Utibe Ekoson
Akwa Ibom state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has advocated increased patronage of local content in the oil and gas sector for opening up of job opportunities, increased revenue and checkmating of restiveness especially in the oil bearing communities.
Governor Emmanuel made the advocacy yesterday at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo during a gala night organized in honour of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board currently in the state for the 11th Practical Nigerian Content Forum.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the governor maintained that such patronage will strengthen the local economy and enhance revenue profile of the country.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Board to the economic growth of the country, describing as apt the theme of the forum “Deepening Nigerian Content Opportunities in the Decade of Gas” and emphasized that part of their recommendations should include ways of stimulating the economy by patronizing local contents.
Governor Emmanuel further stated that the country stands to benefit more when local contents are used, adding that products become valuable and attract international patronage against the capital flight being experienced due to the prevailing deflation in the currency.
