… as Governor commends past leaders, calls for unity, peaceful coexistence
Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his transformational leadership, particularly the expansion of the Victor Attah International Airport and the acquisition of a new Airbus A220-300 aircraft for the operational fleet of bom Air.
Senator Akpabio gave the commendation at the official reception and water-cannon ceremony for the brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The Senate President described Governor Eno as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and West Africa,” noting the similarities between their leadership approaches.
“As a former Governor of this State, I am seeing Governor Umo Eno in me, and I am also seeing myself in Governor Umo Eno,” Akpabio said.
He also commended the State Government for training Akwa Ibom indigenes in various aviation institutions and assured the Governor of his continued partnership in promoting the growth and development of the State.
Akpabio further highlighted the history and evolution of the Victor Attah International Airport, commending Governor Eno for completing projects initiated by previous administrations and for sustaining the state’s development trajectory.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to God for the progress recorded in the State. He recalled his recent visit to Canada to inspect the new Airbus A220-300 aircraft, describing its formal arrival in Akwa Ibom as a significant milestone in the ongoing expansion of Ibom Air.
The Governor said the state’s aviation development strategy goes beyond infrastructure, stressing that his administration is deliberately investing in the training of Akwa Ibom youths to enable them to become active participants in the aviation industry.
“We are proud to note that out of the 30 pilots currently working with Ibom Air, 14 of them are from this State and were trained by the State Government. 16 out of the 40 aircraft engineers are also from our State and were equally trained by the State Government,” he said.
Governor Eno disclosed that 10 Akwa Ibom indigenes are currently undergoing training at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, fully sponsored by the state government.
“Moreover, 10 additional Cadet Pilots are also currently on training at Addis Ababa in Ethiopia,” he added.
On the economic impact of Ibom Air and the broader aviation ecosystem, the Governor said an estimated 2,000 direct jobs had been created.
“An estimated 2,000 direct jobs have been created by Ibom Air and the larger aviation ecosystem. This is great and highly commendable,” he said.
Governor Eno said the ceremony also marked the commencement of the commissioning of 39 projects to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, under the theme, “Our Moment of Gratitude.”
He explained that the theme was intended to appreciate God, celebrate the state’s founding fathers and the “bold and visionary leaders” who have contributed to its development over the years.
The Governor also dismissed claims that Ibom Air was preventing other airlines from operating in Akwa Ibom, stressing that the state would welcome more airlines and increased air connectivity.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development remains responsible for regulating air travel and aviation services in Nigeria.
Governor Eno also highlighted other initiatives of his administration, including the acquisition of 50 CNG-powered buses and the construction of a bus terminal, which he said would, when operational, reduce transportation costs in the state by about 50 percent.
He added that the International Convention Centre and the 250-room international hotel would be completed before the end of the year, noting that the projects were aimed at expanding the state’s economic frontiers.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for granting international status to the Victor Attah International Airport.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation, Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, has also been exceedingly supportive of our efforts in positioning our state as an aviation hub of our region, and we thank him deeply and profoundly,” Eno said.
The Governor also commended previous administrations in the State for their contributions to Akwa Ibom’s development, noting that his administration had built on the vision and foundations laid by past leaders.
He said the “finishers’ anointing” had enabled his administration to expand the state’s aviation sector by building on the vision and pathways created by previous administrations.
Governor Eno used the occasion to call on political leaders and citizens to refrain from divisive rhetoric and continue to protect the peace and unity of the State.
“We have made unity and peaceful coexistence abiding articles of faith, and we will not stand idly by and watch our peace and unity being jeopardized through unnecessary incendiary rhetoric,” he said.
“We are one state, united by shared dreams and aspirations, shaped by common interests, and we must couch our conduct and utterances along this path of kindredship. Politics, I have always maintained, should not divide us.”
Earlier, the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the Chief Pilot who flew the new aircraft, Captain Ruth Adebanwo, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno and the state government for the acquisition.
They said the new aircraft is equipped with advanced technology and offers greater fuel efficiency, adding that it would enhance the airline’s operational capacity and enable it to serve more routes.
In separate remarks, the Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, and the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, on behalf of the traditional institution, attributed the achievements recorded by the state to visionary leadership and the spirit of unity among Akwa Ibom people.
They commended Governor Eno for sustaining the state’s development agenda and keeping faith with his campaign promises.
