Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno for his leadership of the state, saying the governor’s approach to governance reminds him of himself during his own tenure as governor. Akpabio spoke in Uyo on Thursday while receiving a new Airbus A220-300 acquired for Ibom Air, describing the aircraft’s arrival as evidence […]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno for his leadership of the state, saying the governor’s approach to governance reminds him of himself during his own tenure as governor.
Akpabio spoke in Uyo on Thursday while receiving a new Airbus A220-300 acquired for Ibom Air, describing the aircraft’s arrival as evidence of the state government’s growing investment in aviation and infrastructure.
At the Victor Attah International Airport, the Senate President participated in the ceremonial welcome and water-cannon salute organised to mark the addition of the aircraft to the fleet of the state-owned airline.
Akpabio, who also cut the ceremonial tape, commended Eno for what he described as transformational leadership, particularly his efforts to expand the airport and strengthen the state’s aviation capacity.
“As a former governor of this state, I am seeing Governor Umo Eno in me, and I am also seeing myself in Governor Umo Eno,” he said.
The Senate President described the governor as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and West Africa,” while praising his efforts to improve air connectivity and position the state for greater economic opportunities.
Akpabio also applauded the state government’s investment in developing manpower for the aviation industry, noting that Akwa Ibom indigenes had been trained in different aviation institutions.
He assured the governor of his continued partnership in supporting initiatives aimed at promoting the growth and development of Akwa Ibom.
For Eno, the arrival of the Airbus marked another important stage in the expansion of Ibom Air, with the governor saying the aircraft would strengthen the airline’s fleet and contribute to its plans for greater regional connectivity.
The governor said the acquisition was part of a wider plan to establish an efficient aviation network that could stimulate economic activities, tourism and investment across the state and beyond.
Eno further revealed that the event marked the beginning of activities for the commissioning of 39 projects as part of celebrations for Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary.
According to him, dependable air transportation is essential to expanding tourism, attracting investors and improving connections between Akwa Ibom, other parts of Nigeria and the wider region.
The governor also credited previous administrations with contributing to the development of the state’s aviation sector, stressing that Ibom Air’s progress had been driven by continuity, sustained commitment and strategic investment over the years.
Eno thanked President Bola Tinubu and Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo for the designation of Victor Attah International Airport as an international airport.
He said the new status would strengthen Akwa Ibom’s links with the rest of Nigeria and the international community while supporting the state’s ambition to become a leading tourism and investment destination in the South-South and West African regions.