President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, describing the project as a catalyst for economic development and prosperity in the state and the South-South region.
The President announced the approval on Friday during the APC presidential rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, following a request by Governor Umo Eno.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the approval was in line with his administration’s commitment to bringing development closer to people across the country.
“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,” the President stated.Track Exec Orders
Tinubu commended Eno for his infrastructure development and investment in human capital, recalling that he had earlier approved the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport following a request by the governor.
He said visionary leadership and continuity in governance were essential to overcoming societal challenges, urging political office seekers to serve their people with sincerity and determination.
“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. When your governor requested international status for the airport, I did not hesitate; I approved it. Now, as you do for one, you do for the other,” he added.
The President also urged young people to remain focused and assess the credibility, track records and commitment of politicians seeking their votes in the January 2027 general elections.
“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.
“I don’t have to enumerate what I’ve done for you. I’ve committed my remaining years to struggling for democracy, freedom, authenticity, development, and progress. But you have heard details from one of our best friends—you’ve heard from Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
“Have you seen development or not? You have seen progress. Your universities are no longer on strike. Economic value is being added to your lives. Governor Eno, thank you for working so hard for the love of your people,” Tinubu said.
On the forthcoming elections, the President described January 16, 2027, as consequential, saying the polls would determine the country’s direction.
He claimed that when he assumed office, 27 of the 36 state governors could not meet salary obligations, let alone pay pensions and gratuities, but said the country had since moved away from that situation.
“I can beat my chest and say we are out of the greatest despair—the dark journey of uncertainty and possible bankruptcy,” he said.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima commended the people of Akwa Ibom and the South-South region for supporting Tinubu and the APC administration.
Shettima cautioned against being misled by politicians who, according to him, abandon challenges rather than confront and resolve them. He also questioned the opposition’s credibility, arguing that its criticism of government policies was not matched by viable alternatives.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum and South-South governors, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri praised Tinubu for projects including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Diri also commended Eno for the large turnout at the rally and reaffirmed the support of the six South-South governors for 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,” Diri said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised the South-South governors for their development efforts and support for the APC, assuring Tinubu that the National Assembly had provided a strong foundation for him “to lean on and complete the structures he has laid.”
Akpabio 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, adding that South-South states remained firmly behind the APC.
At a reception held in his honour at the 70-hectare Arise Palm Resort, Governor Eno said he felt “fulfilled” by the President’s approval of the deep sea port project.
The President-General of the Akwa Ibom Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, His Eminence Dr Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, also expressed support for the administration and prayed for Tinubu’s success in his second-term bid.
During the visit, Tinubu commissioned the new Victor Attah International Airport Terminal Building, Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom, and the Arise Palm Resort.
