Saturday June 20, 2026
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… sues for cooperation to actualise seaport project

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed that the State is solidly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking at a special dinner in honour of a team from the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), who were in the State for a comprehensive data verification exercise, the Governor appreciated President Tinubu for supporting sub nationals with improved funding which has enabled them execute projects and other constitutional responsibilities.

“For us in Akwa Ibom State, we stand behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will deliver him, and we stand ready to deliver him. And let me say this loud and clear, Akwa Ibom is solidly behind President Tinubu, Akwa Ibom is solidly behind distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio and the APC.”

He numerated some of the development strides under his administration, including the completion of the International terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport, reclamation of a gully erosion site and its transformation to a world class tourism destination, construction of over 1368 km of roads and over 40 bridges that seamlessly connect the State, payment of backlog of arrears of gratuity, and others without borrowing or owing any bank.

Governor Eno disclosed that Ibom Air will begin international flight twice a week to Ghana from June 28, 2026, adding that the State was also in talks with Ethiopian Airline to also fly twice a week to Addis Ababa.

He announced plans to visit Canada in July 2026 to receive another brand new A220 Airbus to help Ibom Air run regional flight.

The Governor also announced that on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the State will unveil its quaternary international hospital with 24 critical departments, adding that 20 out of the 50 CNG buses ordered from Turkey has arrived Lagos, and will soon arrive the State, while construction at the terminal and work station were ongoing.

“We believe we are powering from all direction. We have built model health centres with accomodation for health personnel, model schools with staff quarters and 468 compassionate homes with a target of 500. What we are doing is to create alternative to oil and in few years time, they will make more meaning to our people.

“Apart from infrastructure projects, we have adopted a bottom up approach to governance, and we are making effort to effectively use the resources made available to us for the good of all, and I hope this exercise will reveal much more,” he said.

On the Ibom Deep Seaport, Governor Eno said that he met with investors in Paris who had earlier indicated interest in the project, pulled out, but have re-indicated interest; and strongly appealed that the politics of location should not be allowed to jeopardise the project.

He appreciated the RMFAC team for the encouraging sentiments, saying that the dinner was just a token of appreciation for their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities.

Setting the tone, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah said Akwa Ibom is the best kept secret of Nigeria, blessed with rich culture and cuisine and led by a visionary and compassionate Governor.

Making reference to the philosophy that money is a coward and doesn’t go to places where there is fear, he said the State is safe and monies allocated are safely managed for the good of all.

In his remarks, the team lead, Prof. Olusegun Adekunle Wright, appreciated the Governor, and the State for its exceptional hospitality, adding that the gala night was more than just a celebration but a reflection of the values of the State.

He said the State stands as one of the most compelling stories of development in the country, and has successfully transformed its enormous natural endowment into visible development assets and inspire confidence among investors, development partners and visitors.

He specifically mentioned the International Convention Center, ARISE Palm Resort, and the senior citizens centre which he said was a demonstration of a true compassionate leader, and appreciated the Governor for the judicious deployment of State’s resources.

Also speaking, the Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the commission, Barr. Imoh Akpan, appreciated the Governor for the warm reception given his colleagues since arrival in the State, and appreciated the Governor for judiciously utilizing the funds accrued to the State for the benefit of all.

Similarly, the Commissioner representing Kebbi State in RMAFC, Hon. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba-Haruna appreciated the Governor for maintaining a very serene ambience in the State, adding that from the aircraft and the world class International Airport to the well paved roads, and hospitality, there is a distinctive feeling that sets Akwa Ibom apart.

She said the team was blown away by the sonorous voices of the children who performed at the event, and expressed delight at the reclaimed gully erosion site transformed into a world class tourism facility, saying that Akwa Ibom can comfortably host the Olympics with its unique and quality infrastructure.