March 08, (THEWILL) — Women across Akwa Ibom State have publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, even as the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, renewed calls for federal support for the Ibom Deep Seaport project, insisting the President has not forgotten his promise to help realise the strategic economic facility.
The endorsement came during the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where thousands of women from the 31 local government areas of the state gathered to mark the global event.
Governor Eno said the Federal Government under President Tinubu remains committed to projects that will boost the economic fortunes of Akwa Ibom and the Niger Delta region, particularly the Ibom Deep Seaport and the ongoing Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway.
The governor expressed confidence that the President would fulfil his promise to support the deep seaport project, describing it as a major economic gateway capable of transforming the state’s maritime and industrial landscape.
According to him, the coastal highway, which passes through Akwa Ibom, would significantly reduce travel time between the South-South and Lagos while opening new economic opportunities for the region.
The wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, who was the Special Guest at the event, commended the massive turnout of women and assured them that the Federal Government was committed to strengthening the economy while improving the welfare of Nigerian women and families.
Mrs Tinubu also commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, one of three centres planned by the Akwa Ibom State Government to provide support and care for elderly citizens.
Governor Eno said the state government would send a bill to the House of Assembly to institutionalise programmes for the elderly, aligning with similar efforts being considered at the national level.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio described the massive turnout as evidence of the strong political voice of women in Akwa Ibom, noting that the gathering reflected their readiness to support President Tinubu’s leadership.
Akpabio also commended Governor Eno’s leadership style, saying the people of the state were united under his administration.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, alongside women leaders across the state, led a proclamation formally endorsing President Tinubu for a second term, citing ongoing national reforms and projects.
Speakers at the event, including the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, highlighted federal initiatives to empower women and promote their participation in politics and economic development.
The celebration also featured cultural performances, drama presentations reflecting the historic Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, and goodwill messages from women’s groups and political stakeholders across the state.
