Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has commended Gov. Umo Eno for transforming Akwa Ibom’s infrastructure and positioning the state as an emerging destination for tourism, investment and business.
Akpabio made the remarks while commissioning a 4.12-kilometre GRA internal road network, outfall drainage and additional erosion control works in Ikot Ekpene as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary.
The Senate President said the state’s growing profile was reflected in major projects, including the completed international airport terminal, the acquisition of additional aircraft for Ibom Air, the ongoing International Convention Centre and international hotel, and the International Market in Ikot Ekpene.
He said the developments had changed Akwa Ibom’s former image as merely a transit route between Port Harcourt and Calabar, attributing the transformation to deliberate development efforts by successive administrations.
“This is my second time this month to be part of your project commissioning. I am not here just because you invited me, but because I don’t want to sit in Abuja and hear that Governor Umo Eno is doing wonders.
“So when they said you brought in a brand new Airbus, I flew down with my crowd. I stopped at the airport to see with my eyes. Your Excellency, I saw, I witnessed and I scored you 100 per cent in the aviation industry,” he said.
Akpabio said he was particularly impressed by the completed airport terminal, which he compared to Heathrow Airport in London.
“I entered the completed terminal building in the airport, and I thought I was in Heathrow Airport in London; let Nigerians come and see the wonders in Akwa Ibom.
“Akwa Ibom was a pedestrian state where people passed to Port Harcourt and Calabar, but now, between your achievements and what we did, Akwa Ibom is now a destination. I am proud of you and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is proud of you, and sent his greetings,” he said.
Akpabio also assured Eno of the support of the people of Ikot Ekpene, saying they would mobilise in support of the governor and President Tinubu.
Responding, Eno thanked Akpabio for his continued support for the state, describing his presence at major events as a demonstration of his commitment to Akwa Ibom.
He said the GRA project, which was inherited from the previous administration, had been expanded and completed with modern roads, drainage and other infrastructure.
“The project, which we inherited and expanded from 2.5 kilometres, has transformed the area with improved roads, drainage and other infrastructure. It reflects our commitment to completing worthwhile inherited projects and delivering development across all 31 Local Government Areas,” Eno said.
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The governor said Akpabio would later be invited to commission the International Convention Centre and the 200-bed International Hotel.
Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the road project was initially 2.5 kilometres before being upgraded to 4.12 kilometres in February 2026 to accommodate additional sections.
Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, thanked Eno for transforming the previously neglected GRA area, citing the Ring Road, Amanyam Road and International Market among other projects in the area.
