A’Ibom now investment destination – Akpabio

File: The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for his development strides, saying the state has become a destination of choice for tourists and investors.

Akpabio made the commendation on Tuesday at the inauguration of the 4.12km GRA internal road network with outfall drain and erosion reclamation works in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.

He listed the governor’s projects to include the completion of the international airport terminal, acquisition of additional aircraft for Ibom Air, the ongoing International Convention Centre and Hotel, and the international market in Ikot Ekpene.

Akpabio said Akwa Ibom used to be a pedestrian state, but intentional development efforts had changed the narrative.

He said, “I have seen somebody who is not just a pastor in words, but also in deed. This is my second time this month to be part of your project commissioning. I am not here just because you invited me, but because I don’t want to sit in Abuja and hear that Governor Umo Eno is doing wonders.

“So, when they said you brought in a brand-new Airbus, I flew down with my crowd. I stopped at the airport to see with my eyes. Your Excellency, I saw, I witnessed, and I scored you 100 per cent in the aviation industry.”

Akpabio assured that the people of Ikot Ekpene, whom he represents in the Senate, would mobilise to vote for Eno and President Bola Tinubu for a second term, commending the governor for infrastructure development in the state.

“I entered the completed terminal building at the airport, and I thought I was in Heathrow Airport in London; let Nigerians come and see the wonders in Akwa Ibom.

“Akwa Ibom was a pedestrian state where people passed through to Port Harcourt and Calabar, but now, between your achievements and what we did, Akwa Ibom is now a destination. I am proud of you, and President Bola Tinubu is proud of you and has sent his greetings,” Akpabio said.

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Eno, reacting, thanked the Senate President for his continued support, describing his presence at major state events as love expressed in action.

He recalled that Akpabio recently flew in from Abuja to witness the reception of a new aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport.

Eno explained that the GRA project, inherited from the previous administration, had been completed with modern roads and drainage to transform the area.

He said his administration was executing projects across the 31 local government areas and would continue inaugurating projects through December, adding that Akpabio would be invited to inaugurate the International Conference Centre and 200-bed International Hotel.

Giving an overview, Commissioner for Works, Prof Eno Ibanga, said the project was initially 2.5km and awarded under direct labour, but was upgraded to 4.12km in February 2026 to accommodate additional sections.

The chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Aniefiok Nkom, thanked the governor for completing the GRA project, noting that the area, previously neglected, had been transformed.

Nkom also commended the governor for other projects in the area, including the Ring Road, Amanyam Road and the international market, and pledged support beyond 2031.

Also speaking, the member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr Patrick Umoh, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien and the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, appreciated the governor and pledged their support.