“You’re a Great Man of Conscience, Commitment and Vision” — President Tinubu Tells Gov Eno

By NewsDESK –

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as “a great man of conscience, commitment and vision,” commending his determination to make the vision of an international airport a reality and advance the state’s development.

The President gave the commendation on Friday during his one-day working visit to Akwa Ibom State. He unveiled the new international wing of Victor Attah International Airport and commissioned other major projects executed by Governor Eno within the first three years of his administration.

Wearing Akwa Ibom traditional attire comprising a black cap, white top and white trousers, President Tinubu arrived at the airport to a warm reception from state leaders led by Governor Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, alongside other dignitaries.

The President’s entourage included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Vice President Kashim Shettima and his wife; governors from other states; senators; members of the House of Representatives; ministers; and other senior government officials.

Before unveiling the facility, President Tinubu praised Governor Eno for the vision and commitment behind the airport project. He recalled that the Governor had personally approached him to seek approval for international flight operations. The President said he readily granted the request after reviewing the memorandum presented to him.

“You are a great man of conscience, commitment and vision. You have to continue this airport and make it a reality today. When you approached for the permission to grant international flights, I didn’t hesitate. I read the memo, I had the consent. You have the history. You have the performance,” the President said.

Tinubu described the commissioning as the fulfilment of a vision, adding that the airport would promote human movement, integration, prosperity and connections among people around the world. He said he was honoured to witness the achievement before formally declaring the facility open to the glory of God Almighty.

The President also described his visit as a homecoming, recalling his time in Akwa Ibom State when he worked as an auditor with Mobil. He used the occasion to commend Senate President Akpabio for his leadership and coordination of legislative affairs at the National Assembly.

Other projects commissioned by President Tinubu along the airport corridor included the Aviation Village, the International Airport Hospital and the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road. The projects highlight the range of infrastructure delivered by the Eno administration.

The visit also ended a 14-year gap, as no sitting President had visited Akwa Ibom on a working visit to commission projects since 2012.