Sunday March 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to the Ibom Deep Seaport project, a development seen as vital to the state’s long term economic growth.
Eno said the President had assured him that the seaport project remained on course and had not been abandoned.
The governor spoke in Uyo during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Eno expressed appreciation to the President for ongoing federal projects in Akwa Ibom, particularly the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway. He said the road project, alongside the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, would open up greater economic opportunities for the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
He added that he remained optimistic that the President would fulfil his promise on the seaport, noting that their discussions had continued to reflect federal support for the project.
The governor also thanked the First Lady for visiting Akwa Ibom to inaugurate the newly completed senior citizens centre, which has been named in her honour. He said the facility is the first of three centres planned by the state government to improve care and support for elderly citizens.
Eno said the state also intends to pursue a legal framework that will strengthen welfare protection for older residents.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu commended the turnout of women at the event and praised their active participation. She said the Federal Government was working to improve the economy and promote the welfare of women and families across the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also addressed the gathering, describing the turnout as a strong sign of women’s political presence in Akwa Ibom. He said their support reflected confidence in both the President and the state governor.
Other speakers at the event included the wife of the Senate President, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom, Helen Eno Obareki. They spoke on women’s inclusion, political participation, and support initiatives for women and elderly citizens in the state.
The event featured cultural displays, public endorsements by women’s groups, and tributes to programmes aimed at advancing social welfare and economic empowerment in Akwa Ibom.
