President Bola Tinubu has approved the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, raising hopes of a major boost to the state's economy and maritime industry.
Tinubu announced the approval on Friday while responding to a request by Governor Umo Eno during a reception and rally organised in his honour at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The President, who was in the state to inaugurate projects executed by the Eno administration, said development must promote inclusiveness, create economic value and improve the lives of the people.
“I heard from my friend, my governor, my pastor, on behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request for Ibom’s deep-sea port,” Tinubu said.
After restating the request, the President asked the crowd, “Will you vote?”
He subsequently declared, “Okay, it’s approved.”
The approval followed a pledge by Governor Eno that Akwa Ibom State would deliver two million votes for Tinubu's re-election in 2027 if the Federal Government approved the seaport project.
“Give us Ibom Deep Seaport, we will deliver two million votes. This deep seaport is capable of unlocking the economy of the state, the South-South region and Nigeria at large,” the governor said.
Eno described the project as the most important economic demand of the people of Akwa Ibom, noting that it would transform the state's maritime, industrial and employment sectors.
He maintained that the people had remained loyal to Tinubu since 2023 and were expecting the President to fulfil his campaign promise to establish the facility.
Tinubu had promised to build the deep seaport during his 2023 presidential campaign rally at the same stadium, citing the Lekki Deep Seaport, developed during his tenure as Lagos State governor, as an example of the kind of project he intended to deliver in Akwa Ibom.
The governor explained that the project, initially conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah as the Ibaka Deep Seaport and Industrial City, had remained unrealised for decades despite featuring in successive presidential campaigns.
“This seaport would serve as a major transhipment hub. It will create thousands of jobs for our people. It will open Akwa Ibom to international trade and investment,” Eno said.
He further disclosed that Akwa Ibom had aligned with the Federal Government by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) to attract greater federal presence and accelerate development in the state.
Eno assured Tinubu of the state's support for his re-election in 2027, describing the proposed seaport as a major economic dividend expected from the President's administration.
No comments:
Post a Comment