Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with South Korea in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart agriculture and the development of its blue economy.
Governor Umo Eno stated this on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Permanent Site of the University of Uyo, Nwaniba, while welcoming the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an.
The Ambassador was in the state to deliver a public lecture on “Artificial Intelligence, Smart Agriculture and the Development of Blue Economy Resources.”
Represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno said the visit reflected the growing diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Korea and presented an opportunity for Akwa Ibom to strengthen economic, technological and institutional ties with the Asian country.
The governor said the state was ready to welcome investors from South Korea and other parts of the world who were interested in establishing industries, developing businesses and exploring investment opportunities in Akwa Ibom.
According to him, available data showed that trade volume between Nigeria and South Korea stood at over $2.1 billion, adding that his administration was interested in contributing to the expansion of the relationship by attracting Korean investments to the state.
Eno identified AI, smart agriculture and the blue economy as areas with significant potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
“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,” he said.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s investments in human capital development, including the establishment of youth development centres across the state.
He said the centres would provide opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills and prepare for emerging areas of the global economy.
Eno further cited investments in agriculture, security and maritime infrastructure as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy and create sustainable opportunities for its people.
He commended the management of the University of Uyo, led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Ekong, for hosting the lecture and facilitating the Ambassador’s visit.
The governor said the focus of the lecture aligned with areas of interest to his administration and assured the university of the state government’s continued partnership in education, innovation and human capital development.
South Korea’s Development Offers Lessons for Nigeria
Delivering the lecture, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an shared insights into South Korea’s transformation from a relatively poor country after the Korean War into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology-driven economies.
He described the South Korean experience, popularly known as the “Miracle on the Han River,” as a product of deliberate investments in education, human capital, technology, industrialisation, infrastructure and innovation.
The Ambassador said South Korea’s development experience offered valuable lessons for Nigeria and other countries seeking rapid and sustainable economic transformation.
He particularly highlighted education, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and export-oriented development as critical areas that could drive economic growth.
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 adequately prepared for the demands of the modern labour market.
He expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with South Korean institutions 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.
Nsima Ekere Calls for Strategic Partnerships
In a goodwill message, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere, described Prof. Ekong as an “uncommon transformative Vice-Chancellor.”
Ekere commended the Vice-Chancellor’s leadership and said engagements such as the Ambassador’s visit were important for deepening relationships between institutions and countries.
He urged 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, Ekere said the major lesson from the Korean experience was that natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity.
He identified human capital development, innovation, discipline, dedication and strong institutions as critical drivers of sustainable economic growth and national development.
He also challenged students and young people to draw inspiration from the lecture and become active participants in shaping Nigeria’s future.
University Urged to Embrace Artificial Intelligence
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Dr Muiz Banire, described the lecture as enriching and rewarding.
Banire urged the university management to explore opportunities for domesticating academic programmes and initiatives in Artificial Intelligence.
He also stressed the importance of building strong institutions capable of outliving individuals and continuing to deliver on their mandates irrespective of changes in leadership.
Governor Eno was accompanied to the event by members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
