… As Gov Eno Sets To Revolutionalise Transportation In A’Ibom
… Announces Purchase of 50 CNG buses
IKOT EKPENE
Traditional rulers from Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District have unanimously endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced on Saturday, at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium during a grand rally organised by the royal fathers, to formally adopt the three personalities as the district’s sole candidates, for the three offices in the coming 2027 general elections.
Speaking separately at the event, the Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama; the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Saviour Sylvester Udofia; and the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam, J.J. Obosi, said the decision was based on the outstanding performance, stability, and visible achievements recorded under the leadership of the endorsed officials.
They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his infrastructural interventions in Akwa Ibom State, particularly the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and for supporting the emergence of Senator Godswill Akpabio as President of the Senate, which they said has strengthened the State’s voice at the national level.
The royal fathers also lauded Governor Umo Eno for promoting peace, unity, and inclusive governance across Akwa Ibom State, as well as ensuring the equitable distribution of development projects, declaring their total support for his second-term bid in 2027.
While expressing satisfaction with the quality of representation from the district, the traditional rulers equally endorsed Senator Godswill Akpabio for another term, describing his leadership at the National Assembly as impactful and beneficial to the people of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.
Responding on behalf of the endorsed leaders, Governor Umo Eno expressed profound gratitude to the traditional institution for the confidence reposed in him and the Senate President, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to deepening development through the ARISE Agenda.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the endorsement as a reflection of the trust and confidence of the royal fathers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, assuring them of his continued dedication to effective representation and national service.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal presentation of a memorandum of endorsement to the Governor and the Senate President by the royal fathers, alongside the conferment of the traditional title “Akwa Obong Emem” on Governor Umo Eno, in recognition of his peace-building efforts and leadership style.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN; Executive Director, Projects, NDDC, Sir Victor Antai; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong; and members of the National Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, among other dignitaries.
Meanwhile the Akwa Ibom State Government has flagged off the construction of Ibom CNG Mass Transit Terminal in Uyo, the state capital.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno who performed the flag off Saturday, at the terminal premises, disclosed that the project was in fulfillment of his administration’s plan to provide a world class transport facility to ease movement within the State, improve the State’s economy and boost tourism.
He said the determination to provide a world class transport system was part of efforts to ease citizens’ movement by linking all the 31 local Government Areas of the State to the capital city and boosting the economy and tourism potentials of the State.
He commended the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Anthony Luke, for his diligence and speedy preparation of the site for the commencement of the project.
“I thank the Honourable Commissioner for Transport for the work they have done here. Some of you remember when we first visited this site, it was not a good sight. Like the Commissioner has said, it was abandoned and became a living abode for touts and criminals. But today, it has been well cleared and prepared to receive a world class bus terminal.
“From here our people are going to be driven through our very well paved and constructed roads to the 31 local government areas.
“All the 50 CNG buses have already been ordered and paid for through the Central Bank of Nigeria; and they will start arriving in April this year.
“These are luxurious CNG buses that would be deployed to service all Local Government Areas through and fro” he said.
Highlighting the economic importance of the project, Governor Eno commended the Minister of Petroleum – Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo for his collaboration and support for the vision as the project will incorporate gas stations, training schools for technicians, and engage about 500 drivers.
“We are trying to bring down the cost of living for all Akwa Ibomites. If transportation is brought down, everything comes down and the economy will be stable.
“We want to make sure that our people travel with ease. We will work with the mass transit people, we will work with the transport sector to
realize this dream.
“This is not just a bus terminal like the Commissioner for Transport has said. Other facilities will be here to make it comfortable. The management will be topnotch. We are working on our transportation system in this state, whether it is marine transportation or aviation. We are building a marine terminal in Oron, and work is at its advance stage. We are building a warehouse there too, we have ordered two marine boats, one is done by the Nigerian Navy, and another by a company in Lagos,” he said.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure that the State’s transportation system is improved.
Presenting an overview of the project, the commissioner for transport, Hon. Anthony Luke thanked the governor for transforming the area which was once a criminal hideout to a valuable asset for the benefit of the State.
He noted that the project is designed with a technical college for the training of technicians, five hundred employment opportunities for drivers, ticketing officers, a loading bay, a world class restaurant for local dishes, and an automated car wash, a high security service surveillance system and a police station.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Petroleum-Gas, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo commended Governor Eno for his pragmatic leadership, describing him as a man of peace and vision who understands the needs of his people.
He noted that the project was a clear interpretation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision to ameliorate the effect of subsidy removal.
The minister explained that sustainability of the environment will be achieved with the use of gas, and thanked Governor Eno for his impactful projects, noting that the project once completed, will reduce the cost of transportation, preserve the environment and ensure sustainability of energy supply especially in Nigeria where there is a large gas reserve.
He pledged to support the initiative by providing CNG mother stations to help the State realize its dream for the transport sector.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended Governor Eno for collaborating with the Federal Government as the CNG transportation visions aligns with the federal Government vision to bring cleaner energy, reduce the cost of transportation and create opportunities for indigenes of the host communities and the State in general.
Designed to meet global standards, the CNG terminal on completion, will positions the state as a regional hub for clean energy innovation while supporting national energy transition goals.
The facility is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs, promote cleaner fuel alternatives, create employment opportunities, and attract private sector investment. It also reflects the administration’s strategic focus on infrastructure that delivers long-term economic and environmental benefits rather than short-term gains.
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