Akwa Ibom: Tinubu Approves Ibom Deep Sea Port, Commissions landmark projects
By Sunday Etuka
The people of Akwa Ibom State received a major economic boost on Friday as President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, saying it will bring prosperity to the state and the wider South South region.
Tinubu announced the approval at the APC Presidential Rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, he said the decision reflects his administration’s drive to bring development closer to people in every zone of the country.
Governor Umo Eno had made a passionate appeal for the project in his welcome address, promising that the people of the state would remain grateful if it was granted. Responding, the President said the request was approved and that the port would generate economic development for the people, just as the governor had argued.
Tinubu praised the governor’s progress in infrastructure and human capital development. He recalled that he had also promptly approved Eno’s request to give Victor Attah International Airport international status. “Now, as you do for one, you do for the other,” he said.
The President said Akwa Ibom could make better use of its palm trees and agricultural produce and stressed the need for lasting skills development. He urged those seeking elective office to serve with sincerity and determination.
Turning to young people at the venue, Tinubu asked them to weigh the credibility, track record and determination of politicians seeking their votes in the January 2027 general elections. “The weapon you have is the PVC,” he said, urging them to use their Permanent Voters Cards to reject those deceiving them.
He pointed to improvements he said the youth had already seen, including universities that are no longer on strike, and said he had committed his remaining years to democracy, freedom, development and progress.
Describing the January 16, 2027, election as consequential for the direction of the country, Tinubu said that when he took office, 27 of the 36 state governors could not meet salary obligations, let alone pensions and gratuities. He said the country had now come out of that period of uncertainty and possible bankruptcy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima thanked the people of Akwa Ibom and the South South for their support of the administration and the APC.
He warned citizens against politicians who run from challenges instead of solving them and questioned the credibility of an opposition that criticises government policies without offering workable alternatives.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the South South governors, commended the President for the ongoing Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), among other projects.
He assured Tinubu that all six South South governors were solidly behind him, and congratulated Governor Eno on the large turnout.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the South South governors for their developmental efforts and for backing the APC.
He said the National Assembly had laid a firm foundation for the President to build on and complete his work. He also thanked Tinubu for approving a Federal University of Agriculture, a Federal University of Technology and a Police Academy in the state.
At a reception in the President’s honour at the 70 hectare Arise Palm Resort, Governor Eno said he felt fulfilled by the approval of the port.
The President General of the Akwa Ibom Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, His Eminence Dr. Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, said he was proud to identify with the administration and prayed for the President’s success in his second term bid.
Earlier, on arrival, Tinubu commissioned the new Victor Attah International Airport Terminal Building, Ring Road 3, which links Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom, and the Arise Palm Resort.
