The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled a 30-day programme of events to mark the state’s 39th anniversary, featuring the commissioning of 39 landmark projects and a planned visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inaugurate some of the projects.
The projects, executed under the ARISE Agenda 1.0, will be commissioned across the state between September 1 and 30, 2026, as part of activities to celebrate the state’s growth, progress and development since its creation.
The anniversary, themed “Gratitude: Give Thanks to the Lord, For He is Good; For His Mercy Endures Forever” — Psalms 136:1 KJV — will also provide an opportunity for the state to give thanks to Almighty God for His faithfulness.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the programme, approved by Governor Umo Eno, embodied projects demonstrating the commitment of the ARISE administration to delivering impactful and people-oriented governance across the state.
The activities will commence with an official reception and cannon-water ceremony for the brand-new Airbus A220-300 at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, followed by a covenant service.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the official visit of President Tinubu to inaugurate some of the landmark projects.
Projects earmarked for commissioning by the President include the International Airport Hospital and International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport; the 3.8km Parallel Taxiway and Rapid Exit New Apron; the 1.8km Access Road; the Aviation Village at Victor Attah International Airport; and the 14.5km Airport-Okopedi Road in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas.
Others are the 7.868km Ring Road 3, from Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas; the Command and Control Centre; Governor’s Office Annex; AkwaGIS Building; and ARISE Palm Resort.
Uwah said the anniversary activities would showcase the state’s development journey and the impact of ongoing government interventions under the ARISE Agenda 1.0 on Akwa Ibom citizens, friends, associates and well-wishers, describing the celebration as an epochal event.
