Ibom Air Gets New Airbus A220-300 as Gov Eno Expands State-Owned Airline

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, received a brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft acquired for the state-owned airline, Ibom Air.
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The aircraft arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, following the Governor’s recent visit to Airbus in Canada, where he inspected the aircraft ahead of its delivery.

The latest addition brings to three the number of Airbus aircraft in the Ibom Air fleet and marks the fifth aircraft acquired by the Umo Eno administration for the airline.

The reception ceremony was attended by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, alongside members of the National Assembly; the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; and other stakeholders.

International Flight

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Ibom Air’s fleet, improve its operational capacity and expand connectivity for passengers across its network.
The arrival of the new aircraft further underscores the state government’s efforts to expand and modernise the operations of Ibom Air.
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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).
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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.
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Government Ready to Partner South Korea on AI, Smart Agriculture, Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to welcome investors from South Korea and other parts of the world seeking to establish industries, develop businesses and explore investment opportunities in the State.
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Governor Umo Eno stated this on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Permanent Site of the University of Uyo, Nwaniba, during a public lecture delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Nigeria, Ambassador Jeong Yo-an, on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Agriculture and the Development of Blue Economy Resources.

The Governor, who welcomed the Korean Ambassador to Akwa Ibom State, said the visit was a reflection of the growing diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Korea, noting that the State was positioned to benefit from stronger economic, technological and institutional ties between both countries.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Governor Eno noted that available data put the trade volume between Nigeria and South Korea at over $2.1 billion, expressing the desire of his administration to contribute to expanding that relationship by attracting Korean investments into State.

He identified Artificial Intelligence, smart agriculture and the development of the Blue Economy as areas with significant potential for mutually beneficial partnerships, stressing that State was open to investors willing to build industries and create sustainable economic opportunities.

“Akwa Ibom State can be a beneficiary of this mutual relationship. Artificial Intelligence, smart agriculture and the Blue Economy are areas of interest to my administration as we work towards the transformation of our State. Today, no sane person can ignore the role of Artificial Intelligence,” the Governor said.

Eno further highlighted his administration’s investments in human capital development, including the establishment of youth development centres across the State, which he said would provide platforms for training young people in digital skills and other emerging areas of the global economy. He also cited the administration’s investments in agriculture, security and maritime infrastructure as part of efforts to build a diversified and sustainable economy capable of creating opportunities for the people.

The Governor commended the management of the University of Uyo, under the leadership of its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Ekong, for hosting the public lecture and facilitating the visit of the South Korean Ambassador. He said the themes of the lecture aligned with key areas of interest to his administration, assuring the university of the State Government’s continued partnership in advancing education, innovation and human capital development.

At the lecture, the Ambassador shared insights into South Korea’s remarkable transformation from a relatively poor country following the Korean War into one of the world’s leading industrial and technology-driven economies.

He explained that the South Korean experience, often described as the “Miracle on the Han River,” demonstrated the impact of deliberate investments in education, human capital, technology, industrialisation, infrastructure and innovation.

Amb. Yo-an said South Korea’s development experience offered valuable lessons for countries such as Nigeria seeking rapid and sustainable economic transformation, particularly in the areas of education, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and export-oriented development.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Chris Ekong, said the institution was determined to break existing barriers and ensure that its graduates were properly prepared for the demands of the modern labour market.

Prof. Ekong expressed optimism that stronger partnerships with South Korea would enable the university to strengthen its academic programmes and produce graduates who were employable, innovative and equipped with relevant skills for the global economy.

In a goodwill message, former Deputy Governor and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere, described Prof. Chris Ekong as an “uncommon transformative Vice-Chancellor,” commending the impact of his leadership on the University of Uyo.

Obong Ekere said visits and engagements such as the Ambassador’s visit were important in deepening relationships between institutions and countries, urging the University of Uyo to explore strategic linkages and partnerships with South Korean institutions through the Korean Embassy.

Drawing parallels between the development experiences of South Korea and Nigeria, he said the major lesson from the Korean experience was that natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity.

According to him, human capital development, innovation, discipline, dedication and strong institutions were critical drivers of sustainable economic growth and national development. He challenged the students and young people to draw inspiration from the lecture and become active participants in shaping the future of Nigeria, expressing hope that the engagement would sow the seeds of partnerships capable of yielding benefits for generations to come.

Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Dr. Muiz Banire, described the lecture as enriching and rewarding, charging the university management to explore opportunities for domesticating academic programmes and initiatives in Artificial Intelligence.

South Korea, Akwa Ibom

Dr. Banire also emphasised the importance of building strong institutions that could outlive individuals and continue to deliver on their mandates irrespective of changes in leadership.

The Governor was accompanied to the event by members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
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