Akwa Ibom State is preparing to receive President Bola Tinubu following an invitation by Governor Umo Eno to inaugurate key infrastructure projects completed over the past three years.
The presidential visit, expected to take place in September, is anticipated to last two days, although the final schedule is still being worked out. If it goes ahead as planned, Akwa Ibom will become one of the states visited by President Tinubu since assuming office, either in person, virtually, or through a representative, as part of his project inauguration engagements across the country.
Among the major projects expected to be commissioned are the Arise Palm Resort, the newly completed Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, and the new terminal building at the Victor Attah International Airport. Other notable projects nearing completion include the International Convention Centre and the Tropicana Hotel, both of which had remained unfinished for years before the current administration resumed work on them.
The Arise Palm Resort, built on reclaimed land previously affected by severe gully erosion, is expected to become one of the state’s leading tourism and leisure destinations. The Tropicana Complex is also being developed into a major entertainment and commercial hub, with a new shopping mall under construction as part of the project.
Beyond the projects expected to be inaugurated, the state government has highlighted several ongoing developments, including over 1,300 kilometres of roads, more than 40 bridges, model primary healthcare centres, schools, housing estates, maritime infrastructure, a sports academy, an equipment leasing facility, model farms, and a 350-bed international hospital currently under construction.
Governor Eno is also expected to brief the President on the state’s security initiatives, including the newly established Command and Control Centre designed to strengthen security coordination across Akwa Ibom.
Observers say the visit will provide an opportunity for the governor to showcase his administration’s achievements while giving the President a platform to engage directly with residents and outline the Federal Government’s development agenda.
President Tinubu’s visit would mark the first presidential trip to Akwa Ibom since former President Goodluck Jonathan visited the state in 2012. The visit is also expected to feature political engagements, coming as preparations for the next election cycle gradually gather momentum.
Residents are expected to pay close attention to the President’s remarks, particularly on the state’s longstanding request for Federal Government support for the proposed Deep Sea Port project.
