Sept 11: Akpabio Commiserates with America, as US Consul General Visits

Article | September 13, 2013 - 5:06am | By Mu'Sodiq Adekunle

Akwa Ibom government Thursday joined United States government and her people to remember their citizens who died on September 11, 2011 during terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre, New York City, The Pentagon and another city.

Governor Godswill Akpabio called for a minute’s silence in honour of the people who perished 12 years ago in separate terrorist attacks when the Consul-General of the United States of America, Lagos, Jeffrey Hawkins paid him a courtesy visit at Governor's Office, Uyo.

Akpabio said: "Your visit today is remarkable as you come exactly on the same day that we lost so many United States citizens of the terrorist attack on the Trade Centre. So may we rise to observe a minute silence for them and their souls rest in perfect peace."

Welcoming the Consul-General and his team, the Governor said: "American investors are always welcomed in the state. Already, we have Americans working in the state. Even our state government jet is being operated by American crew and American investors could holiday in serene and secure environment in the state."

He called on US government to partner the state government in bringing in more US companies to operate in Ibaka Deep Seaport when completed, hinting that President Jonathan had granted free trade zone status to the seaport.

Akpabio explained that the seaport has a fantastic location, disclosing that Senegal, Cameroun, Sao Tome and Principe and some Asian countries have indicated interest in the project.

The Governor used the occasion to call for collaboration in the running of Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) of Akwa Ibom International Airport and the 20th Anniversary Specialist Hospital to boost medical tourism of the state and conserve foreign reserve which Akwa Ibom people spend on treatment overseas.

Responding, the US Consul-General, Hawkins said their visit to Akwa Ibom was to inspect US companies operating in the state, and used the forum express his happiness with the government on the provision of lasting infrastructure in the state.

Hawkins commended the state government and the people for hosting some US major investments in the country, noting that he looks forward to discussing relative issues with the state and the nation.

http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/sept-11-akpabio-commiserates-america-us-consul-general-visits

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Written by NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE

Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner