Idara Jerome – Uyo
Twenty of the 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses ordered by the Akwa Ibom State Government from Turkey have arrived in Lagos, with work nearing completion on the supporting terminals and maintenance facilities ahead of their deployment, Governor Umo Eno has disclosed.
Speaking at a dinner in honour of a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Uyo, the governor said the CNG-powered buses form part of efforts to modernise public transportation and create alternatives to oil-driven economic growth.
“Twenty out of the 50 CNG buses ordered from Turkey have arrived in Lagos and will soon arrive the State, while construction at the terminal and work station are ongoing,” Eno said.
The governor also announced that the state would on Tuesday unveil its quaternary Ibom International Hospital with 24 specialist departments, describing the projects as part of a broader strategy to strengthen healthcare, transportation and other critical sectors.
“We believe we are powering from all directions. We have built model health centres with accommodation for health personnel, model schools with staff quarters and 468 compassionate homes with a target of 500,” he said.
According to him, the state government is deliberately creating alternatives to oil through investments that would deliver long-term economic value to residents.
“What we are doing is to create alternatives to oil and in a few years’ time, they will make more meaning to our people,” he added.
The governor further disclosed that Ibom Air would commence twice-weekly international flights to Ghana from June 28 and said discussions were ongoing with Ethiopian Airlines to begin direct flights to Addis Ababa.
He said he would travel to Canada in July to receive another Airbus A220 aircraft to support the airline’s regional operations.
On the Ibom Deep Seaport project, Eno revealed that investors who had earlier withdrawn interest had returned to the negotiation table and appealed for support to ensure the project was not undermined by politics.
“I strongly appeal that the politics of location should not be allowed to jeopardise the project,” he said.
The governor also reaffirmed Akwa Ibom’s support for President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, attributing improved funding to support from the Federal Government.
Members of the RMAFC delegation commended the state for its infrastructure and prudent use of resources, describing Akwa Ibom as one of the country’s most compelling development stories.