By Aniebiet Francis
On Monday, I was driving back from the Victor Attah International Airport with my good friend, Folasade , who flew in from Lagos State to assist my cousin, the manager of Amazing Pot with the grand opening of Amazing Pot’s new spot. She had decided to extend her stay and use her visit to enjoy the famed hospitality of Akwa Ibom. I couldn’t have been happier to show her around.
As we drove back from the groundbreaking ceremony of the Aviation Village, Sade couldn’t stop talking about how impressed she was. “Annie, I’ve got to say it… this Governor of yours is not a regular Nigerian politician! What I heard today about the Aviation Village, Babe, it’s like Akwa Ibom is on a completely different wavelength.”
Her words made me laugh, and I felt a sense of pride. That’s when I unconsciously voiced this headline: “Sade, since our Governor came into office, it’s been one week, pleasant surprises. Every time I think things couldn’t get any better, especially with the challenges we face in the country, something new and visionary pops up in Akwa Ibom.”
On Monday, November 18, 2024, history was made at the Victor Attah International Airport when Governor Umo Eno performed the foundation-laying ceremony for the Aviation Village. Spanning 15.072 hectares, this gargantuan project is more than just residential quarters for 12 parastatals within the airport. It is a bold initiative to enhance Akwa Ibom’s aviation ecosystem and establish the state as a leading aviation hub in the Gulf of Guinea.
In the exact words of the visionary Governor Umo Eno at the event, “The Aviation Village is a project that speaks to our passionate dedication to expanding the aviation ecosystem. It will provide residential quarters for workers in the first phase and drive our vision of becoming the nation’s major aviation hub.”
It is trite to note that the first phase of the massive project includes 62 two-bedroom flats, 55 three-bedroom flats, a primary school, and other vital amenities. By bringing workers closer to their workplaces, the project will boost productivity and create a more efficient operational environment for at least 12 agencies including, NCAA, FAAN, NiMet, NDLEA, NIS, NCS, NEMA, the Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, Ibom Air, MRO staff and several others.
More importantly, this project promises to open doors to countless job opportunities for Akwa Ibomites. From the construction phase, which will engage skilled and unskilled workers, to the ripple effects on small businesses and service providers, the Aviation Village is more than just a residential hub, indeed, it’s a catalyst for economic growth. Once fully operational, the Village is expected to draw in new businesses, boost local enterprises, and strengthen economy of the state in remarkable ways.
However, in other climes, a project of this scale might take a decade to complete. But our can-do Governor, with his proactive and result-driven mindset, has pledged to deliver it within 12 months. By engaging multiple contractors to work simultaneously, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to efficiency and quality. This approach has further divulged his focus on getting things done without unnecessary delays, while ensuring that impactful projects are delivered on time.
That’s not all. Governor Eno has also outlined plans for development projects, such as an Elderly People’s Home and a Medical Village aimed at elevating the Ibom Specialist Hospital to international standards. These insightful initiatives reflect his unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Akwa Ibomites.
The renowned leadership expert, Simon Sinek, must have had leaders like our dear Governor in mind when he said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge and meeting their needs before they even realize them.” Governor Umo Eno has exemplified this philosophy through the ARISE agenda, which has birthed trailblazing projects that seamlessly combine immediate benefits with lasting economic growth for Akwa Ibom.
Without any doubt, Akwa Ibom is currently in a season of pleasant surprises under the leadership of our Christ-centric leader. However, this progress is not a one-man effort; as citizens and residents, we all have a role in sustaining the extraordinary growth that is taking place around us. To ensure the continued success of the ARISE agenda, it is crucial that we lend our full support to our Governor. Every initiative, every project, and every promise delivered so far has shown Governor Umo Eno’s unwavering commitment to turning our collective aspirations into reality. Therefore, with unity, dedication, and undiluted support, I am confident that the best is yet to come, beyond 2027.
Aniebiet Francis is a Nollywood actor, producer, and Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Umo Eno.
