Akpabio Commends Eno, Says Akwa Ibom Is Shining Example for Nigeria

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom State as a shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria.

Akpabio made the declaration on Tuesday as the Special Guest of Honour at the official commissioning of a newly acquired Airbus A220-300 aircraft for Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the former two-term governor of Akwa Ibom said the commissioning marked another significant milestone in the development of the state.

“With the commissioning of today, Akwa Ibom State has become the shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria,” Akpabio said.

He commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as his commitment to infrastructural and human capital development, particularly the training of Akwa Ibom indigenes for careers in the aviation industry.

“Let me thank Governor Eno for what I have seen here today, particularly the number of Akwa Ibom children you are training to join the aviation industry. I am seeing Eno in me. He is also seeing himself in me,” he said.

Akpabio also praised Ibom Air Chairman, Captain Mfon Udom, and the airline’s management team for the acquisition of the aircraft, describing the development as a source of pride for the state.
He pledged to work closely with Governor Eno in the interest of Akwa Ibom, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the development of the state.
“As a good student of history, I have made up my mind that rather than fight with my Governor, I will join hands with him to develop our state,” he declared.
The Senate President further assured that Akwa Ibom would not experience the kind of strained relationship that had occurred in the past between governors and Senate Presidents from the same states.
He commended Governor Eno for continuing projects inherited from previous administrations, saying the decision demonstrated continuity and responsible leadership.
“Thank you Governor Eno for not abandoning the money of Akwa Ibom people. You have decided to complete all projects initiated by previous administrations. This shows that you are truly a man of God,” Akpabio said.
He also acknowledged former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, for creating Akwa Ibom State out of the old Cross River State.
Earlier, Governor Eno thanked Akpabio for attending the commissioning and formally inaugurating the Airbus A220-300 on behalf of the state.
Eno declared September as a month of appreciation, noting that the state was created in September by the Babangida administration.
He urged Akwa Ibom people to appreciate God for the progress recorded by the state over the years.
The governor described the acquisition of the Airbus as part of Ibom Air’s fleet expansion programme, while commending past leaders of the state for laying the foundation for the growth of the state’s aviation sector.
According to Eno, the latest development represents the continuation and expansion of the vision established by previous administrations and reflects what he described as a “finisher’s anointing” driving the state’s aviation industry forward.