TwoCents | The Land of Promise

Most people live their lives without seeing true beauty. Most Nigerians think they've seen it all because they've been to a few places. My dear comrades, if you haven't been to the Land of Promise, you haven't been anywhere. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a place many consider mythical—a land flowing with milk, honey, and oil! Akwa Ibom is derived from the Qua Iboe River, and the state is located in the coastal south of Nigeria. We have a few languages, and believe me, our language is special. Some say it sounds like Chinese, and others say it sounds like Korean, but we know our language is great. Oh, we also have an accent! I'm not going into details on that. Akwa Ibom State is wealthy. We are blessed with both human and natural resources. For a state created in 1987, I will say we've come a long way, and we are setting the pace for others. Because of our strategic location and close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, you can find several beaches in Akwa Ibom. Yeah, you've probably never heard of them, but they exist. The most well-known is Ibeno Beach. Fun fact: Ibeno Beach is actually the longest sand beach in West Africa. Let me rephrase: the longest sand beach in West Africa is found in Akwa Ibom State. The beach is a marvel with its beautiful coastline, which attracts thousands of tourists with an eye for beauty! Several festivals and games are held at the beach. Guess what? We share a border with Cameroon. Akwa Ibom is blessed with oil. Anything oily can be found in the state! from crude oil to palm oil to groundnut oil, etc. The state is currently the highest oil-producing state in the country. In other words, we are the ones fueling the nation! You can find some oil multinationals, such as Exxon Mobil, in the state. One thing we don't joke about in Akwa Ibom is education. There are several schools in the state, and in some neighborhoods, you can have as many as three schools. Some are neighbors! This demonstrates our appreciation for learning and our conviction that education liberates. You've probably heard about the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 30,000. The state hosts a number of sporting events, and some of its athletes have competed in international events. Notably, we have our own state-owned airline, Ibom Air. It's the only state-owned airline in Nigeria. Mad thing now innit. Akwa Ibom people are largely hospitable and kind to our brothers from other parts of Nigeria. We enjoy politics, but we despise wahala. But when our lives are in danger, we are very good at giving people woto woto. My favorite part is the food. You haven't eaten good food until you eat a meal prepared by an Akwa Ibomite. I don't mean the Lagos branch or diaspora branch of Akwa Ibomites oooo! Delicacies include Affang, Atama, Editan, Edikan-Ikong, Ato mboro, and Ekpan Ku kwo. I'm salivating just typing their names. Just so you know, they taste better than they sound. People of the earth, if an Akwa Ibom woman cook for you, Akwenge (It is finished). You are taken because you won't recover from it. You will just fall in love. I guess it was love at first chow. Talking about our ladies, they are the personification of beauty, and they are blessed. I don't want to say "well-endowed." Just know that dem go carry you go wey you no know! Our men are equally good-looking and edible! If you doubt me, just look at my profile picture or look me up on Instagram (@iamsamuelibok). We fine die! Our beauty can make you SWERVE. Some people have the conception that Akwa Ibomites are excellent in Bedmatics! Akwa Ibom is the ideal place for people who want to relax and live the baby girl or baby boy lifestyle. The most time you can spend in traffic is 2 minutes, and things are relatively cheap, particularly house rent. It's a place where anyone can feel at ease. Akwa Ibom Ayaya...

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