25/05/2026
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EXCLUSIVE CHAT: Sustainable development means meeting the needs of people today while protecting the well-being and opportunities of future generations - Victor Udo, PhD, FNSE, CEO and Chairman of Abasi People Foundation
By Destiny Isong
Victor Udo is an accomplished electrical engineer and sustainable development expert based in Pennsylvania, United States. He is also a former government official in both the United States and Akwa Ibom State, with a deep passion for unity, progress, and sustainable development among the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Ekoi, and Obolo peoples — collectively known as the Abasi People.
(Q) How can cultural heritage and indigenous values be preserved while pursuing modernization and sustainable development?
(A) This is a very interesting question because the whole idea of the Abasi Nation is to preserve what we have, protect our space and resources, promote our culture and values, and safeguard our people and heritage. Preserving and sustaining our culture, values, and heritage is an essential part of sustainable development.
Sustainable development is not the same as sustained development. Sustained development simply means continuing economic growth endlessly, which is not even realistic. Sustainable development, on the other hand, is development that ensures life is good for the people of today while also protecting the interests of future generations.
When we speak about equitable sustainable development, we must remember the seven tribes of the Abasi Nation — Ibibio, Annang, Oro, Efik, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekoi. Within these seven tribes are cultural heritages and indigenous values that must be preserved and protected.
Modernization, in many ways, reflects Africa’s attempt to catch up with Europe and America in infrastructure, technology, and economic advancement. To the extent that we are building deep seaports, international airports, and operating airlines, we are modernizing the Abasi Nation. Modernization is also a major part of globalization because, through development, we are connecting ourselves to the wider world.
If we successfully develop international seaports and other strategic projects across Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, and if these developments are sustained for the long term rather than for short-term gains, then modernization and sustainable development will naturally follow.
However, while pursuing modernization, we must not abandon our culture and values.
We must hold firmly to our cultural and moral foundations, especially our Christian values. If we fail to protect our values, we risk losing our identity completely. We cannot and should not sell our birthright for peanuts. Too often, outsiders come, take our lands and resources, and offer little in return.
At some point, our elders and communities must stop indiscriminately selling ancestral lands. Leasing land for carefully negotiated investments may be beneficial, but permanently selling our lands to foreigners and non-Abasians is not modernization, nor is it sustainable development.
It is the gradual loss of our heritage and identity.
To preserve our heritage and indigenous values while pursuing modernization and sustainable development, we must remain conscious and vigilant about what is happening around us. We must carefully examine who is coming into our land, what they are offering, and what they truly intend to gain.
We must ask ourselves difficult questions: Are we selling our heritage? Are we surrendering our land? Are we sacrificing our people and future for temporary benefits?
After struggling against external colonization by Europeans, we must not allow ourselves to fall into another form of economic or internal colonization.
When foreign interests come with promises and gradually take control of our resources and decision-making, we must question whether we are truly benefiting or simply surrendering ownership of our future.
Therefore, when negotiating agreements with foreign investors and even indigenous Nigerian companies, the people of the Abasi Nation must have a proper seat at the table. The land belongs to our people. The resources belong to our people. Any form of modernization or sustainable development must be equitable, fair, and beneficial to the indigenous communities.
Our leaders must be held accountable. Political leaders must not mortgage our resources for personal gain, and community leaders must discourage the indiscriminate sale of communal lands. There must be balance, responsibility, and mutual benefit in every agreement made on behalf of our people.
Furthermore, when visitors and foreigners come to live and work among us, they should respect and embrace our cultures and values. They should learn and appreciate Ibibio culture, Annang culture, Efik culture, Oro culture, Ekoi culture, Ekid culture, and Obolo culture. If we do not intentionally project and protect our heritage and values, we risk losing what God has given to us.
Today, I call on the people of the Abasi Nation — Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekoi, Ekid, and Obolo — to rise together and ensure that our cultural heritage and indigenous values are preserved while we pursue modernization and equitable sustainable development.
Only by balancing progress with cultural preservation can we secure a prosperous and dignified future for both present and future generations.