…Urges Akwa Ibomites to reject division, embrace peace, unity

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the acquisition of a new Airbus aircraft for Ibom Air as a significant milestone, saying it reflects the consistency of his administration’s investment in expanding the state-owned airline and strengthening the aviation sector.

The governor however called on people of the state to reject divisive rhetoric and remain united, stressing that peace, unity and collective development are essential to the progress of the state.

The Governor who reacted to comments from some youth groups of Oro and Ibibio extraction, made a case for continuous peaceful co-existence.

He said his administration has since assuming office, deepened the “Akwa Ibom United” mantra by ensuring fair spread of development across the 31 local government areas without discrimination.

“Previous leaders have led this state as one. Since I came on board, I have deepened the Akwa Ibom United mantra, and we are operating as one. All around the 31 local government areas, development is going on, and we have tried to work with everybody,” he said.

Governor Eno questioned the motive behind attempts to create divisions among the people, describing such actions as unfair to the state.

“Anyone who wants to create division today is not fair to his state. Sometimes, I ask myself if these people are truly from Akwa Ibom,” he added.

He added that members of his cabinet and key staff were drawn from different parts of the state, as he has never defined or discriminated against anyone based on where they come from, while urging the people to ignore divisive narratives, lower the rhetoric and remain focused on the development of the state.

Governor Eno further cautioned against fragmentation, noting that Akwa Ibom, as a minority state, can only achieve meaningful progress through unity, and restated commitment to promoting peace and goodwill among the people.

He emphasized that his administration’s message of peace is further highlighted as the state prepares for its annual Christmas Carol, with the theme “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men.”

Governor Eno stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after arriving at the Ibom International Airport, Uyo, on Tuesday.

The Governor expressed delight at the development, noting that the new aircraft was significant not only to Ibom Air but to Akwa Ibom State’s broader efforts to build a strong aviation ecosystem.

According to him, the latest Airbus brings to three the number of Airbus aircraft acquired since his administration assumed office in 2023, while two additional aircraft have been fully paid for, bringing the total number of aircraft acquired or fully paid for under his administration to five.

He said the development demonstrated his administration’s consistency and deliberate investment in aviation.

“The new aircraft speaks volumes, not just for Ibom Air, but for Akwa Ibom State as we seek to expand the airline. It shows consistency. This is the third Airbus aircraft since we came into office in 2023, while we have also fully paid for two aircraft. So, we have done five aircraft, and that shows consistency,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno also highlighted progress at the Aviation Village, particularly the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, which he said was nearing completion.

He explained that when fully operational, the aviation ecosystem would create jobs, generate foreign exchange and contribute significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

“When all of this ecosystem begins to function the way it should, you will see the jobs it is going to create, the foreign exchange earnings it is going to bring and, of course, the effect on our GDP as a state,” he said.

The Governor expressed optimism that the investments would translate into tangible benefits and improved quality of life for the people of Akwa Ibom.

“That is where, by the grace of God, we are going to see the dividends of democracy,” he added.

The latest development follows Governor Eno’s recent visit to Montreal, Canada, where he led a state delegation for the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300.

The brand-new aircraft is expected to arrive at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, ending of August, bringing Ibom Air‘s fleet to 10 aircraft.

The aircraft is expected to provide additional capacity, support the airline’s network expansion, and improve connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.