Akwa Ibom Declares Friday Work-Free Ahead of Tinubu’s State Visit
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Amanze Williams Chinedu
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has declared Friday, November 6, 2026, a work-free day ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the state.
The governor said the decision was to enable residents, particularly civil servants, to participate in welcoming the President, who is expected to commission several infrastructure projects executed by the state government.
Eno announced the decision after inspecting some of the projects scheduled for commissioning during Tinubu’s visit. He described the presidential visit as significant, noting that it would provide an opportunity for his administration to showcase its development initiatives.
Among the projects expected to be commissioned are the International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport, the Aviation Village, Airport Hospital and ARISE Palm Resort.
Others include the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, Ring Road 3 Extension and the state's Security and Command Centre.
Speaking with Government House correspondents after the inspection, the governor expressed appreciation to Tinubu for accepting to visit Akwa Ibom, adding that the projects reflected his administration's commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.
He said the projects were designed to improve transportation, healthcare, tourism, security and other critical sectors of the state's economy.
The governor also disclosed that a political rally would form part of activities lined up for the President's visit, with supporters expected to express their support for Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid.
Eno further commended the President for providing resources to state governments, saying the financial support had contributed to his administration's ability to execute various development projects across Akwa Ibom.
According to him, the cooperation between the federal and state governments has created opportunities for the implementation of projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.
He urged residents across the state to turn out in large numbers to receive the President, stressing that the work-free day would enable civil servants, private sector workers and other residents to participate in the reception.
The governor said the state was prepared to demonstrate its hospitality and appreciation for the President's visit.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, and the distinguished Senate President, our leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, we urge all Akwa Ibomites to come out en masse to give the President an overwhelming reception,” Eno said.
The November 6 visit is expected to feature the commissioning of projects spread across different parts of the state, particularly in the aviation, tourism, road infrastructure, healthcare and security sectors.
The International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport is among the major facilities scheduled for inauguration. The airport development is part of the state government's efforts to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity.
The proposed commissioning of the ARISE Palm Resort is also expected to draw attention to the administration's investment in tourism and hospitality, while the road projects are intended to improve transportation and connectivity within the state.
The governor's declaration means that government offices and public institutions covered by the directive will observe the work-free day, although essential services are expected to remain operational.
The state government is expected to release further details regarding the President's itinerary and other arrangements for the visit.
