President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a strong case for aggressive oil palm plantation development in Akwa Ibom State, identifying the commodity as a major economic asset capable of creating jobs, developing skills and driving sustainable prosperity.
Tinubu said the state must harness the economic potential of its palm trees through large-scale production and value addition, stressing that development must create lasting economic opportunities for the people.
“We are going to plant a lot of economic trees. There’s no reason why Akwa Ibom cannot use the value of palm trees and the palms here,” the President said during his one-day working visit to the state on Friday.
He called for the development of enduring skills that would enable the people to maximise the benefits of agriculture and other economic opportunities.
“There is no reason that we cannot create skills, developmental skills that are enduring, that are everlasting,” Tinubu said.
The President, who also approved the Ibom Deep Sea Port project during the visit, said economic development must be inclusive and create tangible value for the people.
“Development must be even, inclusive and reasonable, must bring progress and create economic value,” he said.
Tinubu promised that his administration would continue to support development initiatives capable of improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly young people.
“I promise you a better future, I promise you development, I promise you education, I promise you skill development, I promise you jobs,” he said.
The President commended Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for what he described as his commitment to the development of the state, particularly in infrastructure and governance.
Tinubu recalled his professional experience with Mobil Oil in Eket and Ibeno, saying he was familiar with the state’s challenges and development potential.
He also urged young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as instruments for shaping the country’s political future.
“To you the youth, do you have PVC? Show me your hand if you have PVC. That is the weapon you need to defeat tyranny, to defeat those deceiving,” he said.
Earlier, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno had appealed to the President to approve the Ibom Deep Sea Port, describing it as a strategic national investment capable of transforming Akwa Ibom, the South-South region and the Nigerian economy.
The governor said the proposed port, with a 19-metre draught and no requirement for dredging, would strengthen Nigeria’s maritime capacity, facilitate international trade, attract direct investment and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Eno described the project as a legacy that would benefit generations of Akwa Ibom people.
“Mr President, this will be the crown and glory of the work that you will do for us. You will liberate our people forever. You’ll give jobs to our people, and generations yet unborn will not forget you,” he said.
Tinubu approved the project, declaring: “On behalf of the people and leadership of Akwa Ibom, request approved. Ibom Deep Seaport is approved.”
The governor also pledged the state’s support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, promising to deliver two million votes.
The President’s one-day working visit also featured the commissioning of major infrastructure projects executed by the Eno administration, including the International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport, the International Airport Hospital, Ibom Aviation Village, Airport-Okopedi Road, Ring Road 3, AKWA-GIS Office Complex, Command and Control Centre, and ARISE Palm Resort.
The projects span aviation, transportation, security, land administration and tourism, reflecting the state government’s infrastructure development drive.
