President Bola Tinubu on Friday commended the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Umo Eno for his style of leadership that is fostering speedy development in the state.
Tinubu stated this when he received a high powered delegation from Akwa Ibom at the Presidential Villa, comprising 104 members of Traditional Rulers, religious leaders, former ministers and lawmakers, women and youth groups led by the state Governor.
The Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers during the visit, conferred President Tinubu with the highest traditional title: “Otuekong, or Commander–in–Chief of Akwa Ibom State.”
NewsQuest gathered that the President General, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, Okuibom Ibibio III, led the chiefs. Other delegation members were political leaders from different parties, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his wife Ekaette.
Speaking, President Tinubu attributed the progress in Akwa Ibom state to consistency of vision and commitment of Governor Eno, to the collective development goal.
He said, “I accept all the honours and the conferment. I am one of you. Going back in time, I recall staying in Eket as an auditor of Mobil. We are all friends and family with the State that has moved progressively, with development and speed,” President Tinubu said.
He said the country’s full potential can be better realised when political leaders look beyond party loyalty in serving the nation.
“I have just signed the 2025 budget. I am happy that the uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising. Thank you for always staying with us. We must work together to build the nation. And to everyone here, you represent and reflect a good society.
The President also commended Governor Eno for his generous spirit, selflessness, and broad vision. He provided strong and purposeful leadership that transformed the state quickly.
President Tinubu affirmed that the Governor’s leadership style should be an example for other political leaders.
“I have listened to the governor’s concerns about a deep-sea port and a state visit.
“You have a very good governor, and he has the fear of God and love for his people. I watch the Arise programme of the State, and have been following developments,” Tunubu added.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Startegy Bayo Onanuga, the Senate President Akpabio said Governor Eno has been promoting unity and harmony in the State, noting that the entire political leadership of the State will meet for more reconciliation.
Akpabio assured the President of the state’s full support in moving the nation forward.
Governor Eno, who presented his scorecard to the President, said the state was ready to work with the federal government, particularly in building infrastructure like the Ibom deep sea port and intervening in ecological challenges.
The Governor thanked the President and his wife, Sen Oluremi Tinubu, for their support to his family when he lost his wife.
Speaking to State House Correspondents, Governor Eno explained that the delegation had sought the support of President Tinubu for the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a game changer for the state, the South-South region, and Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Governor said that once completed, the Ibom Deep Sea Port will open up new economic opportunities, particularly in exportation, logistics, and manufacturing, and significantly contribute to the country’s non-oil revenue.
“This port will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for our people. It will also ease congestion at existing ports, improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business, and serve as a gateway for international trade.
“No state government can build a deep sea port alone. We need the federal government’s support to make this a reality. The Ibom Deep Sea Port has the potential to transform not just Akwa Ibom but the entire country by expanding our maritime economy, creating jobs, and reducing pressure on existing ports in Lagos and Rivers State,” Governor Eno said.
The Ibom Deep Sea Port, with a natural depth of 17.2 meters, is set to be the deepest in Nigeria, making it suitable for handling large cargo vessels.
The project, which is part of the Ibom Industrial City, is expected to attract foreign direct investment, boost trade, and position the country as a leading maritime hub in the West African sub region.
