Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu still plans to support the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project as part of broader federal efforts to boost economic development in the state.
The governor made the disclosure on Saturday during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where thousands of women from across the state gathered for the event.
According to Governor Eno, the Federal Government remains committed to key infrastructure projects that will strengthen the economy of Akwa Ibom and the wider Niger Delta region.
He explained that during several discussions with the President, Tinubu repeatedly reassured him that the long-anticipated Ibom Deep Seaport project remains part of the administration’s plans.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for the expectation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, because many times when I discuss with him, he tells me, ‘I will give you the Ibom Deep Seaport’,” the governor said.
“I hold on to that promise and I know it shall come to pass.”
Governor Eno noted that the deep seaport project, once realised, would significantly transform Akwa Ibom’s economic landscape by opening up new trade opportunities, creating employment and attracting investment into the state.
He added that the project would also strengthen maritime activities in the Niger Delta region and position Akwa Ibom as a major logistics and shipping hub.
The governor further expressed appreciation to the President for other ongoing federal projects already impacting the state, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway currently under construction.
He described the coastal highway as a strategic infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity between the southern states and stimulate economic activities along the corridor.
“Your Excellency, please convey the greetings of Akwa Ibom people to the President for the coastal road that he is doing and is passing through Akwa Ibom,” Eno said while addressing the First Lady.
“In no distant time, we shall go to Lagos within five hours. Thank you so much.”
Governor Eno stated that the coastal highway, combined with the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport, would open up vast economic opportunities for the state.
According to him, the combination of improved road infrastructure and a functional deep seaport would boost trade, support industrial development and attract investors to the region.
The governor made the remarks in the presence of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who attended the International Women’s Day event as the special guest.
During the visit, the First Lady commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, a facility established by the Akwa Ibom State Government to provide care and support for elderly residents.
Governor Eno explained that the centre is part of a broader plan by his administration to prioritise the welfare of senior citizens in the state.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for honouring my wife today by commissioning the Elderly Citizens Center that we have named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Center,” he said.
“This is just one of three that we will do, and we are sending a bill to the House of Assembly to pass a law, even just as the National Assembly is about to do so, to be able to take care of our elderly.”
The governor said the initiative is designed to ensure that elderly citizens receive adequate support, care and social engagement opportunities.
In her remarks, the First Lady commended Akwa Ibom women for their massive turnout and enthusiastic participation at the event marking International Women’s Day.
She thanked them for their continued support for the administration of President Tinubu and assured that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the economy and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio said the large gathering of women demonstrated their strong political voice and influence in the state.
He noted that the turnout reflected the readiness of women in Akwa Ibom to continue supporting President Tinubu’s leadership.
Akpabio also praised Governor Eno’s leadership style, describing it as inclusive and unifying.
“When the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice,” he said while commending the governor’s approach to governance.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, also highlighted the strong participation of women across the state, noting that they turned out massively during visits to all 31 local government areas during sensitisation tours ahead of the celebration.
She said the women used the occasion to publicly declare their support for President Tinubu’s leadership and policies.
According to her, the administration has demonstrated commitment to stabilising the economy while also promoting women’s participation in politics and national development.
Women leaders, political stakeholders and community groups from across the state attended the celebration, which also featured cultural displays, artistic performances and presentations highlighting the role of women in society.
Among the performances was a drama presentation depicting the historic 1929 Women’s Riot, alongside cultural displays by women from the three senatorial districts of the state.
