As Akwa Ibom State celebrates its 36th anniversary of its creation, the State Governor, Umo Eno says it is the only State in Nigeria with a thriving commercial airline, thus a tourism hub and destination of choice for investors.

In a speech to monumentalize the 36th anniversary the creation of the State on Saturday, September 23, 2023 in Uyo, Eno reeled out the several landmark achievements by successive administrations in the State ranging from infrastructural to social impact.

“Our state is the only sub-national with a thriving commercial airline, Ibom Air, that has become the nation’s most preferred airline, thus cementing our position as both a tourism magnet and a destination for investors.”

The celebration, which began on Thursday, September 21, 2023, with the kickoff of the Governor’s Cup Tournament at the Uyo Township Stadium, featured different activities aimed at making the anniversary worthwhile.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to God for the creation and sustenance of the state since its creation.

“It was exactly 36 years ago that God hearkened to the prayers of our forebears with the creation of this great Land of Promise that was fittingly named after him. It has been a story of God’s awesome grace, of stupendous lifting up when there was a casting down.”

He articulated the achievements of the state so far such as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Ibom Air, extraordinary road networks, two record-breaking attempts by John Obot and Hilda Baci, both indigenes of Akwa Ibom and overall serenity that has made the state a hotspot for tourists and business investments.

“Today, the state that, upon her creation, thirty-six years ago was a dusty rural backwater, where the roads were narrow and at most looked like bush tracks, now enjoys the enviable position of being the sub national with possibly the best road network in the station.”

“Our state is the only sub-national with a thriving commercial airline, Ibom Air, that has become the nation’s most preferred airline, thus cementing our position as both a tourism magnet and a destination for investors.”

Umo Eno paid his respects to Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, under whose administration the Akwa Ibom, as well as other States were created, thanking him for the gift of the State, stating that God used him to raise the blessed land called Akwa Ibom.

He also appreciated former governors of the State for the good jobs they did to ensure the success of the State over the years and for laying a secure foundation to ensure his success in office.

“Thank you, Sir, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida for this gift and on behalf of the ever grateful people of Akwa Ibom State, we wish you continuous good health and God’s continued blessings.”

“Let me also thank the former Governors of the state…who laid the foundation for the growth and development that we are currently experiencing.”

The Governor assured the people of Akwa Ibom State of continued growth during his tenure and implored them to cooperate with the government to ensure growth and development in the coming years.