— Barr. Kufre Udosen
…Says Technology in the 21st Century Must Be Measured by Accessibility, Inclusion and Impact, Not by the Size of Physical Structures
Barr. Kufre Udosen, Honourable Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Social Re-orientation, has defended Governor Umo Eno’s position on the Ibom Science Park project, stating that the Governor’s decision reflects strategic adaptation to modern realities rather than a departure from technological advancement.
Speaking on the ongoing public debate surrounding the project, Udosen noted that much of the criticism directed at the Governor stems from a misunderstanding of what was actually proposed.
According to him, Governor Umo Eno has not rejected technology, innovation, digital transformation or youth empowerment. Rather, he has questioned whether a model conceived over two decades ago remains the most effective means of achieving those objectives in an era defined by digital connectivity, remote learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and decentralized innovation ecosystems.
“The issue before us is not whether technology matters. Technology matters. Innovation matters. Youth empowerment matters. The real question is how best to deliver those opportunities to the largest number of Akwa Ibom people in the shortest possible time,” Udosen stated.
He explained that the original objective of the Science Park was to create opportunities for young people, promote digital literacy, stimulate innovation and prepare Akwa Ibom for participation in the knowledge economy.
“Those objectives have not changed. What has changed is the world. The technological environment of today is fundamentally different from what existed when the project was originally conceived. Governments must be willing to adapt their methods while remaining faithful to their goals,” he added.
Udosen observed that modern technology no longer depends exclusively on centralized physical infrastructure, noting that young people can now acquire globally competitive digital skills, launch businesses, access international markets and participate in the digital economy from virtually any location with adequate connectivity.
He maintained that Governor Umo Eno’s preference for youth-friendly technology and innovation centres across the 31 local government areas represents a deliberate effort to democratize opportunity and bridge the development gap between urban and rural communities.
According to him, a decentralized approach ensures that young people in Oron, Ikot Abasi, Abak, Ini, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo, Ikot Ekpene and other parts of the state have direct access to digital opportunities without being compelled to relocate to a single urban centre.
“This is not a reduction of vision. It is an expansion of vision. Development should not be measured by the size of a structure but by the number of lives transformed. The true value of any technology policy lies in how many people it empowers and not merely in the physical footprint of the infrastructure,” he said.
The Special Adviser further argued that some of the criticism surrounding the issue has unfortunately shifted away from policy discourse and descended into unnecessary personal attacks.
He stressed that constructive criticism remains an essential component of democracy but cautioned against replacing reasoned debate with insults and derogatory remarks.
“Strong arguments are built on facts, evidence and alternative ideas. Personal attacks add nothing to policy conversations and often reveal the weakness of the argument being advanced,” he noted.
Udosen emphasized that governance requires continuous evaluation of inherited projects to ensure alignment with prevailing realities, available resources and long-term development priorities.
“Every administration inherits projects. Some are completed as conceived. Some are modified. Some are redesigned to achieve broader impact. That is not evidence of failure; it is evidence of responsible governance. Public policy is not about preserving ideas in their original form forever. It is about delivering results for the people,” he said.
He further maintained that Governor Umo Eno’s administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment and inclusive growth through programmes and initiatives that directly impact citizens across the state.
According to him, the Governor’s approach reflects a broader philosophy that development must be accessible, equitable and beneficial to all segments of society.
Concluding, Udosen stated that vision in governance should be measured by outcomes rather than symbolism.
“Vision is not the refusal to adapt. Vision is the courage to adapt when changing realities demand it. If technological opportunities, digital skills, innovation support and entrepreneurship programmes are successfully taken to communities across all 31 local government areas, history may ultimately conclude that the greater vision was not in centralizing opportunity but in democratizing it,” he added.