Get Guardian on GooglePresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday described Akwa Ibom State as a homecoming destination, recalling his professional years in the state as an auditor with Mobil, as he inaugurate the new international terminal building of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, commended Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the vision behind the aviation project.
Tinubu, who spoke during his official visit to the state said his longstanding connection with Akwa Ibom made the visit particularly significant, describing the completion of the airport terminal as the fulfilment of a vision initiated by previous administrations and brought to reality through continuity in governance.
“This is a homecoming for me. I worked here in Akwa Ibom as an auditor in Mobil. I am happy to inaugurate the airport named after a colleague who had served this state very well. This is the fulfilment of a vision, from vision to reality. That speaks well of continuity and having a successor,” the President said.
He particularly praised Governor Eno for sustaining the airport project and securing the necessary federal approval for international flight operations, describing him as a leader of conscience, commitment and vision.
“Governor Umo Eno, you are a great man of conscience, commitment and vision for continuing this airport and making it a reality today. When you approached me for permission to grant international flight operations, I didn’t hesitate. I read the memo and gave my consent,” Tinubu said.
The President’s remarks underscored the importance of policy continuity and collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering major infrastructure projects.
He also highlighted the relationship between diversity and prosperity, urging stakeholders to harness the state’s opportunities and strengths to advance development.
The inauguration of the international terminal marks a significant development in Akwa Ibom’s aviation infrastructure, with the facility expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to accommodate international air operations and improve access for business travellers, investors and tourists.
Beyond the airport terminal, Tinubu inaugurated the airport hospital, Ibom Aviation Village and the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as part of a series of infrastructure projects commissioned during his visit.
The projects reflect the Akwa Ibom State Government’s efforts to expand infrastructure across aviation, healthcare and road transportation under Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other senior government officials.
They were received by Governor Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the National and State Assemblies and other government officials.
