RismadarVoice Reporters
August 18, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the expansion of Ibom Air’s fleet and ongoing investments in aviation infrastructure will create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
Governor Eno stated this on Tuesday, shortly after returning to Uyo from Canada, where he participated in the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest brand-new Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Speaking to Government House correspondents at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, the Governor said the acquisition marked another milestone in his administration’s drive to develop the state’s aviation sector into a major economic hub.
He disclosed that his administration had so far acquired three Airbus aircraft and two CRJ 900 aircraft for Ibom Air, all fully paid for, describing the development as evidence of consistency and long-term commitment to the airline.
According to him, the state is not only expanding Ibom Air’s fleet but also developing the wider aviation ecosystem, including an aviation village for airline workers and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.
Governor Eno said the completion and full operation of the facilities would significantly expand employment opportunities and increase the contribution of the aviation sector to the state’s economy.
He explained that the administration’s objective was to build an integrated aviation ecosystem capable of generating sustainable economic activities beyond the operation of the airline itself.
The Governor also used the occasion to call on Akwa Ibomites to reject narratives capable of creating ethnic or political divisions in the state.
He said his administration had strengthened the “Akwa Ibom United” philosophy by ensuring that appointments, projects and opportunities were distributed across the 31 local government areas without discrimination.
Governor Eno stressed that the diversity reflected in his administration, including the Deputy Governor from Oron and the Chief Delivery Advisor from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, demonstrated his commitment to inclusiveness.
He urged political, community and opinion leaders to discourage divisive narratives, warning that fragmentation could undermine the collective efforts required to sustain the state’s development.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to peace, unity and development, saying Akwa Ibom’s progress could only be sustained through collective effort.
He said the message of his administration remained one of peace and goodwill, in line with the theme of the state’s 2026 Christmas Carol, “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men.”
