Akwa-Ibom; The Promise Land

Akwa-Ibom a state in southern Nigeria close to the Atlantic ocean seems to be the fastest developing city in Nigeria. With quite a number of world class infrastructure, the state seems to attract a vast number of visitors daily. What is the state best known for? 

There are good number of characteristics the oil rich State is noted for, since it is still developing, the state qualities keep increasing in every blink of the eyes. Akwa-Ibom characteristics can be seen differently by different people. In an effort to generalize this qualities, the undermentioned will comprise of my personal noted characteristics of the oil rich state.

1. Hospitality: You can't mention Akwa-Ibom without mentioning hospitality. Akwa-Ibom is noted for its hospitality both as an act of service and a business of service. The state seems to be the most welcoming state in Nigeria, Africa most populated country. Its act of service to it's visitors is deep rooted in the bloodstream of the locals, as a result, there is little or insignificant discrimination among people of other tribe, race or culture. The preference to the use of English and Nigerian pidgin as the general form of communication is an attested fact to its act of hospitality. Hospitality in Akwa-Ibom is seemingly displayed as a business of service through its tantalizing number of suite, hotels, restaurants and confectioneries. The hospitality industry seems to be one of the most successful industry. Now numbering in hundredths of hundred, they are of world class standard and exist in different varieties that can fit your pocket so you need not to worry.

2. Quality cuisines: "Afang Soup, Edikan ikong soup, Afia Efere, Efere Atama, Efere Editan, Efere Ndek'iyak, Efere ikon, Efere Etidot, Mpka efere, Nfi ye Ikpa, plantain porridge, yam porridge, cocoyam porridge, Ekpang-kukwo, Otong, ortoh mmboro, ortoh-ortoh..." The list seems to be endless, that's just a glimpse to the many cuisine present in Akwa-Ibom. This cuisine as surpassed local standard and is now competing for a spot in the list of international best victuals. Now you can see clearly why hospitality earned a top spot in this article. When it comes to rich, quality and mouth watering meals in Africa, Akwa-Ibom is likely referred to has the hub. The aforementioned meals are rich in nutrient, quality in taste and sight. Just the way every individual will like it, this meals are best for vegetarians and animal protein lovers. No wonder they say "Akwa-Ibom women knows the key to a man's heart".

3.Clean and Green: To rate the beauty of a city one criteria mostly used is the environmental condition of the city. Akwa-Ibom is regarded as the cleanest city in Nigeria despite it's growing population, the standard remains the same. Uyo, Ikot-Ekpene, Eket and Oron as you can see in the attached photo representation is decorated mostly by green trees. The state which is located in the tropical rain forest zone of Africa has an abundant rainfall and spring up trees with canopy. This abundant green plant can be found in every corner of the city as such help in carbon circle which is regarded as an important circle for human existence. You can't possibly think of Akwa-Ibom without picturing abundant trees. Akwa-Ibom air is clean, it's land is clean and it's surrounding water bodies are clean. No wonder it is best describe as the cleanest city in Nigeria.

4. Infrastructure: You should be familiar with; the world class Godswill Akpabio Olympic Stadium,  Dakada Tower, four point by Sheraton, Ikot-Ekpene township staduim, Victor Attah international Airport, Ibom specialist hospital, Ibom library which are some architecture that lies in the heart of the state. Akwa-Ibom has a well connected road network with several overhead bridge that makes life easy for its inhabitant. With this quality infrastructure in place people living in the city worry less of traffic, road congestion and accidents. The city is well planned and have several recreational center and park. The Ibom plaza, Tropicana, Christmas village, Ibeno beach, Cashew beach, Raffia City Plaza etc. are some of those recreational spot you will love to explore.

5. Peace and security: While many city in the world may be suffering from insecurity, terrorism and war. Akwa-Ibom can spread it wings boldly to boast of relative peace. The inhabitant as described in the first characteristics above are welcoming to all sort of people and as such live in harmony too. The state allows people regardless of tribe, culture and religion to conduct business peacefully so far it is legal. The streets of the city is safe both day and night, business activities can be seen to boom even at mid-night in the city. The city security system is advancing as the city is developing, great emphasis by the state authority’s are placed on the maintenance of peace and security. 

6. Religion: Akwa-Ibom is among the many religious state in Nigeria. As you know well, Nigeria is a very religious country. Uyo, Ikot-Ekpene, Eket and Oron which are the in-city of the state, houses thousands of churches, mosques and traditional worship center. In Akwa-Ibom state one can practice his religion freely. The right to freedom of religion is well respected. Religion seems to be the pillar of the state as you will hardly pass a street without seeing religious center. 

7.Housing: There are quite some excellent architecture in the city. Akwa-Ibom boast of numerous housing estates, Individual own mansions and small homes. This housing complex are affordable and available. The city has the lowest number of homeless people, as the houses in the city are easily accessible to people irrespective of status. The supply and demand for housing in Uyo as always remain at equilibrium.

8. Education: Akwa-Ibom is one state that prepares the future of the most populated country in Africa. The state has made education compulsory to all children. Education for it's public primary and secondary schools are free as well. The state houses some excellent public and private colleges, polytechnic, and universities, which meet the demand for quality Education. There are about two public universities, two public polytechnics, one public college of education, one public Naval academy and over fifteen other tertiary private institutions. 

9. Rich culture: Ekpo, Ekombi and mbokpo, Nsibidi are some of those rich culture of the clean, green, peaceful and hospitable people of Akwa-Ibom. This culture is the unique african culture that mould the the ethics and morals of the people. The culture defines truely how the state is build on quality not inferiority. 

10. Gender Equality: Akwa-Ibom is one of those city in the world that allow women to exercise equal right with men. Freely, women participate in activities, occupation and practice that their follow men participate. In Uyo you can find a woman running a church, driving a truck, building a house, owning a land, cultivating a farm, owning a business and participating in politics. I believe this is one feature that has makes the state one of the most preferred state for all people.

These are just few characteristics of the city of Uyo. You are welcome to explore the city and learn more while you enjoy peace, and serenity of the promise land.