… Acquires two ferries, plans four-vessel fleet to boost coastal transport, trade and tourism
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reposition Oron as a major maritime, commercial and tourism hub, with the planned commissioning of the Oron Ferry Terminal in December 2026 expected to open new economic opportunities across the state’s coastal communities.
The Governor said the project, which goes beyond the construction of a terminal building to include modern jetties and supporting facilities, is designed to strengthen water transportation, facilitate the movement of passengers and goods, stimulate private-sector investment and harness the economic potential of the state’s marine resources.
Governor Eno disclosed this at the October edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, where he outlined the administration’s development priorities and announced plans to formally commence the Akwa Ibom State All Progressives Congress, APC, campaign activities with a prayer session on November 1.
He explained that the Oron maritime project was conceived to restore the area’s historic prominence as a fishing and commercial centre while creating a modern coastal economy that would generate employment, improve livelihoods and contribute to the state’s economic diversification drive under the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor stressed that the project was not limited to a ferry terminal building but included high-quality jetties and complementary infrastructure to support maritime operations and related businesses.
Facilities being developed or planned for the project include a ferry terminal building, passenger and cargo jetties, hotel accommodation, cold rooms, warehouses, a floating bar, a Joint Task Force jetty, a workshop, car park and recreational facilities.
Governor Eno said the supporting infrastructure would facilitate passenger and cargo movement, improve fish preservation and processing, reduce post-harvest losses, promote hospitality and coastal tourism, strengthen maritime security and attract private investment.
He disclosed that the state had already acquired two newly built ferries from the Nigerian Navy as part of plans to establish a four-vessel fleet for operations along the Oron-Calabar coastal route.
According to him, one of the vessels, measuring approximately 27 metres, is designed to accommodate vehicles, while the second measures about 18 metres.
The Governor said the planned fleet would make the movement of people and goods across the coastal corridor easier, providing an alternative transportation channel with the potential to support trade, tourism and other commercial activities.
He also revealed that the ferries would be named after the wives of former governors of Akwa Ibom State as a mark of recognition for their contributions to the development of the state.
Among the names mentioned were MV Allison, MV Unoma, MV Matie and MV Patience.
Beyond transportation, Governor Eno said the project would support the revival of Oron’s fishing economy through facilities for fish preservation and processing, including cold rooms and fish-drying centres.
He also disclosed that the government was negotiating to acquire an existing building for reconstruction into a small hotel, aimed at providing accommodation for visitors and supporting the hospitality business around the maritime corridor.
The Governor expressed confidence that the combined impact of the facilities would reposition Oron as a gateway for coastal commerce and tourism, with benefits extending to surrounding communities and other parts of Akwa Ibom State.
The planned Oron Ferry Terminal commissioning represents a significant milestone in the administration’s effort to expand Akwa Ibom’s economic base beyond conventional sectors by leveraging its maritime assets to promote transportation, fisheries, tourism, commerce and employment.
Responding to criticism that Oron had not benefited sufficiently from his administration, Governor Eno challenged those making such claims to assess the government’s projects and interventions across the area.
He cited road construction and rehabilitation, including the completion of the road project inherited from the previous administration and the ongoing work on the 13-kilometre Okon road, as examples of efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity.
The Governor maintained that his administration had undertaken projects across the state’s local government areas, including roads, schools, health facilities and other community interventions.
He said the government was preparing documents detailing completed and ongoing projects in each local government area, alongside identified community needs and proposed interventions, to enable residents to assess its performance and understand its development priorities.
Governor Eno, however, acknowledged the challenge of limited resources, stressing that public funds must be managed prudently and projects prioritised according to the needs of the people.
He urged residents to continue providing feedback on community infrastructure, particularly damaged bridges, roads and drainage systems, to enable the government to respond promptly.
The Governor also cautioned contractors against poor drainage construction and improper termination of drainage channels, warning that defective infrastructure could create flooding and erosion problems years after projects had been completed.
He directed residents to report such concerns to the relevant ministries, emphasising the need for proper engineering standards and sustainable construction practices.
APC TO COMMENCE CAMPAIGN WITH PRAYER
On political activities, Governor Eno announced that the Akwa Ibom State APC Campaign Council would begin its campaign activities with a special prayer session at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 3 p.m.
He said the gathering would provide an opportunity for the party to seek divine guidance, protection and success as it prepared for the demanding months ahead.
The Governor urged party members, political stakeholders, Christian leaders and the general public to participate in the session, explaining that the decision reflected his belief in committing important undertakings to God.
He also announced a separate prayer night scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 9 p.m. to midnight, inviting interested Christians and clergy to participate.
Governor Eno expressed appreciation to religious leaders and other stakeholders for their support and prayers, noting that faith remained an important source of guidance for his administration.
He further acknowledged the national recognition recently accorded the state by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, saying the award was a source of encouragement and an endorsement he did not take for granted.
GOVERNOR ORDERS REVIEW OF WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE LISTS
The Governor also disclosed that the state government was reviewing lists submitted for a women’s cooperative intervention programme after identifying discrepancies and omissions in some submissions.
He said the exercise was necessary to ensure fairness in the distribution of benefits across wards and political units, warning that proceeding with inaccurate lists could leave deserving beneficiaries out and create avoidable disputes.
Governor Eno explained that the government was using digital verification to scrutinise the submissions and establish a credible list before payments or other benefits were released.
He said the process might affect the initial implementation timeline but insisted that transparency and equitable distribution were more important than rushing the programme.
The Governor urged political and community leaders responsible for compiling the lists to ensure that every eligible beneficiary was captured and that no ward or unit was unfairly excluded.
CLERGY CALLS FOR FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN GOD
Earlier, the General Overseer of Precious Faith International Church, Osongama Road, Uyo, Reverend Emmanuel Iniama, delivered a message on the theme, “For God Is With Us,” drawn from Isaiah 8:9–10.
Reverend Iniama urged Christians to remain confident in God’s presence, assuring them that challenges and opposition would not ultimately prevail when they remained steadfast in their faith.
He identified divine protection, victory, favour, help and progress as benefits of God’s presence, encouraging believers to focus on deepening their relationship with God rather than becoming preoccupied with their adversaries.
The cleric called on Christians to demonstrate their faith through obedience to God, avoidance of idolatry, compassion, kindness, forgiveness and consistent prayer.
The Scripture reading was taken by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki.
