1 hour ago
1
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, describing the project as a major catalyst for economic development and prosperity in the South-South region.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday, November 6, 2026, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, following a request by Governor Umo Eno.
The President said the decision reflected his administration’s commitment to spreading development across the country’s geopolitical zones and bringing economic opportunities closer to the people.
“Your request for the Ibom Deep Sea Port is hereby approved. The Ibom Deep Sea Port will bring associated economic value and economic development to the people, just as the governor has said,” Tinubu declared.
Eno had appealed to the President to approve the project in his welcome address, assuring him that the people of Akwa Ibom would remain grateful if the request was granted.
At a reception held in Tinubu’s honour at the 70-hectare Arise Palm Resort, the governor said he felt fulfilled by the President’s approval of the deep sea port project.
Tinubu commended Eno for his infrastructure projects and investment in human capital development, recalling that he had promptly approved the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport to international status following the governor’s request.
He said the approval of the airport upgrade and the deep sea port demonstrated the importance of continuity and purposeful leadership in driving development.
The President also urged Akwa Ibom to maximise its agricultural resources, particularly palm produce, while investing in skills development that could provide lasting economic opportunities for its people.
“There is no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot leverage the value of its palm trees and agricultural produce. There is no reason that we cannot create skills development — skills that are enduring and everlasting,” he said.
Tinubu further called on youths to scrutinise the credibility, records and commitment of politicians seeking their votes in the January 16, 2027 general elections.
Addressing the crowd, he described the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a powerful instrument for democratic participation and urged young people to use their votes to reject what he called tyranny and political deception.
“You, the youth—do you have your PVCs? That is the weapon with which you can defeat tyranny and reject those deceiving you. The weapon you have is the PVC,” he said.
The President defended his administration’s economic policies, claiming that the country had moved away from the financial difficulties it faced when he assumed office.
He recalled that 27 of the 36 state governors were unable to meet salary obligations, pensions and gratuities at the time he took office, but said the situation had improved.
“Today, I stand before you to say we are out of that dark tunnel,” he declared.
Tinubu also cited the resumption of academic activities in public universities and what he described as increased economic value as evidence of progress under his administration.
He thanked Eno for his performance in Akwa Ibom and urged the people to assess the government’s record ahead of the next general election.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who spoke earlier, commended Akwa Ibom and the South-South region for supporting the Tinubu administration and the APC.
Shettima questioned the credibility of opposition politicians who, according to him, criticised government policies without presenting viable alternatives. He also accused some politicians of abandoning challenges rather than confronting them.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and South-South governors, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri praised Tinubu for projects and programmes including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Diri described the coastal highway as a landmark infrastructure project and declared that all six governors in the South-South region supported the President.
“The Coastal Highway is a masterpiece. No President, living or dead, ever conceived it. All six governors of the South-South are solidly behind you. Carry go,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended the South-South governors for their development efforts and support for the APC.
He said the National Assembly had provided a strong legislative foundation for Tinubu’s administration to complete its projects and programmes.
Akpabio further thanked the President for approving the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture, a Federal University of Technology and a Police Academy in Akwa Ibom, saying the South-South states remained firmly behind the APC.
Earlier in the day, Tinubu commissioned the new terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport, Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom, and the Arise Palm Resort.
The commissioning formed part of the President’s state visit to Akwa Ibom, during which he also attended the APC presidential rally.
At the reception, the President-General of the Akwa Ibom Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, His Eminence Dr Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, expressed support for the administration and prayed for Tinubu’s success in his second-term bid.
English (US) ·