Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Honours Wife, Lays Foundation For Ultramodern Secretariat For Pet Project
Ultramodern Secretariat
Umo Eno honours wife, lays foundation for Ultramodern Secretariat for pet project. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has lauded the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, his daughter, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for furthering the vision and aspirations of his departed wife, Pastor Patience Eno, through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
Governor Eno made the commendation while speaking at the first anniversary celebration of GIFA, at Ibom Hall, Uyo, where he expressed delight with the ingenuity of Lady Obareki, in driving her mother’s dream of enhancing family life, and bringing succour to the less-privileged to reality, despite the demise of its founder and progenitor.
According to the Governor, the event also created opportunity to honour her memory, and celebrate the first posthumous birthday, of the departed First Lady whose 57th birthday marked the launch of GIFA.
“Let me congratulate my dear daughter, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki for stepping up and taking charge of this great Initiative.
“As you have so eloquently reeled out the achievements recorded in the last one year, it is evident that you have ticked the boxes in all the thematic areas and the impact has been deeply felt. Noble Lady, you have done well, and your mother and indeed all of us here are manifestly proud of you,” he said.
Recalling his wife’s humane disposition as a mother hen, who takes care of the needs of others even at the expense of her comfort, the Governor assured that his administration will continue to further her beliefs through inclusion of women in all facets of his administration’s goals, and also, through programmes like the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, ARISE Compassionate Homes, as well as intervention on issues of maternal care and gender-based violence.
He also recalled her persistent appeals for 40 percent of women inclusion in the affairs of government, adding that most of the women who have been appointed to public offices are credits to the intervention of the late First Lady.
Governor Eno thanked the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, for naming their latest antenatal building after the departed First Lady, in recognition of the great affection she had for maternal care.
He also appreciated the immediate past Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Arc. Iniobong Orok, who had earlier named an ICT Centre after her, adding that his administration is also building a Mother and Child Hospital along the medical corridor, to cater for healthcare needs of pregnant mothers and children.
The event which featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, climaxed with the foundation laying ceremony of the building of an ultra- nodern GIFA Secretariat in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
In her address at the event, Chairman of GIFA’s Board of Trustees and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Oberaki, appreciated the Governor’s support for the initiative and accorded him the honour of “Pillar of GIFA” which, she said, embodied her departed mother’s vision and passion for uplifting the lives of women, children, elderly and the vulnerable people in society.
She enumerated the strides of GIFA in the past one year to include: school supplies for over 15,000 pupils, free healthcare for women in rural communities, economic empowerment of over 5000 women, and affirmed that the impact of the initiative has been felt tremendously across the various fabrics of the State.
She,therefore, pledged her commitment as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady to building on the legacies of the departed First Lady by continually enhancing the quality of life of vulnerable individuals and families, supporting multiple birth children, engaging zero earners with skills, empowering more women through the Eka Iberedem Hub, amongst others, and solicited the support of individuals, organizations and governments to further the cause of the initiative.
“In retrospect, GIFA has recorded significant strides in just one year. One of the many GIFA projects is in Mbiabong Ikot Udo, a rural community in Ini Local Government Area where we built and handed over a cassava and oil processing factory to a middle-aged father of six, Mr. Benjamin Asuquo Umoren.
Months later, we also identified a cluster of women who patronise that mill and women from other Senatorial Districts involved in palm oil production and related businesses and had since connected them to the Eka Iberedem Hub – a full cycle programme that helps women identify what their hands can produce and market them.
“Going forward, at GIFA, our aim is to ensure that the global development framework, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), make more meaning to the most vulnerable families in our State. It is on this note that I solicit your partnership and support in ensuring that we meet the target that we have before us.
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, in her keynote address, paid tribute to the visioner and founder of GIFA, the late Pastor Patience Eno, and commended the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, for holding forth the vision to sustain the legacy of her late mother.
Establishing a correlation between GIFA and her organization, Mrs. Eyong said GIFA in its eight thematic aspirations which leaves no one behind, aligns with the vision of the UN Women Office which was created to support member states in mitigating gender-based discrimination and its attendant consequences, as well as expanding opportunities for women.
She assured of UN’s support for GIFA as a step towards making the market more accessible for women.
Commended Governor Eno for his remarkable inclusion of women in his administration, Mrs. Eyong decorated the Governor with one of UN Women’s highest honour, the United Nations “He-for-She Ambassador,” in recognition of his strong role in promoting women inclusion in governance and championing pro-women policies.
In their various goodwill messages, the Director- General, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, Dr. Andy Eyo; immediate past Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot; Member representing Ukanafun-Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Hon. Unyime Idem, and the President- General of Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, all expressed their delight for the strides of GIFA and pledged various levels of support towards its sustenance.
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.
Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
BREAKING: International Flight Operation – A New Dawn For Akwa Ibom
BREAKING: International flight operation – a new dawn for Akwa Ibom. On a bright Friday morning, a chartered plane descends smoothly onto the runway of Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo. For the first time in years, the airport, upgraded to international standards, welcomes travellers from abroad directly, without the need for cumbersome stop overs. As the passengers step out, they are greeted by warm sunshine, gentle coastal breezes and the promise of adventure in a land long admired but rarely visited.
