Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to welcome investors from South Korea and other parts of the world seeking to establish industries, develop businesses and explore investment opportunities in the State.
Governor Umo Eno stated this on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Permanent Site of the University of Uyo, Nwaniba, during a public lecture delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an, on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Agriculture and the Development of Blue Economy Resources.
The Governor, who welcomed the Korean Ambassador to Akwa Ibom State, said the visit was a reflection of the growing diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Korea, noting that the State was positioned to benefit from stronger economic, technological and institutional ties between both countries.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno noted that available data put the trade volume between Nigeria and South Korea at over $2.1 billion, expressing the desire of his administration to contribute to expanding that relationship by attracting Korean investments into State.
He identified Artificial Intelligence, smart agriculture and the development of the Blue Economy as areas with significant potential for mutually beneficial partnerships, stressing that State was open to investors willing to build industries and create sustainable economic opportunities.
“Akwa Ibom State can be a beneficiary of this mutual relationship. Artificial Intelligence, smart agriculture and the Blue Economy are areas of interest to my administration as we work towards the transformation of our State. Today, no sane person can ignore the role of Artificial Intelligence,” the Governor said.
Eno further highlighted his administration’s investments in human capital development, including the establishment of youth development centres across the State, which he said would provide platforms for training young people in digital skills and other emerging areas of the global economy. He also cited the administration’s investments in agriculture, security and maritime infrastructure as part of efforts to build a diversified and sustainable economy capable of creating opportunities for the people.
The Governor commended the management of the University of Uyo, under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Ekong, for hosting the public lecture and facilitating the visit of the South Korean Ambassador. He said the themes of the lecture aligned with key areas of interest to his administration, assuring the university of the State Government’s continued partnership in advancing education, innovation and human capital development.
At the lecture, the Ambassador shared insights into South Korea’s remarkable transformation from a relatively poor country following the Korean War into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology-driven economies.
He explained that the South Korean experience, often described as the “Miracle on the Han River,” demonstrated the impact of deliberate investments in education, human capital, technology, industrialisation, infrastructure and innovation.
Amb. Yo-an said South Korea’s development experience offered valuable lessons for countries such as Nigeria seeking rapid and sustainable economic transformation, particularly in the areas of education, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and export-oriented development.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong, said the institution was determined to break existing barriers and ensure that its graduates were properly prepared for the demands of the modern labour market.
Prof. Ekong expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with South Korea would enable the university to strengthen its academic programmes and produce graduates who were employable, innovative and equipped with relevant skills for the global economy.
In a goodwill message, former Deputy Governor and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere, described Prof. Chris Ekong as an “uncommon transformative Vice-Chancellor,” commending the impact of his leadership on the University of Uyo.
Obong Ekere said visits and engagements such as the Ambassador’s visit were important in deepening relationships between institutions and countries, urging the University of Uyo to explore strategic linkages and partnerships with South Korean institutions through the Korean Embassy.
Drawing parallels between the development experiences of South Korea and Nigeria, he said the major lesson from the Korean experience was that natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity.
According to him, human capital development, innovation, discipline, dedication and strong institutions were critical drivers of sustainable economic growth and national development. He challenged the students and young people to draw inspiration from the lecture and become active participants in shaping the future of Nigeria, expressing hope that the engagement would sow the seeds of partnerships capable of yielding benefits for generations to come.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Dr. Muiz Banire, described the lecture as enriching and rewarding, charging the university management to explore opportunities for domesticating academic programmes and initiatives in Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Banire also emphasised the importance of building strong institutions that could outlive individuals and continue to deliver on their mandates irrespective of changes in leadership.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
©️MOI
