I returned from the maiden international flight from Accra to Uyo with a deep sense of joy at what we have achieved with the Victor Attah International Airport.
This will open up more opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment, and make it easier for us to connect with other countries within the sub-region. It also puts Uyo in a strong position to host more conferences and business activities.
To give this sector greater focus, I have directed the creation of a standalone Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, and have appointed Engr. Uwem Ekanem to oversee the ministry pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner. @ibomairlines will also receive a new Airbus A220 in June as we continue to expand our fleet and strengthen our aviation capacity.
I appreciate His Excellency, @officialABAT President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Aviation, @fkeyamo Festus Keyamo, SAN, for their support. I also acknowledge past leaders who laid the foundation for this achievement.
We will continue to build on this progress and ensure it brings real value to our people.
🛑SPECIAL ISSUE ON THE INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT🛑
👇👇👇👇👇
FROM UYO: FOR THE FIRST TIME
By: Richard Okon
Akwa Ibom State has once again etched its name in history with the successful maiden international flight from the brand-new smart neo- terminal building at the Victor Attah International Airport, VAIA, Uyo, after its certification to handle international operations by Nigeria's aviation authorities, to the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, on May 2, 2026.
This landmark event goes far beyond the symbolism of a maiden flight. It represents the practical realization of a bold aviation vision, one that has transformed aspiration into reality and infrastructure into economic opportunity. For Akwa Ibom, this is not just a takeoff; it is a declaration of readiness to engage the world on its own terms.
This significant achievement is profound in many ways;
First, it establishes Akwa Ibom as a strategic player in regional aviation connectivity. A direct Uyo - Accra route, just like many other routes that will follow, will open a vital corridor between Nigeria and some of Africa’s most dynamic economies, as well as the rest of the world, unlocking new opportunities for trade, tourism, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. This connection will reduce travel barriers, enhance mobility, and strengthen economic integration across the subregion, and the globe at large.
Secondly, it signals the coming of age of Ibom Air as a regional aviation force. In less than six years, the airline has evolved from a bold state initiative into one of Nigeria’s most respected carriers, known for safety, punctuality, and service excellence. With this inaugural international operation from her own base airport, Ibom Air has demonstrated capacity, credibility, and ambition, proving that a government-owned airline can compete effectively beyond domestic borders.
Thirdly, the use of the newly completed smart neo- terminal building underscores the deliberate alignment between infrastructure investment and economic outcomes. Designed with cutting-edge technology, automated systems, and passenger-centric features, the terminal is not just a https://t.co/QHHbMeYeri is a gateway engineered for efficiency, comfort, and global standards. It positions Akwa Ibom to handle increased passenger traffic and international operations with ease.
During the inaugural flight, the Minister of Aviation & Aerospace Development, Festus Kayamo, SAN, had this to say; “What you have at Victor Attah International Airport is not just a terminal building, it is a transit hub. Nothing like it exists at any sub-national level anywhere in the country. This is not the best, it is the only one of its kind. There is no basis for comparison because there is no other.”
This milestone did not happen by chance. Under the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom has pursued a deliberate and integrated aviation strategy, building on the solid foundation laid by previous administrations.
Today, the VAIA stands as one of the most advanced aviation ecosystems in West Africa, featuring:
🔥A world-class Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility
🔥A cargo and logistics terminal designed to boost exports
🔥A Category II runway supporting both passenger and cargo aircraft
🔥An Aviation Village with training institutions and residential facilities
🔥A modern Airport Clinic meeting international safety standards
🔥A VIP Hangar for executive and private aviation
🔥A multi-lane expressway linking the airport seamlessly to Uyo
🔥And now, a fully operational smart terminal serving as the hub of international travel
These investments are no longer projections, they are now actively enabling real economic activity, as demonstrated by today’s inaugural flight.
This international flight action marks the beginning of a new economic chapter for Akwa Ibom State.
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Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno, leads other passengers, including Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo on the maiden flight from the Smart Terminal Building of the Victor Attah Int’l Airport
@_PastorUmoEno Every naira invested in agricultural mechanisation yields returns in reduced food import dependency, increased household income, and stronger rural economies. This is sound governance.
Yesterday, I commissioned the Agricultural Equipment Leasing Facility at Ekpri Nsukara, Uyo, as part of the Agricultural Revolution component of our ARISE Agenda.
The facility will help farmers move from subsistence farming to mechanised agriculture, making food production easier, faster, and more profitable. Leasing of the equipment will be subsidized by 50 percent to support our farmers.
I commend the young professionals who delivered this project with excellence and dedication, and I encourage farmers, cooperatives, and local government councils to make full use of it.
Our goal is to increase food production, create wealth, and make food more available and affordable for our people.
Every naira invested in agricultural mechanisation yields returns in reduced food import dependency, increased household income, and stronger rural economies. This is sound governance.
Ibeno Thrills Crowd with Dazzling Performances at Christmas Unplugged
The vibrant people of Ibeno Local Government, led by the Executive Chairman, Mrs. Glory Ekanem Effiong, lit up the Village Square on Monday, December 8, 2025, as they took centre stage at the ongoing Christmas
GOV ENO BANS MASQUERADES, ORDERS CONTRACTORS TO RETURN TO SITES, ORDERS AG TO PAY 13TH MONTH (ENO-MBER) SALARY DECEMBER 20
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has banned masquerades from parading the streets of the State and terrorizing the citizenry
International Students’ Day offers a global platform to reflect on the rights, welfare, and development of learners. In Akwa Ibom State, this observance coincides with ongoing discussions about educational advancement under the administration of Governor Umo Bassey Eno.
AKWA IBOM REPS WIN SENATE PRESIDENT’S FEMALE U-18 FOOTBALL TROPHY
…ESSIEN UDIM STARS LOSE IN MALE CATEGORY
Akwa Ibom State has recorded another first far away in the federal capital territory.
IT'S MY BIRTHDAY 🎉
I'm grateful to God for life and the journey so far, I celebrate the person I am, acknowledge how far I've come, and look forward with excitement to the adventures, blessings, and wisdom that this new chapter will bring.
Happy birthday to me.
@NELFUND Good morning @NELFUND I’m a student of University of Uyo, my academic session is still ongoing, but the last credit I received was in July. What happen to August payment?. Kindly look into this as your quick response will be appreciated, thank you.