Open Forum, a non-partisan public policy advocacy organisation, has called on Governor Umo Eno to fulfil his pledge to former Gov Victor Attah by reviving and completing the Ibom Science and Technology Park project, describing the facility as a strategic economic asset capable of transforming Akwa Ibom State into a leading technology and industrial hub.
The appeal was made on Friday, during a press conference addressed by the Founder and President of Open Forum, Citizen Matthew Koffi Okono (MKO), at the organisation’s headquarters in Uyo.
The group expressed concern over Governor Eno’s recent declaration that his administration would no longer pursue the development of the Ibom Science and Technology Park, arguing that the project remains relevant despite advances in technology and changing economic realities.
Open Forum maintained that the Science Park was conceived as a large-scale manufacturing, innovation and export-processing ecosystem rather than a conventional information technology training centre.
According to the organisation, replacing the project with Youth Development Centres across the state’s 31 local government areas does not achieve the original economic objectives for which the Science Park was designed.
Tracing the history of the project, the group noted that the Science Park was initiated during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as one of the flagship projects contained in the state’s economic development strategy.
The project received significant budgetary allocations and attracted national attention when former President Olusegun Obasanjo performed its groundbreaking ceremony.
Open Forum acknowledged that subsequent administrations also took steps towards its realisation, despite challenges that slowed implementation.
The organisation recalled that the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio investigated aspects of the project over concerns regarding contract execution and funding, but did not formally abolish the concept of the Science Park.
It further highlighted efforts made during the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel to revive the project through international partnerships and investment engagements.
“These included the signing of memoranda of understanding with foreign investors and the 2019 relaunch of the project as the Ibom Blue Sea Science and Technology Park Development Company Limited, with projections of substantial foreign investment.”
According to Open Forum, the most significant commitment came during the political consultations preceding the 2023 governorship election when then Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Umo Eno, publicly assured Attah that the Science Park would be revived and completed.
The group quoted Eno as having pledged to continue the developmental vision of the former governor and specifically revive the Ibom Science Park as originally conceived.
Open Forum argued that Governor Eno’s administration had initially demonstrated commitment to the project after assuming office.
It pointed out that the governor’s ARISE Agenda and subsequent economic development plans contained provisions relating to the Science Park, while state budgets provided funding for reviews and preparatory activities connected to the project.
The organisation also referenced recent developments involving internationally respected environmental and infrastructure expert, Professor Hilary Inyang, who publicly announced the interest of prospective investors willing to commit billions of dollars to strategic projects in Akwa Ibom State, including the Ibom Science and Technology Park.
According to Open Forum, a consortium linked to Prof. Inyang had indicated willingness to support the development of the Science Park through a public-private partnership model while integrating its operations with economic activities across the state’s local government areas.
The group said Governor Eno met with Prof. Inyang earlier this year following a request for engagement and urged the state government to sustain discussions with potential investors rather than discontinue the project.
While commending Governor Eno for pursuing development initiatives under the ARISE Agenda, Open Forum urged him to undertake a comprehensive review of all records relating to the Science Park before making a final decision on its future.
The organisation also advised the governor to consult Attah, whom it described as the “Father of Modern Akwa Ibom,” as well as experts in technology, investment and industrial development.
Open Forum further called on the state government to reassure host communities that lands acquired for the project would remain dedicated to projects of overriding public interest and not be transferred without broad stakeholder consultation.
The advocacy group maintained that the Science Park possesses the potential to attract investment, stimulate manufacturing, facilitate technology transfer, create employment opportunities and generate substantial revenue for the state.
It warned that frequent policy reversals and discontinuity in major development projects could discourage both local and foreign investors.
“Governor Umo Eno can still turn this challenge into a success story,” the organisation stated. “What is required is leadership that is willing to reassess decisions, engage stakeholders and build upon existing foundations for the benefit of future generations.”
Open Forum concluded by urging the governor to honour his earlier commitment to Attah and ensure that the Ibom Science and Technology Park becomes a reality as part of the broader vision for sustainable industrialisation and economic growth in Akwa Ibom State.
