Tinubu to Commission Landmark Projects as Akwa Ibom Celebrates 39th Anniversary

The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled a month-long programme of activities to commemorate the 39th anniversary of the creation of the state, with 39 landmark projects scheduled for commissioning across the state between September 1 and 30, 2026.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Gratitude,” is anchored on the biblical passage, “Give Thanks to the Lord, For He is Good; For His Mercy Endures Forever” from Psalm 136:1 (KJV).
Eereporter.com

The programme, released by the state government, highlights the administration’s achievements under the ARISE Agenda 1.0, with project commissioning ceremonies spread across several Local Government Areas.

According to the government, the anniversary provides an opportunity for the people of Akwa Ibom to thank God for His faithfulness while celebrating the state’s growth, development and achievements over the past 39 years.

A major highlight of the celebration will be the expected visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is scheduled to inaugurate some of the state’s major landmark projects.

Among the projects listed for commissioning by the President are the International Airport Hospital, International Terminal Building, 3.8km Parallel Taxiway and Rapid Exit New Apron, 1.8km Airport Access Road and Aviation Village at the Victor Attah International Airport.

Others include the 14.5km Airport–Okopedi Road in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas; 7.868km Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo and Ibiono Ibom; the Command and Control Centre; Governor’s Office Annex; AkwaGIS Building; and ARISE Palm Resort.

The month-long programme will commence on Tuesday, September 1, with the official reception and cannon water ceremony for the brand-new Airbus A220-300 acquired for Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. A September 2026 Covenant Service will also hold later that day.

Other activities include the commissioning of primary healthcare centres, model primary schools, ARISE Youth Development Centres, road projects and erosion control facilities across different parts of the state.

The programme also features the commissioning of the 6.475km roads in Amanyam Community, Ikot Abasi; ARISE Youth Development Centre in Ikono; Model Primary School in Nsit Atai; Model Primary Health Centre in Abak; Model Primary School in Obot Akara; Model Health Centre in Esit Eket, among others.

Also scheduled are the commissioning of major road infrastructure, including the 5.5km Udo Inwang Road and erosion control facilities in Uyo, the 14.8km internal roads and spurs in Awa, Onna, and the 10.83km Mkpat Enin–Ikot Ekpe–Ikot Afang–Ikot Umiang–Mbioto–Efa Road and spur to Ikot Enyienge, including a 30-metre bridge.

The celebration will also feature the 39th Anniversary Interdenominational Service, a visit to the State Traditional Rulers’ Council, the State Anniversary Banquet and the unveiling/turning of sod for the construction of the International Market in Ikot Ekpene.

The state government called on sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom, as well as friends, associates and well-wishers, to participate fully in the anniversary celebration.

Governor Umo Eno, President Tinubu

The government described the anniversary as “a time to show gratitude”, expressing optimism that the activities would further showcase the state’s progress and the impact of the present administration under Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D.
Eereporter.com

Governor Eno Backs Moses Itauma Ahead of IBF Heavyweight Bout, Assures Full Support

Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed his best wishes to Akwa Ibom-born heavyweight boxer, Moses Itauma, ahead of his highly anticipated vacant IBF world title fight against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday 29th August, at the O2 Arena in London.
Eereporter.com

Governor Eno, in a goodwill message delivered by the Commissioner for Sports Elder Paul Bassey, described Itauma as a worthy ambassador of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria whose remarkable rise in the boxing world has continued to bring pride to the state and country. He commended the young boxer for his dedication, courage and commitment to his chosen profession, noting that his achievements have placed Akwa Ibom prominently on the global boxing map.

The Governor assured Itauma that he will not be alone when he steps into the ring, stressing that the sporting community in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria will be firmly behind him. He said the prayers, goodwill and support of millions of Nigerians, particularly the people of Akwa Ibom, will accompany him as he takes on the important challenge.

Pastor Eno urged the boxer who has recorded 14 professional victories including 12 knockouts to remain focused, disciplined and confident, while giving his very best in the encounter. He expressed confidence in Itauma’s ability and talent, encouraging him to approach the fight with determination and the winning mentality that has characterised his career.

