Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom as an emerging destination for tourism and investment, commending Governor Umo Eno for accelerating infrastructure development and transforming the state’s economic landscape.
Akpabio spoke while commissioning the 4.12-kilometre GRA internal road network, outfall drainage and additional erosion reclamation works in Ikot Ekpene as part of activities commemorating Akwa Ibom at 39.
The Senate President cited the completion of the International Airport terminal, acquisition of additional aircraft for Ibom Air, ongoing International Convention Centre and international hotel, as well as the International Market in Ikot Ekpene, among projects reflecting the state’s transformation.
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He said the state had moved beyond its former status as a transit route between Port Harcourt and Calabar, noting that deliberate development efforts by successive administrations had changed the narrative.
“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 scored 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 stated.
Akpabio also assured Governor Eno of the support of the people of Ikot Ekpene, saying they would mobilise for the Governor and President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking, Governor Eno thanked Akpabio for his continued solidarity with the state, describing his presence at major events as love demonstrated through action.
He said the GRA project, inherited from the previous administration, had been completed with modern roads, drainage and other infrastructure, stating that projects were being executed across all 31 local government areas.
“The project, which we inherited and expanded from 2.5 kilometres, has transformed the area with improved roads, drainage and other infrastructure. It reflects our commitment to completing worthwhile inherited projects and delivering development across all 31 Local Government Areas,” he mentioned.
The Governor said Akpabio would later be invited to commission the International Convention Centre and 200-bed International Hotel.
Commissioner for Works, Professor Eno Ibanga, said the project was initially 2.5 kilometres before being upgraded to 4.12 kilometres in February 2026 to accommodate additional sections.
Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, thanked the Governor for transforming the previously neglected GRA and cited the Ring Road, Amanyam Road and International Market among other projects in the area.
