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Open Free AccountGovernor Umo Eno has revealed that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured him of the Federal Government’s commitment to the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project.
Zilla Naija gathered that the governor made this known on Saturday during the International Women’s Day celebration held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where thousands of women from across the state gathered to commemorate the annual event.
The 2026 celebration was held under the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The event also had the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, as the Special Guest of Honour.
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Publish NowWhile addressing the gathering, Governor Eno expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting major infrastructure projects that could transform the economic landscape of the state. He particularly highlighted the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which is expected to pass through Akwa Ibom.
According to the governor, the coastal highway and the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport are strategic projects capable of unlocking new economic opportunities for the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
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Governor Eno explained that the President had personally reassured him that the seaport project remains part of the Federal Government’s development plans.
He said he continues to hold on to the President’s promise, expressing confidence that the project will eventually become a reality and bring significant economic benefits to Akwa Ibom people.
The governor also used the opportunity to thank the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for visiting the state to commission a newly built facility designed to support elderly citizens.
The centre, named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, is part of a broader initiative by the state government aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens. Governor Eno revealed that the centre is the first of three planned facilities that will provide care and support for elderly residents.
He further disclosed that his administration is preparing legislation to be sent to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to establish a legal framework for improved welfare support for elderly citizens in the state.
In her remarks, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu commended women in Akwa Ibom State for their massive turnout and enthusiastic participation in the International Women’s Day celebration.
She thanked them for their continued support for President Tinubu’s administration and assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working toward strengthening the nation’s economy while improving the welfare of families and women across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the large turnout of women demonstrated their growing political influence and strong voice in the state.
Senator Akpabio noted that women in Akwa Ibom had shown readiness to support the leadership of President Tinubu while also affirming their confidence in Governor Eno’s administration.
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His wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, also spoke during the event, emphasizing that women across Nigeria are increasingly demanding greater recognition and participation in governance and national development.
She expressed satisfaction that women in Akwa Ibom State have continued to show strong support for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi, revealed that women across the state had earlier demonstrated massive support during sensitization tours conducted across the 31 local government areas.
She said the tours showed strong grassroots support for the policies and leadership of the current administration.
During the event, Eyakenyi, alongside Helen Eno Obareki, led women leaders from across the state to publicly proclaim their endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in office.
According to them, the endorsement was based on what they described as impactful policies and development projects aimed at stabilizing the nation and promoting women’s participation in politics.
Earlier in her welcome address, Lady Obareki described it as a great honour for Akwa Ibom State to host the International Women’s Day celebration.
She explained that the global theme of the event highlights the importance of promoting women’s rights, ensuring justice, and taking practical actions that empower women and girls.
Lady Obareki also highlighted achievements of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a programme designed to improve the welfare of women and vulnerable groups.
She further commended Governor Eno for implementing the Senior Citizens Initiative, which currently provides support to more than 10,000 elderly citizens across the state.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Suleman, praised the administration of President Tinubu for what she described as increased investments in programmes designed to empower Nigerian women.
She noted that the Federal Government’s plans to organize women into cooperative societies would help them access grants and economic empowerment initiatives.
In her vote of thanks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Silas Etukudo, appreciated the First Lady for choosing Akwa Ibom to host the national celebration.
She noted that women across the state had spoken with one voice in support of the leadership of President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
The colourful event also featured cultural and artistic performances from women across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Highlights included traditional displays, a historical drama presentation on the 1929 Women’s Riot, and presentations by various women’s groups and associations.
Women leaders, community groups, political stakeholders, and representatives from several organizations were also present to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration in the state.
Zilla Naija will continue to follow developments regarding the Ibom Deep Seaport project and other key initiatives expected to shape the economic future of Akwa Ibom State.
