Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for his development initiatives, stating that the state has become a preferred destination for tourists and investors. Akpabio made this commendation during the inauguration of the 4.12km GRA internal road network with outfall drain and erosion reclamation works in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. The project is one of several infrastructure developments undertaken by Governor Eno's administration.
Akpabio highlighted several projects completed or ongoing under Governor Eno, including the international airport terminal, acquisition of additional aircraft for Ibom Air, the International Convention Centre and Hotel, and the international market in Ikot Ekpene. He noted that Akwa Ibom has transformed from a "pedestrian state" to a destination, attracting visitors and investors. The Senate President expressed his pride in Governor Eno's achievements and stated that President Bola Tinubu also takes pride in Eno's efforts.
Akpabio assured that the people of Ikot Ekpene, whom he represents in the Senate, would mobilize to vote for Governor Eno and President Bola Tinubu for a second term. He commended the governor for his infrastructure development efforts in the state, citing the completed terminal building at the airport as an example of the state's progress. Akpabio compared the airport terminal to London's Heathrow Airport, inviting Nigerians to witness the developments in Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno responded by thanking Akpabio for his continued support, describing his presence at major state events as a demonstration of love and action. Eno recalled that Akpabio recently flew in from Abuja to witness the reception of a new aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport. The governor explained that the GRA project, inherited from the previous administration, was completed with modern roads and drainage to transform the area.
Commissioner for Works, Prof Eno Ibanga, provided an overview of the GRA project, stating that it was initially 2.5km and awarded under direct labour but was upgraded to 4.12km in February 2026. The chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Aniefiok Nkom, thanked the governor for completing the GRA project, noting that the area had been transformed from a neglected state. Nkom also commended the governor for other projects in the area, including the Ring Road, Amanyam Road, and the international market.
Other dignitaries, including the member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr Patrick Umoh, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, appreciated the governor and pledged their support. Governor Eno's administration has been executing projects across the 31 local government areas and plans to continue inaugurating projects through December.
Governor Eno's efforts to develop Akwa Ibom's infrastructure have garnered praise from various stakeholders, with the state poised to become a major hub for tourism and investment in Nigeria. The governor's administration has prioritized infrastructure development, with several projects at various stages of completion. The state's transformation is expected to have a positive impact on its economy and residents.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom State has transformed into a destination for tourists and investors under Governor Umo Eno's development initiatives.
- The state has witnessed several infrastructure developments, including the international airport terminal and the International Convention Centre and Hotel.
- Governor Eno's administration has prioritized infrastructure development, with projects executed across the 31 local government areas.
