Out of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria today, only the South South has the economic muscle to translate its dreams into realities. The rich natural resources of the zone accounts for more than 90 percent of total national earnings. The zone comprise Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and River States. For years, these states were considered as the minorities with little say in the management of their natural endowments. Not any more. Today, following from the return of democracy, we have become a voice that is heard across the land; a major power bloc. In this group, Akwa Ibom State is a major player..

The people of the zone are being empowered politically and economically, especially through the recent changes in federal revenue sharing system that gives 13 percent of oil earnings to oil producing states.

The zone has a total population of about … representing …. Percent of total national population. Add to this the …… million people in the neighbouring states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo which forms the south east zone and you will come face to face with one of Africa’ s extensive market, by far larger than the population of South Africa.