A bill for a law to establish the Akwa Ibom State School of Culinary Studies, Hospitality Management Board, and for other Matters connected thereto, has passed second reading on the floor of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA).
The bill, sponsored by member representing Uruan State Constituency, Hon. (Dr.) Itorobong Etim, was read for the second time on the floor of the Assembly following a motion to that effect by the leader, Hon. Sunday Johnny and seconded by the Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Effiong Johnson.
Leading debate on the bill, Uruan State Constituency member, Hon. (Dr.) Itorobong Etim, explained that the bill when passed would help in the training of specialized chefs with certificates to be issued to persons under going pre-degree, Ordinary National Diploma, and Certificates of proficiency in relevant culinary and hospitality management fields.
Being a private member bill, Dr. Etim said it would help regulate culinary practice in the state, boost non-formal education, and prepare youths with a wide range of knowledge and skills.
“The bill will help expose Akwa Ibom youths to the culinary traditions of different continents, boost culture and tourism, trade and investment,” she said.
The Uruan lawmaker, stated further that the Bill would help to engage ” the youths, reduce poverty and unemployment in the state, and shall enhance dignity in hands-on skills.”
Dr.Etim, noted that the culinary school shall be domiciled in the state Ministry of Education and shall receive monitoring and evaluation from Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Trade and Investment; Labour and Productivity; Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Management Board; National Business for Technical Education Board (NABTEB); and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC.
She enlisted the support of her colleagues for the bill to see the light of the day for the best to be achieved in the state.
The member for Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob and his Ini State Constituency counterpart, Hon. Lawrence Udoide who spoke in support of the bill, said it would help in no small measures to create employment to the Nigerian youths in addition to boost tourism in the state.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, while commending the sponsor of the bill for having the interest of the people at heart, referred the bill to the Chairman, House Committee on Education for further legislative action and to report back to the House within two weeks.