Among them is Anna, a tourist from Europe curious about Nigeria’s lesser known treasures. She has booked a flight because she read about Akwa Ibom’s serene beaches, rich culture, and vibrant hospitality scene. With her suitcase in hand and camera ready, she hails a cab to the coast, to a place called Ibeno Beach, reputed to be the longest stretch of natural sandy beach in the country.
Elsewhere, a business traveller couple from Asia arrives at night, thanks to the recently restored night flight capability of the airport. The lights of Uyo’s cityscape welcome them. Their plan is not merely tourism. They come to explore opportunities in real estate, hospitality investments and marine port projects, drawn by Akwa Ibom’s emerging infrastructure and connectivity.
Discovering Hidden Treasures, Tourism Blossoms
With the ease of direct access, people like Anna are no longer daunted by complicated travel itineraries. They can touch down in Uyo and in a few hours find themselves sunbathing on Ibeno Beach, exploring mangrove lined creeks, savouring local cuisine, and attending cultural events.
Local hotels and resorts, some recently built, others simply refurbished, begin to fill up. Tour operators, boat ride operators, souvenir craftsmen, local guides and transport drivers see a sudden surge in demand. Families book weekend getaways. Young couples go for romantic beach walks. International guests craving unique tropical culture find themselves drawn to the forested hills, water side villages, and warm hospitality of the people.
Small businesses flourish. The souvenir making artisans produce hand woven crafts, traditional garments and artworks. Restaurants serve local dishes to foreigners curious about Nigerian coastal cuisine. Tour guides offer boat rides, ecotourism treks, historical site tours and even visits to old missionary sites and cultural villages.
From Tourism to Revenue, Jobs and Infrastructure
The inflow of travellers brings tangible income. Payment for airport services, landing fees, tourism taxes, hotel fees, tour operator commissions, local transport fares, dining and souvenirs. The government begins to record increased revenue from airport operations and tourism related levies.
At the same time, businesses spring up to meet the rising demand. New hotels, resorts, restaurants and tour agencies. This creates jobs for hotel staff, cooks, guides, drivers, artisans, maintenance staff, security personnel and many others. Local youth find employment in hospitality and related services.
Investors, seeing the rising interest and improved connectivity, start funding larger infrastructure projects. Roads to beach areas are improved. Leisure facilities, resorts, waterfront promenades and small marinas are built. With increased financial inflows, the state government reinvests into public infrastructure. Roads, electricity, waste management and beautification receive attention.
Having a modern internationally connected airport also strengthens Akwa Ibom’s appeal for trade and logistics. With proposed harbour or deep sea port developments on the horizon, the state is gradually transforming into an integrated logistics and tourism hub.
A Story of Renewal and Possibility
By opening its skies, Akwa Ibom changes from a hard to reach but beautiful coast to a must visit destination with easy access. People like Anna now tell their friends about their unforgettable beach holiday. Business minded visitors arrive to explore investment opportunities. Local entrepreneurs seize new markets.
The result is more jobs, improved livelihoods, rising incomes and increasing state revenue. The revenue helps fund roads, public utilities, coastal development and improvements to public facilities. Over time, the state becomes more prosperous and more vibrant, tourism and commerce leading to real, visible transformation.
International Flight
Why This Matters. Beyond the Story
Analysis shows that airport infrastructure, such as direct international flights, is strongly correlated with socio economic growth, increased tourism, employment and income generation.
With the recent approval for international operations at Victor Attah International Airport, the capacity to bring in foreign visitors without major transit delays is now achievable.
The resetting of night flight operations adds flexibility to travel schedules, boosting the attractiveness for both leisure and business travellers.
The state’s broader plan under the ARISE Agenda envisions tourism and hospitality as major pillars for economic diversification, lessening reliance on oil revenues.
Governor Umo Eno Secures Federal Approval For International Airport Operations
Governor Umo Eno secures federal approval for international airport operations. The Federal Government has approved the commencement of full international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The approval was granted on Thursday during a meeting in Abuja between Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The development places the airport among the few in Nigeria authorised to process international passenger traffic. It is expected to boost regional connectivity, strengthen tourism, stimulate business activity and attract greater foreign investment into the state.
With the new status, the airport will be able to receive international carriers, operate cross-border flights and function as a direct gateway between Akwa Ibom and destinations across Africa and beyond. Full international operations are projected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
Governor Umo Eno Secures Federal Approval For International Airport Operations
Governor Eno, who has been pursuing the upgrade through sustained engagement with federal authorities, described the approval as a major step forward for the state.
His administration has positioned Akwa Ibom as an emerging aviation hub, driven partly by the expansion of airport infrastructure and the growth of the state-owned airline.
-
Crime7 months agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom10 months agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News10 months agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
News9 months agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
News8 months agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Economy7 months agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?
-
Politics10 months agoPresident Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares