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• State targets 2m votes for President in 2027
President Bola Tinubu has approved the request for international airport status for Akwa Ibom State and endorsed the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, in a major boost to the state’s infrastructure and economic development ambitions.
The President announced the approval of the international airport status during his visit to Akwa Ibom State on Friday, following a request by Governor Umo Eno on behalf of the state government and its people.
Tinubu also expressed support for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, acknowledging its potential to drive economic growth, attract investment and create employment opportunities.
The approvals came as the Akwa Ibom State Government pledged to deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, signalling its commitment to mobilising political support for his re-election.
Addressing a large crowd at the rally, Tinubu thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for their reception and commended Governor Eno for what he described as visionary and committed leadership.
He said his administration would prioritise development, education, skills acquisition, job creation and industrialisation, promising a better future for Nigerians.
The President said: “I promise you a better future. I promise you development. I promise you education. I promise you skills development. I promise you jobs.
“We are going to plant a lot of economic trees. There is no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot use the value of factories and the path here. There is no reason why we cannot create skills development or skills that are enduring and everlasting.”
On the state’s aviation ambitions, Tinubu confirmed that he had approved the request for international airport status.
“Now, you made a request for international airport status.
I approved it,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the economic importance of the proposed deep seaport, which the state government has pursued as a major infrastructure project expected to strengthen maritime trade, investment and industrial activities.
The development is expected to position Akwa Ibom as a major destination for international business and logistics, while complementing the state’s other infrastructure and industrial projects.
Tinubu urged the people to reciprocate his administration’s commitment to development by supporting him at the polls in 2027.
He also called on eligible Nigerians who had yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so ahead of the elections.
“I will depend on you to go out there and vote,” he told the gathering.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling poverty, ignorance and economic challenges, insisting that continuity was necessary to sustain the development agenda.
He praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and its members for their loyalty and commitment, describing the party as a platform of progress, infrastructure development, education and social commitment.
Details later…
