A’Ibom gov urges, youths elders to back deep seaport project

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has appealed to Oron elders and stakeholders to prevail on youths of the area to allow international investors interested in the Ibom Deep Seaport project to proceed with the development of the project.

The project, originally conceived as the Ibaka Deep Sea Port in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, has remained a subject of controversy following its rebranding as Ibom Deep Seaport by the state government, a development opposed by some Oron youths and stakeholders.

Speaking during the June edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service held at the Chapel of the Government House, Uyo, on Saturday, Eno urged residents not to allow disputes over location or nomenclature to stall the project.

“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”, he said.

The governor drew comparisons with the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, noting that the surrounding local government areas that contributed land for the project did not raise objections over its naming.

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,” he added.

Eno expressed optimism about the state’s development trajectory, saying several ongoing projects would boost tourism, create jobs, and drive economic growth upon completion.

“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 said.

He also disclosed that the state would unveil major projects on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, including the Ibom Medical Village, a 350-bed international medical centre, and announced the arrival of Compressed Natural Gas buses recently procured 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, preaching on the theme “The God of Awesome Wonders,” the Uyo Axis Coordinator of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Victor Akpan, urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and trust in God’s power to perform wonders.