Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has celebrated the addition of two new CRJ 900 Bombardier series aircrafts to Ibom Air’s fleet, with a promise to flag off more new projects in the coming weeks.
He described criticisms as major catalysts which enhance improved performance, insisting that, “if you want to do anything in this life and people don’t criticize, look back again and check.
Speaking at a brief ceremony in Uyo, the Governor highlighted Akwa Ibom’s achievement as the only sub-national in Nigeria with an airline company, while also emphasising his administration’s commitment to developing critical infrastructure without incurring any burden on the people.
Governor Eno proudly shared that the latest aircraft acquisitions were funded by the Government, a rare unique approach that avoids traditional high-interest public financing.
“When we came into office, we promised to continue with what our past leaders have done, particularly, the immediate past administration of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
“For those criticizing us, you have given us the reason to continue.
“Very soon, and in the next two weeks, we are laying foundation for the Aviation Village.
“Before the end of December, we are flagging off the international Market in Ikot Ekpene.
“Before the end of December, we are flagging off the Judiciary
Quarters in Uyo.
“Before the end of December, we are flagging of our Special Ambulance Service in the State.
“In the next one week, we shall be harvesting from the employment portal, 5000 young undergraduates and we will pay them fifty thousand naira(N50,000) each.
“This month of November, I have just approved 1.2billuon naira for the payment of gratuities to our retirees.
“We are building roads and this month we are commissioning 72 projects in Akwa Ibom State.”
He said further, “we are building compassionate homes, we are building schools, we are through the Akwa Ibom food purchasing agency, distributing food to our local Government areas.”
“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four Star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribond property to commercial use”, the Governor added.
Furthering on the aviation sector, Pastor Eno announced that, “by next year, the MRO behind us would have been fully ready. Then, we will begin to earn in foreign currency.
“Later on in December, we are going to partially open the brand new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.
The Chairman of Ibom Air, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, in his address expressed gratitude for the Governor’s commitment, crediting his financial strategy for the airline’s growth.
“This fourth aircraft within a year symbolises our resilience and the Governor’s dedication to Akwa Ibom’s prosperity,” he remarked.
Jacob added that the funding approach adopted by the Governor ensures funds are reinvested into the government, benefiting future developments.
Captain Mfon Udom, CEO of Ibom Air, voiced his pride in the airline’s progress, acknowledging the support of longstanding partners and the Governor’s strategic vision.
“He further said that the airline is moving towards a larger network that will connect more people to Akwa Ibom.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Udeme Otong, commended Governor Eno’s financial prudence, noting that the Governor has managed state resources effectively without requesting new loans from the assembly.
“It is clear you are working tirelessly to improve our internally generated revenue,” he stated, affirming the Assembly’s support for the administration’s efforts to advance the state’s economy.
Similarly, The Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Edidem, Ita E. Okokon delivered heartfelt remarks praising Governor Eno as a “silent achiever.”
He acknowledged the Governor’s vision and prayed for his continued success stating that traditional rulers, appreciate his dedication to improving Akwa Ibom.
Highpoints of the event was the unveiling and dedication of the aircraft performed by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno accompanied by the Deputy Governor Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, the coordinator office of the wife of the Governor, Mrs.Helen Obareki, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, and other dignitaries.
