… urges citizens to reject divisive narratives
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has said the expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet with the acquisition of the brand new Airbus – A220 aircraft as well as the ongoing development of aviation infrastructure at the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), Uyo, will create more jobs and contribute significantly to the growth of the state’s economy.
Governor Eno stated this on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after arriving at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the state’s aviation sector under his administration, noting that the latest aircraft acquisition further demonstrated the state’s commitment to the sustained growth of Ibom Air and the broader aviation industry.
“This is the third aircraft we are getting from Airbus since we came in 2023, and we also got two CRJ 900, fully paid for. So, we have done five, and that shows consistency,” he said.
He added that the state was also developing an aviation village to accommodate airline staff, while the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility was nearing completion.
“When this ecosystem begins to function at full capacity, you will appreciate the jobs it will create and, of course, the effect on our GDP as a state. That is when all these will begin to bring dividends, by the grace of God,” he said.
The Governor assured the people that the state’s investments in aviation would ultimately translate into tangible economic benefits, describing job creation, increased economic activity and the development of an integrated aviation ecosystem as key dividends of the administration’s investments in the sector.
Governor Eno also called on Akwa Ibomites to disregard narratives suggesting ethnic or political division in the state, urging them to remain united and focused on development.
He said his administration had deliberately strengthened the “Akwa Ibom United” philosophy by ensuring that development projects, appointments and opportunities were distributed across the 31 local government areas without discrimination.
“This state moves as one. Previous leaders had led the state as one. Since I came on board, I have deepened the Akwa Ibom United mantra, and we are operating as one all around,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno noted that the composition of his administration reflected the diversity of the state, pointing out that the Deputy Governor is from Oron, while the Chief Delivery Advisor is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, with aides and other government officials drawn from various parts of the state.
“I don’t think I have ever defined anybody by where they come from. So, I ask Akwa Ibomites to ignore all of those things. There is nothing like division anywhere. People just want to distract government,” he said.
The Governor further appealed to political, community and opinion leaders to discourage narratives capable of creating division among the people, stressing that fragmentation would weaken the collective efforts required to advance the state.
He urged Akwa Ibomites to continue working together and supporting the development of the state, maintaining that unity remains essential to sustaining the gains recorded by his administration.
Governor Eno said his message to the people remained one of peace and goodwill, referencing the theme of the state’s 2026 Christmas Carol, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men.”
The Governor was in Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, for a pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
