…As Akpabio hails President’s leadership; Eno expresses gratitude, while Oku Ibom Ibibio seeks more federal appointments for indigenes
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State, announcing approval for the establishment of the Ibom Deep Seaport and assuring the people that the long-awaited project will become a reality.
President Tinubu gave the assurance during a grand reception organised in his honour at the banquet hall of the Arise Palm Resort, Uyo, as part of his official visit to Akwa Ibom State.
The President, who commended Governor Umo Eno for his vision, courage and commitment to development, described the transformation of the 73-hectare erosion-threatened site into the magnificent Arise Palm Resort as evidence of what purposeful leadership, determination and effective governance could achieve.
He noted that the project demonstrated the importance of visionary leadership backed by the necessary political will, adding that Governor Eno had distinguished himself as a thinker, a performer and a unifying leader capable of mobilising his people towards a common developmental aspiration.
President Tinubu also applauded the Governor for sustaining a cordial relationship with the Federal Government, assuring him of continued support.
On the national economy, the President defended his administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, insisting that the difficult decisions were necessary to prevent the country from sliding into economic collapse.
He maintained that Nigeria was gradually emerging from the economic difficulties inherited by his administration, noting that the reforms were aimed at restoring economic stability and creating a sustainable foundation for national development.
President Tinubu further highlighted his administration’s commitment to education as a tool for social mobility and poverty reduction, declaring that funds recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, would henceforth be channelled into the education programme.
He said the policy was intended to expand access to education and provide equal opportunities for Nigerians, irrespective of their economic background.
The President, who described the 2027 general election as consequential to the future direction of the country, solicited the support of Akwa Ibom people, promising to fulfil his commitments to the state.
He declared emphatically: “There will be a deep seaport.”
Earlier, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described President Tinubu as a visionary leader and promise keeper whose policies were gradually transforming the Nigerian economy.
Senator Akpabio, who expressed delight at the President’s visit to Akwa Ibom, said the state and the entire South-South region were identifying with his administration because of its commitment to development and national progress.
He commended the President for implementing difficult but necessary economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, arguing that the measures were designed to eliminate distortions and establish a more transparent economic system.
The Senate President also cited the President’s infrastructure and agricultural development initiatives, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the proposed Badagry-Sokoto road corridor, as evidence of his commitment to national transformation.
Describing the President’s decision to spend the night in Akwa Ibom as significant, Senator Akpabio assured him of the continued support of the National Assembly, declaring that he would never walk alone throughout his administration.
He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom would deliver over two million votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for honouring his promise to visit Akwa Ibom and, more importantly, approving the establishment of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
The Governor recalled that despite public doubts and speculations surrounding the President’s proposed visit, he remained confident because of the assurance personally given to him by President Tinubu.
Pastor Eno said the President’s pronouncement on the deep seaport had vindicated his earlier assurances to the people, describing the development as a historic moment that had brought immense joy to the state.
He also acknowledged the Federal Government’s role in making development projects across Akwa Ibom possible, noting that increased financial resources available to state governments had enabled his administration to embark on several infrastructure and development initiatives.
The Governor specifically recalled the transformation of the 73-hectare erosion site into the Arise Palm Resort, explaining that the area had previously posed a serious threat to the Government House before his administration took the bold decision to reclaim and develop it.
He described the President’s support as instrumental to the state’s achievements and assured him that Akwa Ibom would remain grateful for the gesture.
Governor Eno thereafter led the people in a song of thanksgiving, declaring that the state would never forget the President’s commitment to its development.
Also speaking, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers in Akwa Ibom State, His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr Solomon Etuk, described the President’s approval of the Ibom Deep Seaport as a landmark decision that had fulfilled the major expectation of the people and traditional institution.
Ntenyin Etuk said he was particularly delighted by the announcement, explaining that the deep seaport remained the principal development aspiration the state government and traditional rulers had hoped to present to the President.
He recalled that the traditional institution had earlier conferred a distinguished traditional title on President Tinubu, expressing satisfaction that his latest action had further demonstrated his commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom.
The royal father, who offered prayers and blessings for the President, expressed the traditional rulers’ support for his second-term ambition, praying for divine protection, wisdom and success.
He, however, appealed to President Tinubu to provide more federal appointments and opportunities for Akwa Ibom indigenes, particularly the youths, stressing that greater representation in federal positions would strengthen the relationship between the state and the Federal Government.
Ntenyin Etuk urged the President to sustain his support for the state, expressing confidence that he would continue to deliver on his promises.
President Tinubu on his visit inaugurated the new International Terminal Building, the International Airport Hospital, and the Ibom Aviation Village, all located at the Victor Attah International Airport.
President Tinubu also inaugurated the Airport-Okopedi Road in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas and Ring Road 3, named after the President, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road.
Other projects include the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.
By: Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo
