By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the new international terminal building of the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, commending Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for sustaining and completing the aviation project.
Speaking during his official visit to the state, Tinubu described the terminal as the realization of a vision initiated by previous administrations and brought to completion through continuity in governance.
“This is a homecoming for me. I worked here in Akwa Ibom as an auditor in Mobil. I am happy to inaugurate the airport named after a colleague who had served this state very well. This is the fulfilment of a vision, from vision to reality. That speaks well of continuity and having a successor,” the President said.
Tinubu praised Governor Eno for ensuring the completion of the project and for securing federal approval for international flight operations at the airport.
“Governor Umo Eno, you are a great man of conscience, commitment and vision for continuing this airport and making it a reality today. When you approached me for permission to grant international flight operations, I didn’t hesitate. I read the memo and gave my consent,” he said.
The President also commissioned other projects during the visit, including the Airport Hospital, Ibom Aviation Village, and the Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, describing them as key infrastructure investments expected to stimulate development and improve public services in the state.
Tinubu said the projects reflect the Akwa Ibom State Government’s efforts to expand infrastructure in the areas of aviation, healthcare and transportation under Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The President was accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior government officials.
They were received by Governor Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Udeme Otong, Secretary to the State Government Enobong Uwah, lawmakers and other dignitaries.
The inauguration of the international terminal is expected to enhance Akwa Ibom’s capacity to handle international air traffic, improve connectivity and support tourism, trade and investment opportunities in the state.
