Browsing: Udom Inoyo

I knew it would be an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues I had not met in years. The event attracted almost every practitioner of journalism in the state. I listened and watched Udom deliver a well crafted and easily applauded paper. At the end, it was announced that only three questions or comments would be taken. I was one of the three people recognised to ask questions. I had three questions but I tried to melt them into one.

The theme of the Week was: “Akwa Ibom State, the Legal Profession and the Emerging Global Economy.” A few days to the event, the National Bureau of Statistics released a stunning report to the effect that Nigeria’s unemployment rate has hit 33.3 per cent. This implies that more than half of the country’s labour force is jobless. Or put alternately, less than half of the labour force is fully employed.

Given what I know, and especially His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel’s determination to reconstruct the economy of Akwa Ibom State beyond crude oil, I can assure you that the state’s future is bright. But to benefit, you must be deliberate in reskilling yourselves, including a determination to explore beyond our shores. Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot soar and succeed

You have asked that I speak to you on a very important subject, which, if we cut to the chase, is about robust opportunities for lawyers in Akwa Ibom State. I am happy that you appreciate the emerging economic trends in the state, which have already started manifesting in steady and sustainable steps, and would consolidate in the not-too-distant future.

You have an opportunity to innovate, becoming advocates for businesses and rowing in the same direction, for the overall good of all parties. That’s the right thing to do. That’s what will benefit thousands of your members. And at a personal level, that’s what I want given the need to secure my pension after 30 years of hard work in the industry we all care about