Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has fixed December 2026 for the commissioning of the Oron maritime project, which is expected to improve water transportation, ease the movement of goods and create business opportunities along the Oron-Calabar coastal route.
Eno announced the timeline on Saturday, during the monthly Government House prayer service at the Latter House Chapel, Uyo, where he also disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would begin its 2027 election campaign in the state with a prayer session on November 1.
The governor said the Oron project was designed to expand commercial activities in the coastal area, attract private investment and create employment through improved use of the state’s marine resources.
He explained that the development went beyond the construction of a ferry terminal, with facilities planned to support passenger transportation, cargo handling, fisheries, fish processing, hospitality and tourism.
The facilities include a ferry terminal building, passenger and cargo jetties, hotel, cold room, warehouse, floating bar, Joint Task Force jetty, workshop, car park and recreational unit.
Eno disclosed that two newly built ferries measuring 24 metres and 18 metres had been acquired, while four vessels were expected to operate on the Oron-Calabar route when the fleet was complete.
He said the ferry service would make it easier for people and businesses to move between the two coastal locations, with the vessels to be named after former first ladies of Akwa Ibom State in recognition of their contributions to the state’s development.
The governor added that the maritime infrastructure was expected to support fishing and fish-processing businesses, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen maritime security and encourage investment in coastal tourism.
He said the project aligned with his administration’s economic diversification drive under the ARISE Agenda, with the potential to open up more opportunities for residents and businesses in Oron and neighbouring communities.
Eno also highlighted other road projects in the area, including the completed Nsit Atai-Okobo-Oron Road and the ongoing rehabilitation of the 13.5-kilometre Okopedi-Uya Oro Road.
On the 2027 general elections, the governor announced that the Akwa Ibom APC Campaign Council would commence its campaign activities with a prayer session on Sunday, November 1, at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo.
He urged party members, stakeholders and other participants to attend the event, saying the campaign would be committed to God’s guidance and success.
Earlier, the General Overseer of Precious Faith International Church, Rev. Emmanuel Iniama, urged Christians to remain confident in God’s presence despite life’s challenges.
Speaking on the theme, “For God Is With Us,” drawn from Isaiah 8:9-10, Iniama said faith in God should inspire believers to trust Him through difficult circumstances and remain committed to living according to Christian principles.
He urged Christians to focus on deepening their relationship with God, showing love and compassion, forgiving others and praying consistently, rather than being preoccupied with their enemies.
The scripture reading was taken by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki.
The service was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; captains of industry; clergy; government officials and Christians from across the state.
