By Ekaette Okon-Joseph
“Who no go love Akwa Ibom, our Dubai in Nigeria? Chai!”
Those were the words of Prof. Sandra Mgbeke, a Nigerian-American university don, reflecting the excitement surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom State on November 6, 2026.
Her remark captured residents’ pride and drew attention to the state’s tourism potential and ambition to attract investors and international visitors.
Known for its cultural heritage, natural attractions and hospitality, Akwa Ibom is seeking to connect these assets with investments in aviation, roads and other sectors under Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
DEEP SEA PORT: A GAME CHANGER
The proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port was one of the major economic issues highlighted during the visit. At the All Progressives Congress rally, President Tinubu approved Governor Eno’s request for the development and actualisation of the project.
The port could position Akwa Ibom as a maritime and commercial destination in the Gulf of Guinea, creating opportunities for trade, industrial development, investment and employment.
Governor Eno thanked the president for the approval and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the project a reality.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also commended Tinubu for approving the seaport, describing him as a promise keeper.
A GATEWAY TO INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
The commissioning of the new international terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport was another major highlight.
Tinubu recalled his earlier professional experience in Akwa Ibom as an auditor with Mobil and described the visit as a homecoming. He praised Eno for sustaining the airport project and said he had granted the governor’s request for approval of international flight operations after reviewing the relevant memorandum.
Governor Eno appreciated the president for the approval, noting its importance to the state’s development plans.
The airport can improve access for tourists and business travellers, support trade and benefit hospitality and transport businesses. The International Airport Medical Centre and Ibom Aviation Village add to the aviation infrastructure.
The state’s tourism assets include the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom Tropicana Resort, Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, and Ibom Golf and Country Club. Together with the state’s natural attractions, cuisine and festivals, they offer opportunities for conferences, leisure and sports tourism. The ARISE Palm Resort is another addition to the state’s hospitality offerings.
Sustained promotion, quality services and partnerships with private operators will be essential to convert these facilities into viable tourism businesses.
INFRASTRUCTURE THAT OPENS UP OPPORTUNITIES
The Bola Tinubu Ring Road III Extension, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom, is expected to improve connectivity and open up adjoining communities.
Tinubu also praised Eno for undertaking the reclamation of a 73-hectare gully erosion site, describing the transformation of the area from wasteland into productive land as evidence of commitment and development continuity.
The AkwaGIS Office Complex and the CP Waheed Ayilara Command and Control Centre were also among the projects inaugurated during the visit.
THE PEOPLE’S VOICES
Mgbeke praised the peaceful stadium reception, described Akwa Ibom as beautiful and acknowledged Akpabio’s political experience.
“This cap fit my Daddy till 2031, mbok! Who no go love Akwa Ibom, our Dubai in 9ja? Chai!!!” she said.
Chief Solomon Jimmy from Abak Local Government Area said the president’s visit reflected confidence in the state’s security. He also compared Eno’s governance approach with that of Akpabio.
Emmanuel Ekong, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Youth Council, commended Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for young business owners, describing policy continuity as beneficial to the economy.
Hon. Umo Isaiah, Supervisor for Humanitarian Affairs in Uyo Local Government Area, praised Eno for creating opportunities for women in politics and public service, citing the appointment of Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi and the inclusion of women as councillors and supervisors.
ARISE : TURNING INVESTMENT INTO OPPORTUNITY
Eno also thanked Tinubu for supporting the Federal University of Technology at Ikot Abasi, the Federal University of Agriculture at Obio Akpa, international flight operations at Victor Attah International Airport, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund initiative.
These approvals highlight the role of federal and state cooperation in advancing infrastructure, education and economic development.
As Akwa Ibom moves from ARISE Agenda 1.0 to ARISE Agenda 2.0, the challenge is to translate infrastructure into lasting benefits through private investment, job creation, skills development and effective maintenance.
The airport offers a gateway to international visitors, the proposed seaport could expand trade, and tourism assets provide reasons to visit and stay.
For Akwa Ibom, the ambition is not simply to be admired for its beauty, but to build an economy that gives visitors, investors and residents compelling reasons to be part of its future.
Ekaette Okon-Joseph is the Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Media.