…Advocates Sustained Teamwork to Actualize Ibom Deep Seaport, Calabar Port for Abasi Nation’s Economic Growth
By Destiny Isong
The Abasi People Foundation (APF), a non-partisan, non-religious, and all-inclusive organization promoting unity among the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekoi peoples, has applauded the sustained policy continuity demonstrated by successive administrations in Akwa Ibom State. The organization particularly commended the visionary leadership of Obong Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, and Governor Umo Eno, whose collective commitment to infrastructural and economic development has culminated in the historic launch of Ibom Air’s inaugural international flight from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to Accra, Ghana.
The commencement of international flight operations on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, and the return flight on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from Accra to Uyo, according to APF, was a defining moment in the state’s aviation and economic advancement. The development underscores the growing capacity and global relevance of Ibom Air, further positioning the state as a strategic gateway for tourism, trade, investment, and regional connectivity within West Africa. It also reflects the outcome of consistent leadership commitment to long-term, people-oriented development.
This was contained in a release signed by the CEO and Chairman of the Abasi People Foundation, Victor Udo, PhD, FNSE, in which he emphasized that the achievement is not just a milestone for Ibom Air, but a symbol of Akwa Ibom’s unwavering progress and ambition. He noted that the success is a direct result of collaborative leadership and sustained commitment to infrastructure, economic growth, and regional connectivity. The Abasi People Foundation reiterated its commitment to promoting visionary policies and initiatives that will drive sustainable development and further integrate Akwa Ibom and Abasi Nation into the global economy.
The organization further urged sustained collaboration among stakeholders within Abasi Nation to translate current developmental gains into enduring strategic outcomes, particularly through the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport and, by extension, the Calabar Port. It maintained that these projects remain critical to strengthening economic expansion, improving maritime capacity, and enhancing trade opportunities across the state and the wider sub-region, while reinforcing the importance of unity of purpose among leaders in driving shared prosperity.
“Now that we have an International Airport and an International Stadium in Akwa Ibom, there is a need for unity and sustained collaboration among our leaders for the actualization of the Ibom Deep Seaport and, by extension, the Calabar Port, for the benefit of Abasi Nation comprising the Ibibio, Annang, Efik, Oro, Ekid, Obolo, and Ekoi tribes, as a strategic step toward unlocking economic growth, regional integration, and shared prosperity”- Victor Udo stated.
It emphasized that Ibom Air’s successful debut on international routes demonstrates the decisive impact of leadership continuity, strategic planning, and collective commitment to Akwa Ibom’s progress. It further noted that the milestone should serve as a rallying point for stronger collaboration among leaders and stakeholders across Abasi Nation in advancing shared development objectives.
The statement called on leaders and stakeholders to unite purposefully in advancing equitable and sustainable development across key sectors in the region. It underscored that sustained collaboration, shared responsibility, and continuity of vision remain essential in consolidating existing gains, deepening development outcomes, and ensuring inclusive progress across Abasi Nation at large.
