UYO – A lecturer at the University of Calabar, Dr Edidiong Ebitu, has advised the incoming administration in Akwa Ibom State to establish seafood processing factories in the state.
Ebitu gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Uyo.
He said it was unimaginable that Akwa Ibom with its sprawling coastline had no single fishing industry.
The university teacher said that the incoming administration could provide jobs for the youths if the enormous maritime resources in the state were harnessed.
“I believe that we have a comparative advantage in terms of marine potential.
“Our coastline is the longest in West Africa and we can generate thousands of employment opportunities from the coastline,” he said.
Ebitu, who teaches Industrial Management in the institution, urged the state government to invest meaningfully in the marine sector.
He added: “our coastline, which spans from Itu to Ikot Abasi through Uruan and Oron, has been lying untapped over the years.
“We need industries to engage our unemployed youths and thereby minimise crimes and youth restiveness in the state.”
The don also called on the governor-elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to reorganise the civil service and employ young professionals who would inject fresh ideas into the service.
Ebitu further advised the governor-elect to address the nagging issue of alleged discrimination against some indigenes of the state in appointment into the state civil service.
“For harmony and unity to reign in Akwa Ibom, the 31 local government areas need equal and fair representation in the civil service,” he said.
The lecturer reminded the governor-elect that as a former banker, he should be frugal in spending and his projects should be executed based on cost-benefit analysis.
He also urged the incoming administration to upgrade the living standard in the oil bearing communities by constructing roads and linking the riverine communities with efficient maritime transportation.