President Bola Tinubu has granted international airport status to Akwa Ibom State and endorsed the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, marking a significant step in the state’s infrastructure and economic development plans. The President announced these approvals during a visit to the state on Friday, responding to a formal request made by Governor Umo Eno on behalf of the state government and its citizens.
During the event, Tinubu confirmed the decision regarding the aviation sector, stating, “Now, you made a request for international airport status. I approved it.” He also expressed support for the proposed deep seaport, acknowledging its potential to drive economic growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities. The development is expected to position Akwa Ibom as a major destination for international business and logistics, complementing other ongoing industrial projects in the region.
The announcements coincided with a political rally where the Akwa Ibom State Government pledged to deliver two million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. Addressing a large crowd, the President thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for their reception and commended Governor Eno for what he described as visionary and committed leadership. Tinubu urged the populace to reciprocate the administration’s commitment to development by supporting him at the polls.
“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.”
Tinubu emphasized that his administration would prioritize development, education, skills acquisition, job creation, and industrialization. He called on eligible Nigerians who had not yet collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so ahead of the upcoming elections, stating, “I will depend on you to go out there and vote.” The President reiterated the need for continuity to sustain the development agenda and tackle issues such as poverty and ignorance.
In his remarks, the President also praised the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their loyalty and commitment. He described the party as a platform dedicated to progress, infrastructure development, education, and social commitment, reinforcing the link between the state’s infrastructure gains and the broader political objectives of the administration.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>