By Solomon Essiet
Words matter. They shape perception, set expectations, and sometimes foretell outcomes. That is why many initially dismissed Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, when he described himself as a man blessed with a finisher’s anointing. To some, the words sounded lofty, perhaps even uncanny. But time, as always, has offered its own verdict.
Today, under our collective watch, Governor Umo Eno is steadily completing abandoned projects across Akwa Ibom State, working methodically from a clearly articulated state development plan, while strengthening and expanding existing infrastructure. In an environment where political succession often breeds hostility, where new leaders abandon inherited projects in favour of starting afresh, Governor Eno has chosen a different and dignified path.
He not only continued projects inherited from his immediate predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, but also revived and advanced legacy projects initiated by leaders he fondly describes as his political “fathers” and “grandfathers.” These include landmark initiatives of His Excellency Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, such as the 5,000-capacity Convention Centre, the 200-room Ibom International Hotel, and strategic road projects like Use Ikot Amama, among others.
Beyond this, Governor Eno has demonstrated rare institutional memory by sustaining infrastructure conceived over 25 years ago, including the Victor Attah International Airport, originally designed and delivered under Arc. Obong Victor Attah, who governed the state between 1999 and 2007. Consistency defines his leadership style. He builds, maintains, and improves.
Remarkably, while revisiting and completing long-abandoned projects, Governor Eno has also initiated over 65 new projects across the state, alongside several empowerment programmes, without borrowing a single naira from any bank. Instead, he took the bold step of settling inherited bank loans estimated at about ₦35 billion, shielding the state from rising interest burdens and effectively freeing Akwa Ibom State from bank debt.
What manner of leader does this? One who understands prudence, discipline, and long-term planning.
This same approach is evident in the aviation sector. In a decisive move to reposition the Victor Attah International Airport for night operations and global relevance, Governor Eno approved and released ₦1.194 billion for the comprehensive overhaul of key airport facilities. He issued an eight-week deadline, firmly warning that failure to meet the target would attract sanctions. The deadline was met, and the airport has been repositioned.
According to a press release by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the funds, alongside earlier releases, covered the replacement of navigational aids, the upgrade of airfield lighting, settlement of electricity bills, and service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA. These interventions align squarely with the Governor’s vision of positioning Akwa Ibom as a hub for tourism, commerce, and investment.
The improvements have significantly enhanced the airport’s operational capacity, particularly by enabling safe aircraft take-offs and landings during night hours. Beyond lighting and navigation, Governor Eno has ensured comprehensive upgrades within the airport ecosystem, including a new terminal building, access roads and car park, VIP shade cover, aircraft apron, taxiway, advanced security and surveillance systems, a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facility, and the Aviation Village.
These investments culminated in the elevation of the airport to full international status, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a development that signals the imminent commencement of international flights from Akwa Ibom State.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its advanced level of preparedness during an inspection visit to the Victor Attah International Airport. Accompanied by Governor Eno, the Minister assessed facilities and met with key agencies within the international airport ecosystem, including Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, Police, DSS, NEMA, and other aviation authorities.
His verdict was unequivocal. Akwa Ibom State is ahead of schedule.
The Minister specifically praised the newly completed international terminal and the MRO facility, describing them as essential components of a modern international airport capable of servicing global airlines. He lauded the state’s tradition of visionary leadership, leaders who build on foundations laid by their predecessors rather than dismantling them.
Governor Eno, in response, paid tribute to past leaders of the state, acknowledging their foresight and sacrifices. He emphasized that progress is cumulative and that no administration succeeds in isolation.
“This is not built with borrowed money,” the Governor noted. “Akwa Ibom is not owing any bank a dime today. These are state funds, made possible because statutory allocations were promptly released.”
Indeed, Governor Umo Eno’s leadership reflects the essence of stewardship, honouring the past, managing the present, and securing the future. If the finisher’s anointing is measured by outcomes rather than proclamations, then Akwa Ibom State is witnessing its manifestation.
Posterity, no doubt, will be kind to him.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
