Governor Umo Eno Extends Invitation to President Bola Tinubu
Last week, Governor Umo Eno invited President Bola Tinubu to Akwa Ibom State to inaugurate several key projects completed over the past three years. The visit, tentatively scheduled for September, may span two days, although specifics are still being finalized. This marks the president’s 14th state visit—whether in person, virtually, or through delegated representatives—since his inauguration. Previous stops have included Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, among others. Given the strong rapport between Mr. Eno and the President, there is hope for a personal visit to Akwa Ibom.
Anticipating a Warm Welcome for the President
As a resident, I join countless others in extending a warm welcome to President Tinubu, hoping his visit is both productive and enjoyable. With a plethora of sights to experience, the President will have a challenging task selecting what to highlight. Akwa Ibom boasts over 1,300 kilometers of roads, 40 bridges, a model health center and primary school, more than 1,000 homes, marine infrastructure, a sports academy, a leasing facility, and a model farm. The achievements of Governor Eno and his team over the last three years deserve commendation for their dedication and hard work.
Highlighting Key Projects on the Agenda
The itinerary may include visits to the Arise Palm Resort—originally initiated by the previous administration and under development since the tenure of former Governor Godswill Akpabio—as well as the Nsit Atai-Okobo road and the new airport terminal building, which is also set to be inaugurated. This terminal has a rich history, dating back to Obong Victor Attah’s administration. Another significant endeavor is the long-awaited International Convention Center and Tropicana Hotel at the Tropicana Complex. Given the scope of these projects, discussions about the “Anointing of the Finisher” may well arise during the visit.
Resourceful Leadership on Display
The phrase “Anointing of the Finisher” encapsulates Eno’s governance philosophy: completing the tasks regardless of their origin and focusing on the results rather than individual credit. The Arise Palm Resort stands out as a premier family entertainment and leisure destination constructed on reclaimed land. This project mirrors other successful urban revitalization efforts, such as Eco-Atlantic City in Lagos, which successfully reclaimed land from the ocean to protect against flooding. This brings to mind the question of who spearheaded the reclamation efforts in Lagos.
The Tropicana Complex as a Tourist Destination
Once completed next year, the Tropicana Complex in Uyo will serve as a major tourist attraction, akin to Dallas’ Grandscapes and NorthPark Center. My recent visit to a new shopping facility currently under construction suggests that Akwa Ibom has much to offer in the realm of retail, promising to attract visitors similar to Dubai Shopping Mall.
Unveiling Infrastructure Developments
The state is also home to hundreds of roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools, as well as a burgeoning CNG bus service and bus terminals that the President may not have encountered in his previous visits. Many of these projects are situated outside Uyo, affording Governor Eno the opportunity to showcase critical developments such as a 350-bed international hospital and a medical corridor. Additionally, with prominent security concerns recently dominating the news, the unveiling of a new command and control center is expected to be a crucial announcement for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, especially as discussions of police decentralization continue.
Political Implications of the Visit
The benefits of a presidential visit are reciprocal. For the President, it offers a platform to engage with the public and demonstrate governmental support, while for the governor, it’s an opportunity to showcase achievements to a national audience. This upcoming visit will mark the first time a sitting president has formally visited Akwa Ibom since Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure in 2012, creating significant publicity for both state and federal leadership. In contrast, during the eight years of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s leadership, there was little effort to invite then-President Muhammadu Buhari due to strained relations.
Historical Context of Presidential Visits
Presidential visits can also be unpredictable. Historical moments, such as Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s bold request to General Ibrahim Babangida during a state dinner, illustrate the dynamics of these high-profile visits. Similarly, during President Obasanjo’s visit in 2004, local grievances about the federal government’s presence were met with his characteristic quips. Reflecting on past experiences, residents have mixed feelings as they prepare for another presidential visit, especially with expectations of politically charged speeches coinciding with the upcoming election season.
Welcome to Akwa Ibom, Mr. President!
* Journalist Etim writes from Abuja.
