Akakan Umoh
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno says President Bola Tinubu has constantly been pledging to ensure the completion and take-off of the Ibom Deep Seaport, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to the project that will boost the economic fortunes of the state.
Governor Eno spoke this when the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu joined thousands of women in the to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Saturday.
As the Governor was talking, Mrs Tinubu who listened with rapt attention was nodding her head, a postive indicator to aiding her husband to redeem the pledge.
The seaport initiated by ex-governor Victor Attah has become an electioneering stunt and financial conduit by some political office holders.
Also read: Mrs Tinubu Hails Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo
Governor Eno thanked Mr. President for key federal projects impacting the state, most outstanding of all, the ongoing construction of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
According to him, the coastal highway project and the promised Ibom Deep Seaport would open up new economic opportunities for Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta region.
“Your Excellency, please convey the greetings of Akwa Ibom people to the President for the coastal road that he is doing and is passing through Akwa Ibom. In no distant time, we shall go to Lagos within five hours. Thank you so much.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for the expectation of the Ibom Deep Seaport, because many times when I discuss with him, he tells me “I will give you the Ibom Deep Seaport”.
“I hold on to that promise and I know it shall come to pass.“
Governor Eno thanked the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (CON), for visiting the state to commission the Senior Citizens Centre, one of three such facilities planned to provide succour for elderly citizens in the state.
“Thank you, Your Excellency, for honoring my wife today by commissioning the Elderly Citizens Center that we have named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Center.
“This is just one of three that we will do, and we are sending a bill to the House of Assembly to pass a law, even just as the National Assembly is about to do so, to be able to take care of our elderly.”
He congratulated women on their successful celebration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, and promised to continue to support the growth of women and empower them for greater family support in the State.
In her address, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended Akwa Ibom women for their massive turnout and vibrant participation at the event.
She thanked them for their continued support for President Tinubu and assured that the administration is working hard to ensure Nigeria’s economy grows stronger while improving the welfare of women and families across the country.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, applauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his immense support for women development and inclusive governance in the State.
Addressing a mammoth crowd, she said “The theme for this year’s Women’s Day celebration: “Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls,” is a call to action, protecting the rights of women and girls by ensuring access to education, economic empowerment, health, social protection and equity.”
She enjoined every woman to be a positive tool for change in their homes, businesses, communities, and states.
“I urge you all to continue to support and stand behind your Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who has greatly distinguished himself in visionary and impactful leadership and development,” she said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, extolled the positive impact of Senator Oluremi Tinubu on the lives of Nigerian women, while congratulating Akwa Ibom women for marking the day with such a grand occasion.
She assured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the unwavering support of women, promising massive votes in 2027.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Coordinator, Office of the State First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, had acknowledged that the presence of Senator Oluremi Tinubu has brought great honour to the State and also serves as a huge inspiration to women, families, and communities across the country.
Lady Obareki lauded Senator Oluremi Tinubu for choosing the State to host her on the 2026 International Women’s Day, describing the nation’s First Lady as a woman with the heart of gold and great vision for the development of women.
In the vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, thanked the First Lady for choosing the state to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day.
She noted that women across the state had spoken with one voice in endorsing the leadership of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.
The event featured several cultural and artistic performances, including a welcome song by women from Uyo Senatorial District, presentations by the Women Association of Local Government of Nigeria (WALGON), cultural displays by women from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, a drama presentation by women from Eket Senatorial District on the 1929 Women’s Riot, a special talk by Mrs. Mfon Ekpo.
Highlight was the electrifying performance of super star singer, Teni Akpata who made headlines at Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, during a live event marking International Women’s Day when she boldly pushed past security to reach the VIP section. The section included Nigeria’s First Lady, Remi Tinubu, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Footage from the event shows Teni confidently walking toward the dignitaries while security personnel attempted to stop her.
