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How Umo Eno Spearheading Akwa Ibom’s Maritime Growth

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Maritime Growth

How Umo Eno Spearheading Akwa Ibom’s Maritime Growth

How Umo Eno spearheading Akwa Ibom’s Maritime growth. Seaports are important centres of international trade activities. They help to connect and transport goods between countries. They serve as gateways for vessels, boats, and ships, facilitates onward journey to their destinations and above all, generate revenue as well as open up job opportunities.

All over the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State, the people are openly testifying to the impactful leadership, pronounced testament of democratic dividends by Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s goodwill and bold footprint in governance.

His thoughts and actions navigate full frequency of peace, unity and development, which he unarguably symbolises.

Predictably, before the first two years of his 2nd term, Akwa Ibom State will make history as one of the States in Nigeria with the highest employers of labour, taking into consideration the Governor’s huge investment and effort towards ensuring sustainable development with intensified lobby for the realization of the Ibom Deep Sea Port.

The port, has some unique advantages: geographically located in the Atlantic Coast of Akwa Ibom state, which has the longest shoreline in Nigeria; natural depth of over 18 meters, making it one of the deepest ports in Nigeria, suitable for ferrying large cargo vessels. This is not the case, as other ports depend on dredging to harbour large cargoes.

Moreover, an integrated development masterplan include the proposed Ibom Industrial City designed to have 10 terminals in its first phase.

On the implementation boardroom are consortiums as Global Maritime and Port Services, the advising/consulting company, Dar Al-Handasah as Master Planner with China Harbour and Engineering Company as partner.

It is expected that the Ibom Deep Sea Port will propel the launch of the state and country into a robust regime of international trade, expand the nation’s investment net to harness benefits in the blue economy and reduce burdens experienced by importers and exporters in Lagos, as a result of logistical challenges and gridlock, common at the Apapa and Badagry Seaports in Lagos, and other Seaport in Rivers State.

Unlike regular ports, which cater to recreational or smaller commercial activities within 15-17 feets of water depth, the engineering design of IDSP guarantees a very large and heavily laden ships.

The Ibom Deep Sea Port being developed by Akwa Ibom state government through a public-private partnership (PPP) at about $4.2 billion is expected to generate around 300,000 jobs once completed.

While some are arguing on the suitability of Umo Eno’s government aligning with the opposition party at the centre for the actualization of the project, It is worthwhile to know that, according to operational statistics, the Lagos ports with an installed capacity of 60 million metric tons per annum are over-stretched already.

Today, they are forced to handle over 100 million metric tons per annum, with car imports accounting for the larger bulk.

These, and many other challenges further gives credence for Akwa Ibom’s first Deep Sea Port to come on board as it will serve as a pivotal hub, bolstering commercial activities of the South-South, South-East region and other regions of Nigeria at large.

It is worth restating more than others, that Ibom Deep seaport is Nigeria’s gateway to the Gulf of Guinea, with attendant trade exchange from Sao Tome, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Angola, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Americas coming handy

Inspired to realize this long dream , Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday, 28th February,2025, led a high-powered delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and business representatives to meet with Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, alongside the opposition party’s appealing for support from the president for the development of the Ibom Deep Sea Port as well as federal government intervention in key infrastructural projects critical to the state’s development.

Pastor Eno, said “No state government can build a deep sea port alone. We need the federal government’s support to make this a reality. The Ibom Deep Sea Port has the potential to transform not just Akwa Ibom but the entire country by expanding our maritime economy, creating jobs, and reducing pressure on existing ports in Lagos and Rivers State,”.

Having evaluated potentials surrounding Akwa Ibom marine ecosystems, and to tackle the menace of unemployment, Governor Eno has sponsored many Akwa Ibomites to obtain professional skills and training in courses that are related to the maritime sector as well as in the oil and gas industry.

Maritime Growth

Maritime Growth

Ibom Deep Sea Port will significantly generate multiple job opportunities, directly and indirectly, from dock workers, logistics and supply chain professionals. The ripple effect extends to ancillary industries, including shipping, freight forwarding, and numerous service sectors, contributing positively to job creation and economic stability.

Without a doubt, IDSP will play crucial role in economic and strategic interests, solidify Akwa Ibom’s position in the global maritime domain and, redefine cross-cultural relationships.

As conspicuously captured in his ARISE Agenda, Pastor Umo Eno has revalidated his genuine vision for the actualization of Ibom Deep Sea Port which he sees as a game changer for the state, the South-South region, and Nigeria’s economic growth.

Together, let’s rise and support this quest by our dear state to attain her deserving height in global blue economy.

Akwa Ibom

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

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Akwa Ibom

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.

The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the state’s overall development.

She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.

“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.

“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”

Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.

She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.

She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.

Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the government’s commitment to worker’s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.

She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that worker’s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the government’s favourable policies.

He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.

Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.

He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.

“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.

James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ interest.

He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.

He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor

In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.

They also acknowledged his administration’s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.

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Akwa Ibom

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

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NAF

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

A routine flight turned into an unforgettable moment in Nsit Ibom as Nigeria marked Workers’ Day. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) demonstrated its people-focused service during a routine liaison mission within the Niger Delta area.

While en route on the mission, the crew executed a precautionary landing at a primary school football field in Nsit Ibom LGA, in line with standard safety procedures.

The unexpected arrival of the helicopter transformed the quiet community space into a scene of excitement, drawing children and youths from Afaha Abia and Ikot Obio Asanga villages, many witnessing a military helicopter up close for the first time. What began as a routine mission quickly evolved into a meaningful moment of connection and inspiration.

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Seizing the opportunity, NAF personnel engaged warmly with the young audience, sharing insights into career pathways and emphasizing the values of discipline, service, and patriotism. The interaction ignited hope and aspiration among the youths, with several expressing a desire to join the Service.

NAF

NAF

Seamless coordination between Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army personnel, alongside the warm reception by community leaders, further reinforced the strong bond between the military and the people.

Following necessary aviation procedures, the helicopter safely departed and has since returned to base, leaving behind more than just a story, it sparked hope, pride, and stands as a powerful testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.

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Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

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Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.

Ibom Air

Ibom Air

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”

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