President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom State as a shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the official commissioning of the Airbus A220-300 Series aircraft acquired by Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the former two-term governor of Akwa Ibom said the commissioning of the new aircraft marked another milestone in the development of the state.
“With the commissioning of today, Akwa Ibom State has become the shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to infrastructural and human capital development, particularly the training of Akwa Ibom indigenes to build careers in the aviation industry.
“Let me thank Governor Eno for what I have seen here today, particularly the number of Akwa Ibom children you are training to join the aviation industry. I am seeing Eno in me. He is also seeing himself in me,” he said.
Akpabio also praised the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the airline’s management team for the achievement, assuring that the state would continue to enjoy a cordial relationship between its leadership and the Federal Government.
“I am assuring us all that this state will never experience what other states experienced in the past between their Governor and the President of the Senate.
“As a good student of history, I have made up my mind that rather than fight with my Governor, I will join hands with him to develop our state,” he declared.
The Senate President further applauded Governor Eno for sustaining and completing projects inherited from previous administrations.
“Thank you, Governor Eno, for not abandoning the money of Akwa Ibom people. You have decided to complete all projects initiated by previous administrations. This shows that you are truly a man of God,” Akpabio said.
He also expressed appreciation to former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, for creating Akwa Ibom State out of the old Cross River State, praying for his continued wellbeing.
Earlier, Governor Eno thanked Akpabio for honouring the invitation to formally commission the new aircraft on behalf of the state.
The governor declared September as the state’s “month of appreciation,” noting that the month marks the creation of Akwa Ibom State from the old Cross River State by the Babangida administration.
Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to remain grateful to God for the progress recorded by the state and its people over the years.
He described the acquisition of the Airbus A220-300 as part of Ibom Air’s fleet expansion programme, while commending past leaders of the state for laying the foundation for the growth of its aviation industry.
According to him, the latest development represents “part of the fleet expansion drive for Ibom Air,” and a continuation of the vision and pathways created by previous administrations.
“With the finisher’s anointing, we are expanding the growth of our aviation industry,” Eno said.
