I see myself in Eno, Akpabio says

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, described the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, as an invaluable asset to the state, saying he could see aspects of himself in the governor’s leadership style.

Akpabio spoke at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, during a reception and water-cannon ceremony to formally welcome a new Airbus A220-300 into the fleet of Ibom Air, a state-government-owned airline.

Performing the ceremonial cutting of the tape to mark the arrival of the aircraft, the Senate President commended Eno for what he described as transformational leadership, particularly the expansion of the airport and the acquisition of the new aircraft.

“As a former governor of this state, I am seeing Governor Umo Eno in me, and I am also seeing myself in Governor Umo Eno,” Akpabio said.

While praising the governor’s efforts to strengthen the state’s aviation sector and improve its connectivity with other parts of the country and beyond, Akpabio described him as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and West Africa.”

Akpabio, who also praised the state government for investing in human capital within the aviation sector, commended Eno for training Akwa Ibom indigenes in various aviation institutions.

“I strongly commend the governor for training Akwa Ibom indigenes in various aviation institutions. I want to assure you of my continued partnership in promoting the growth and development of the state,” he added.

The new aircraft, according to Eno, represents another significant milestone in the development of Ibom Air and the state’s aviation industry.

The governor said its arrival would further strengthen the airline’s fleet and support its ambition to expand regional connectivity among Nigerian airlines.

He noted that the acquisition of the Airbus was not merely about adding another aircraft to the airline’s fleet, but part of a broader strategy to develop an efficient aviation network capable of driving economic growth.

Eno said, “This event marks the commencement of activities for the commissioning of 39 projects across the state in commemoration of Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary. It is a major milestone that will further strengthen Ibom Air’s fleet, aimed at positioning it for regional connectivity among Nigerian airlines.

“Efficient and reliable air transport networks remain critical to expanding tourism, investment and connectivity within and beyond.

“Therefore, the acquisition of the aircraft is another significant step in the development of Ibom Air and the state’s aviation sector.”

Eno also acknowledged the contributions of previous administrations to the development of the state’s aviation industry, saying the progress recorded by Ibom Air was the product of continuity, sustained commitment, strategic investments and development over the years.

The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for the designation of Victor Attah International Airport as an international airport.

He said the designation would open up new opportunities for the state by improving its connection with Nigeria and the international community.

He stated, “The development would significantly improve Akwa Ibom’s connection with other parts of Nigeria and the international community, while supporting the state’s ambition to emerge as a major tourism and investment destination in the South-South and West African regions.”

The arrival of the Airbus formed part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.