•Senate President Godswill Akpabio
…commissions 4.12km road in Ikot Ekpene
TONY UDOH, Uyo reporting
Nigeria’s Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, for his development strides and for making the state a destination of choice for tourists and investors.
Senator Akpabio made the commendation yesterday, Tuesday September 22, 2026 at the commissioning of 4.12km GRA internal road network with outfall drain and additional erosion reclamation works in Ikot Ekpene.
He enumerated and appreciated the governor for his numerous development projects including; the completion of the International Airport terminal, acquisition of additional aircraft for the state airline – Ibom Air, ongoing completion of the International Convention Center and the accompanying international hotel, the international market in Ikot Ekpene and others.
He noted that Akwa Ibom used to be a pedestrian state, but the intentional development efforts of the governor which, according to him, alongside other leaders, have changed the narrative.
“I have seen somebody who is not just a pastor in words, but also indeed. This is my second time this month to be part of your project commissioning. I am not here just because you invited me, but because I don’t want to sit in Abuja and hear that Governor Umo Eno is doing wonders.
“So, when they said you brought in a brand new Airbus, I flew down with my crowd, I stopped at the airport to see with my eyes. Your Excellency, I saw, I witnessed and I score you 100 percent in the aviation industry,” he said.
Speaking further, he said, “I entered the completed terminal building in the airport, and I thought I was in Heathrow Airport in London; let Nigerians come and see the wonders in Akwa Ibom.
“Akwa Ibom was a pedestrian state where people passed to Port Harcourt and Calabar, but now, between your achievements, and what we did, Akwa Ibom is now a destination. I am proud of you and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is proud of you, and sent his greetings,” he added.
Senator Akpabio appreciated Governor Eno and assured that the people of Ikot Ekpene, whom he represents, will mobilise to vote for him and President Tinubu for a second term.
In his remark, Governor Eno commended the Senate President for his continued support and solidarity with the state, noting that his presence at major events was a demonstration of love expressed through action. He recalled Akpabio’s recent arrival from Abuja to witness the reception of a new aircraft at the Victor Attah International Airport, describing it as deliberate encouragement.
He explained that the GRA project which he inherited from the previous administration had been completed with modern roads, drainage and other infrastructure required to transform the area.
Governor Eno said his administration is doing projects across all 31 Local Government Areas and would continue to commission completed projects through December, adding that the Senate President would later be invited to commission the International Conference Centre and the 200-bed International Hotel.
He appreciated the chairman and the entire people of Ikot Ekpene for their love and support, and assured of more life touching projects across the state.
In his welcome remark, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for completing the GRA project, noting that the area, which was previously neglected, has been transformed into a full GRA through the governor’s intervention.
He also appreciated the governor for other projects sited in the area including the Ring Road, the Amanyam Road and the international market, and assured of their continued support beyond 2031.
In a project overview, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, explained that the project was initially 2.5 kilometres and awarded under the direct labour arrangement, adding that it was upgraded to 4.12 kilometres in February 2026 to accommodate additional sections that needed to be completed.
He appreciated the governor for completing the project, and for his commitment to completing projects inherited from previous administration.
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Dr. Patrick Umoh, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, HRM Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, appreciated the governor for his love for the area, and also assured of their support beyond 2031.
