Akwa Ibom Governor Pleads with Oron Stakeholders for Deep Seaport Progress

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has made a fervent appeal to the elders and key stakeholders of Oron, urging them to persuade the local youth to permit international investors to advance with the development of the crucial Ibom Deep Seaport project.

This ambitious undertaking, initially known as the Ibaka Deep Sea Port and planned for Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area, has been mired in contention. The state government's decision to rename it the Ibom Deep Seaport sparked opposition from certain Oron youths and community leaders, leading to ongoing disputes.

During the monthly prayer service held at the Government House Chapel in Uyo on Saturday, Governor Eno addressed the gathering, imploring residents to set aside disagreements concerning the project's site or its name to avoid further delays. He passionately stated, “I am appealing to our fathers from Oron axis, this is your chance. Don’t miss this moment. I beg you. Seize this moment, talk to the youth and everyone, and beg them to allow the Ibom Deep Seaport to be sited where God wants it to be. As you can see, the Oron Maritime project is almost completed. I met a road that has been there for twelve years, and that road is finished now. I am begging now because it is the chance for the Oron nation. There is nothing to fight about.”

Governor Eno drew a parallel with the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, highlighting that local government areas which provided land for that facility did not object to its chosen name. He further implored, “Please let our brothers understand. This has happened before, and that led to the delay of the seaport project, which we are about to kickstart now. We need the investors.”

The governor conveyed a strong sense of optimism regarding Akwa Ibom's developmental path, asserting that various ongoing projects, once completed, are poised to significantly enhance tourism, generate employment, and stimulate economic expansion. “I see a very bright future for our State, I see it, don’t mind naysayers. Just under two years, all these things will make more sense,” he declared.

Additionally, he revealed plans for the state to inaugurate several significant initiatives on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. These include the Ibom Medical Village, an international medical facility with 350 beds. He also announced the recent acquisition and arrival of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses by the government. “Very soon, our State’s CNG buses will arrive. I am told 20 is ready. We ordered and fully paid for 50. 20 are already at the Lagos port,” Eno confirmed.

Concurrently, during the service, Rev. Victor Akpan, the Uyo Axis Coordinator for the Foursquare Gospel Church, delivered a sermon titled “The God of Awesome Wonders,” where he encouraged congregants to maintain unwavering faith and confidence in God's ability to manifest miracles.