…Says uncertainty over economy fading, hope rising
• Eno seeks FG’s support for Ibom Deep Sea Port, ecological issues
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye
President Bola Tinubu has declared that the country’s full potential can be better realised when political leaders look beyond party loyalty in serving the nation.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said this when he received the 104-member delegation of Akwa Ibom led to the State House by the Governor, Umo Eno, where he was conferred with the highest traditional title: “Otuekong, or Commander–in–Chief of Akwa Ibom State” by the State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The conferment was held Friday at the State House, Abuja, by the President General, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, Okuibom Ibibio III, who led the chiefs.
Also in the delegation were political leaders from different parties, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife Ekaette, religious leaders, former ministers and lawmakers, women and youth groups.
“I accept all the honours and the conferment. I am one of you. Going back in time, I recall staying in Eket as an auditor of Mobil. We are all friends and family with the state that has moved progressively, with development and speed,” he said.
President Tinubu attributed the progress in Akwa Ibom State to consistency of vision and commitment to the collective development goal.
“I have just signed the 2025 budget. I am happy that the uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising. Thank you for always staying with us. We must work together to build the nation. And to everyone here, you represent and reflect a good society,” he said.
President Tinubu commended Governor Eno for his generous spirit, selflessness, broad vision, and for providing strong and purposeful leadership that transformed the state quickly.
President Tinubu affirmed that the governor’s leadership style should be an example for other political leaders.
He spoke further: “I have listened to the governor’s concerns about a deep sea port and a state visit. You have a very good governor, and he has the fear of God and love for his people. I watch the Arise programme of the state, and have been following developments.”
Akpabio on his part hailed Eno for promoting unity and harmony in the state, noting that the entire political leadership of the State will meet for more reconciliation.
The Senate President assured President Tinubu of the state’s full support in moving the nation forward.
Eno, who presented his scorecard to the President, said the state was ready to work with the federal government, particularly in building infrastructure like the Ibom Deep Sea Port and intervening in ecological challenges.
He also thanked the President and his wife, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, for their support to his family when he lost his wife.
Addressing State House Correspondents after the visit, Eno described as a game changer for the state, the South-South region, the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port and urged President Tinubu to support it for Nigeria’s economic growth.
“No state government can build a deep sea port alone. We need the federal government’s support to make this a reality. The Ibom Deep Sea Port has the potential to transform not just Akwa Ibom but the entire country by expanding our maritime economy, creating jobs, and reducing pressure on existing ports in Lagos and Rivers State,” Eno said.
The Ibom Deep Sea Port, with a natural depth of 17.2 meters, is set to be the deepest in Nigeria, making it suitable for handling large cargo vessels.
The project, which is part of the Ibom Industrial City, is expected to attract foreign direct investment, boost trade, and position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa.
The Governor explained that while the Akwa Ibom government has already made significant investments in the project, including the construction of access roads and other supporting infrastructure, the federal government’s partnership is crucial to completing and operationalizing the port.
“We are already building roads leading to the deep sea port, and we have provided other necessary infrastructure. However, for this project to come to fruition, we need federal government backing, both in terms of policy support and funding.”
The governor stressed that once completed the Ibom Deep Sea Port will open up new economic opportunities, particularly in exportation, logistics, and manufacturing, and significantly contribute to the country’s non-oil revenue.