Governor Umo Eno flags off Ibom Deep Seaport project
…distributes N335 million grants to Oron constituents
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the construction of the much-anticipated Ibom Deep Seaport will soon begin. Speaking during the Town Square meeting for the Oron Federal Constituency, the Governor revealed plans to flag off the project with the construction of the city gate and sales office, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s second anniversary celebrations. He emphasized that the time for action had arrived, stating, “We are done with talking. We are done with drawing. We are done with paper work, now is the time for action.”
The flag-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport will coincide with the inauguration of the Uyenge-Deep Seaport Road, adding to the growing list of infrastructure projects in the state. Governor Eno’s announcement signifies a major step forward in realizing the seaport’s potential, which is expected to be a key economic driver for the state.
Governor Eno also used the occasion to distribute grants totaling N335 million to traders, farmers, and business owners across the five local government areas of the Oron Federal Constituency. The funds were allocated as follows: N51 million for 108 farmers under the N2 billion farmers’ loan scheme, N225 million for 543 business owners, and N5 million for 10 entrepreneurs. The Governor underscored that these grants were part of his administration’s focus on driving agricultural and entrepreneurial growth in the state.
The Governor highlighted the importance of inclusive development, announcing that the priorities and needs of local communities would be incorporated into the 2026 state budget. “We will make sure that at least one project in each of the local government areas is executed,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring fairness and equal representation for all constituencies in Akwa Ibom.
In addition to the seaport and grant initiatives, Governor Eno also commended the progress of the 14km Airport-Nsit Atai-Okobo Road, which has been under construction by Hensek Integrated Services. Expressing optimism about its completion, the Governor noted that the road had been a long-standing project that would soon be commissioned, marking another success for his administration.
During the event, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who is an indigene of the Oron Federal Constituency, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support and reiterated that more projects were underway under the ARISE Agenda. She commended the Governor for his unwavering commitment to Oro and promised continued collaboration to bring even more development to the region.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, also addressed the gathering, assuring the people that their needs would be captured in the 2026 budget. He emphasized that the Governor’s administration would continue to provide support through various grant schemes, including the ARISE Farmers’ Grants, ARISE Traders’ Grants, and ARISE MSMEs Grants.
The event concluded with a show of support from the local community, as leaders from the Oron Federal Constituency, including traditional rulers and local government chairmen, pledged their continued backing for Governor Eno. Traditional leaders, including the Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, expressed confidence in the Governor’s leadership, supporting his bid for a second term.
