Oku Ibom Ibibio Urges OGFZA MD, to Explore Investment Opportunities in Akwa Ibom …Commends Gov. Umo Eno’s visionary leadership

Oku Ibom Ibibio, and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, CFR, has urged the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada to consolidate their investment in Akwa Ibom State.

The premier Royal Father made the call during a courtesy visit by the OGFZA boss and his team, at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Tuesday, May 2, 2025 while highlighting the state’s vast potential for investment and economic growth.

Currently, OGFZA has the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone, a large oil and gas free zone located in Akwa Ibom State and established in July 2020. It’s the largest such zone in West Africa by landmass, spanning 50,215 hectares across six local council areas. The OGFZA’s free trade Zone is promoted by Akwa Ibom State, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and private sector equity investors.

The gesture underscores diverse opportunities available for strategic partnerships, collaborative development, and core benefit, under the dynamic leadership of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda- towards improving the lives of its people.

In his address, Oku Ibom Ibibio described Alhaji Jada as a humble and efficient chief executive officer, while extending a warm welcome to him to harness the investment opportunities in Akwa Ibom, which the previous management identitied and created an export zone that is a magnet for investors across diverse sectors.

Ntenyin Etuk said traditional rulers are very supportive of credible investors, and stressed their readiness to cultivate partnership that would yield mutual benefits while fostering an enduring liaison between their organization and the community.

“You’re all welcome to the palace of Oku Ibom Ibibio. Ours to give support and create enabling environment for investors”.

“As we also know, to whom much is given much is also expected, I’m sure with the level of your disposition; you won’t let us down, going forward, let’s develop a very robust synergy between your agency and Akwa Ibom community”.

“I want to thank His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for creating and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the state, for us to live together in harmony, and also for working relentlessly in a bid of turning Akwa Ibom into investor’s hub”, he said.

He reaffirmed his unwavering support and that of the traditional institution for administration of Governor Umo Eno’s economic blueprint, through the ARISE AGENDA.

Earlier, Alhaji Bamanga Usman spoke eloquently about Oku Ibom Ibibio, lauding him as an epitome of exemplary royal leadership, distinguished by his exceptional stature, profound wisdom, and unshakeable commitment to the well-being of his people.

He further noted that the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, a federal government agency, is entrusted with the critical responsibility of regulating, managing, developing, and issuing permits to investors within the Nation’s Oil and Gas Free Zone.

Having highlighted the impressive strides made by the industry in investment, Alhaji Jada revealed that a significant portion of these investments is strategically located in Akwa Ibom.

Notably, other distinguished personalities who graced the historic engagement included HRM Edidem Clement Ekpeyong, Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan LGA; HRM Edidem Peter Okon Effiong, Paramount Ruler of Nsit Atai LGA; HRM Edidem Aniefiok Akpanobong, Paramount Ruler of Etinan LGA; Mr. Anietie Peters, Secretary of the Nsit Ubium Traditional Rulers Council; and various village heads from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.