Eno seeks FG’s support for Ibom deep seaport, ecological disaster

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has solicited the Federal Government’s support for the construction of the Ibom deep seaport in Mbo council area.

Eno made the appeal when he led a delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders during a visit to President Bola Tinubu.

Plans by the state government to construct the seaport have met with little success over the years even though it organised a road show in London to attract investors during the tenure of the then governor Godswill Akpabio.

The seaport is part of the Ibom Industrial City which comprises, Petrochemical facilities, hotels and a fertiliser plant that has been on the drawing board since 1999.

Eno who requested support for the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, also pleaded for intervention in ecological challenges facing the state.

He also used the opportunity to extend an invitation for the President to commission the Arise Resorts and key road projects in May 2025.

A major highlight of the visit was the conferment of Akwa Ibom’s highest traditional title, Otuekong (Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom State), on President Tinubu by the State’s traditional rulers, led by the Oku Ibom Ibibio III, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk.

Read also: Eno woos investors for Ibom deep seaport project, others

President Tinubu welcomed the honour and recalled his personal ties with Akwa Ibom, having lived in Eket while working as a staff of Mobil Producing Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of political leaders prioritizing national development over party affiliations, stating that Nigeria’s full potential could only be realised through unity and collective action.

“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 standing by us. We must work together to build the nation,” he said.

Senate President Akpabio commended Governor Eno for fostering unity in the state, saying, “words will fail me if I am to describe how elevated I am today.

“Akwa Ibom has demonstrated the brotherhood we stand for, and it is the governor that has made this possible, ‘ Akpabio said.

Akpabio assured President Tinubu of Akwa Ibom’s full support in his administration’s efforts to move the nation forward, adding that the political leadership in the state would work towards further reconciliation and collaboration.

The high-profile delegation included Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Helen Eno-Obareki; immediate past governor, Udom Emmanuel; present and former members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Emem Ekpeppvwrikpe Ekpo; and State Chairmen of the PDP and APC, Aniekan Akpan and Stephen Ntukekpo.