to its citizens—their welfare, their economic opportunities, and their immediate needs.
As Akwa Ibom grapples with food insecurity and economic challenges, its leadership needs to reassess its priorities drastically. Instead of building towers in Lagos, the focus should be on building a stronger, more resilient economy at home. The state needs investments in agriculture, education, healthcare, and local infrastructure—not vanity projects in other states.
The citizens of Akwa Ibom deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their immediate needs and long-term prosperity over flashy, out-of-state investments. It’s time for Governor Eno to listen to the voices of his constituents and redirect the state’s resources where they’re needed most—right there in Akwa Ibom.
Reference
Gov Eno to build 18-floor Towers in Lagos amidst food crisis published in premiumtimesng