Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has called on the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to engage more in research to correct historical issues affecting states in the country.

He made the call yesterday when a NIESV delegation led by the President, Esv. Emeka Eleh, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Office, Uyo, as part of their annual on-going three-day conference in the state.

Akpabio said the research would help the profession to correct the historical perspective of the actual residence of Lord Lugard and Mary Slessor, among other foreigners.

He used the occasion to pledge the state government’s readiness to partner with them for the development of the Ibaka Deep Seaport in the state, remarking: “The Ibaka Deep Seaport would be totally completed in phases, which he said would complement other ports in the country.

“Already, 14,000 hectares of land are required for the deep seaport with an export free trade zone, which is for the economy of tomorrow. So, we must all come together to assist the country to grow through the Ibaka Deep Seaport in association with the maritime industry.”

The governor thanked NIESV for choosing the state for the conference and for their interest in the Ibaka deep seaport, commending the organisation for its patriotism and exploits.

Speaking earlier, NIESV President Eleh said their visit was to invite the governor for their on-going conference in the state and to reinstate their intention to partner with the state government to publicise and market the development of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project to generate economic growth and employment opportunities for the youths.

Eleh said the state is a tourism site for investors to invest in, which he said is why they are interested in partneringwith the state government in developing and marketing the seaport in the state.

He commended Governor Akpabio for the transformation agenda of his administration in developing the state through quality infrastructure.

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio (right), in another engagement, welcoming the new Commander, NNS Jubilee, Ikot Abasi, Commodore JI Ogazi, during a courtesy visit to the governor in the Government House ... yesterday in Uyo.