President Tinubu Arrives Uyo On Maiden Official Visit, Commissions Airport Terminal And Roads

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for his first official visit to the state since assuming office, during which he is commissioning landmark projects and attending a political rally.

The presidential aircraft departed Abuja on Friday and touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport, where the President was received by Governor Umo Eno, government officials, and a large crowd of supporters.

The visit is part of a two-state tour that will later take the President to Rivers State on Saturday for another All Progressives Congress rally.

Upon arrival, President Tinubu inaugurated the new International Terminal Building at the Victor Attah International Airport, formally flagging off international flight operations at the facility.

He also commissioned the International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village located within the airport complex.

Other projects lined up for inauguration include the Airport-Okopedi Road traversing Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, and Ring Road 3, which links Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.

The AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre, and the ARISE Palm Resort are also scheduled for commissioning.

Speaking at the airport inauguration, President Tinubu described the visit as a homecoming, recalling his time working in the state as a Mobil auditor.

“This is a homecoming for me. I was here in Akwa Ibom as a Mobil auditor. We built Ibeno, developed Eket, and did what we had to do. I never dreamed that I would become president to commission an airport named after my then-colleague governor (Victor Attah),” he said.

The President also disclosed that he promptly approved the governor’s request for international flight operations at the airport.

“When you approach for the permission to grant international flight, I didn’t hesitate. I read the memo, I gave my consent,” Tinubu stated.

He commended Governor Eno for his commitment and vision in completing the airport project, saying, “Governor Umo Eno, you are a great man of conscience, commitment, and visionary for continuing this airport and making it a reality today”.

Governor Eno had declared Friday a work-free day in the state to enable residents to give the President a rousing reception.

Residents were directed to converge on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium from 10 a.m. for a grand reception following the project commissioning.

The President is expected to attend the APC rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium later on Friday. The rally marks his third since flagging off his re-election campaign in Kaduna last month.

President Tinubu was accompanied on the trip by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and other top government officials.