Moses Itauma

The Governor wished Moses Itauma success and victory in the bout, urging him to continue making Akwa Ibom and Nigeria proud on the international stage.
“Akwa Ibom is behind you. Nigeria is behind you. Go forth and make us proud, Moses,” the Governor said, adding: “ARISE, Moses, ARISE!”

Moses Itauma’s father is from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria while his mother is from Slovakia. He was raised in Britain but he has embraced and identified with his Nigerian, Slovak and British roots.
Eereporter.com

Akwa Ibom Remapping: Oro Redemption Forum Questions 2023 Map, Warns Against Ethnic Tensions

The Oro Redemption Forum, a pan-Oro emancipation advocacy group, has raised concerns over what it described as increasing hostility and inflammatory rhetoric directed at the Oro-Obolo people, warning that the development could threaten peace, unity and security in Akwa Ibom State.
In a press statement dated August 25, 2026, the group reacted to an interview allegedly granted by Akparawa Idongesit Ikono, who it said claimed to speak for Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio and Afigh Iwaad Ekid.
The forum accused the interviewee and groups he purportedly represented of distorting historical facts and promoting what it described as hate speech against the Oro-Obolo people.
At the centre of the controversy is the 2023 remapping of Akwa Ibom State, which the forum questioned and described as an exercise that requires further scrutiny based on historical records, survey documents, court judgments and established geographical realities.
The group questioned what map governed Akwa Ibom State before 2023, arguing that the state had been administered since its creation in 1987 on the basis of an established geographical and territorial framework.
It also raised questions about the maps and boundary documents used in previous disputes involving Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers states, particularly those connected with the longstanding oil-wells dispute that culminated in the Supreme Court’s 2012 judgment.
The forum further cited legal challenges to the remapping exercise, including Suit No. HU/341/2021, Joseph Daniel Ekoyork & Ors v. Akwa Ibom State & Ors, in which it said the Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo, delivered judgment on January 27, 2022.
According to the group, the court restrained the defendants from remapping or adjusting affected local government boundaries without complying with Section 8(4) of the 1999 Constitution.
It also referenced Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/49/2023, The Paramount Ruler of Ibeno & 8 Ors v. Akwa Ibom State & 15 Ors, filed at the Federal High Court in connection with the 2023 map law.
The Oro Redemption Forum questioned why the remapping exercise proceeded despite the legal challenges, describing the issue as one that should be examined within the context of the rule of law.
The group argued that the geographical relationship between coastal communities in Oron, Okobo, Urue Offong/Oruko, Udung Uko, Mbo, Eastern Obolo and Ibeno and the Atlantic Ocean was a physical reality that, in its view, should not be altered through political or cartographic decisions.
It maintained that Akwa Ibom State did not acquire new territory, geography or historical boundaries in 2023 and therefore demanded an explanation of what necessitated the remapping exercise.
The forum also expressed concern over what it described as rising ethnic rhetoric, alleging that inflammatory statements could fuel rivalry, violence and social unrest if not addressed.
Referencing the work of genocide scholar Dr Gregory Stanton, the group said it was concerned about what it described as early warning signs of organised discrimination, while urging stakeholders to prevent the escalation of tensions.
The forum stressed that the slogan “Akwa Ibom United” should translate into equal treatment, justice and protection for all communities across the state.
It called on community leaders, cultural organisations and other stakeholders to intervene and urged all groups involved in the controversy to exercise restraint.
The group also called for the investigation and prosecution of Dr. Udonsak over what it described as a “callous, violent and incriminating statement,” alleging that the remarks had heightened tension in the state.
The Oro Redemption Forum appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene in the remapping controversy and protect what it described as the rights and interests of the Oro-Obolo people.
It said the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom should not be sacrificed for ethnic, political or economic interests.
The statement was signed by Ulap Henshaw Assi, Acting Chairman/Secretary; Ulap Ezekiel Ibok, Director of Public Communication; and Ulap Kingsley Akaiso, Esq., Director of Legal Services.