Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recalled his professional experience in Akwa Ibom State, where he previously worked as an auditor with Mobil in Eket, highlighting his longstanding personal connection to the oil-producing state.
The President’s recollection has renewed attention on his historical relationship with Akwa Ibom as he visits Uyo on Friday, November 6, 2026, for the inauguration of infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration and participation in an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally.
Tinubu’s visit is part of a two-state engagement covering Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, with the President scheduled to travel to Port Harcourt on Saturday for another APC rally.
Tinubu’s Previous Experience in Akwa Ibom
Tinubu’s connection to Akwa Ibom predates his emergence as Nigeria’s President.
In March 2025, during a ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, he recalled living in Eket while working as an auditor with Mobil.
The occasion was the presentation of the traditional title of Otuekong, meaning Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom, by the Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers.
The delegation was led by Governor Umo Eno and included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, religious leaders, lawmakers, former ministers and other prominent representatives of the state.
During the ceremony, Tinubu acknowledged his historical connection to the state and described himself as someone with personal ties to its people.
He also commended Akwa Ibom’s development and praised Governor Eno’s leadership, particularly his approach to governance and cooperation.
The President’s recollection of his time in Eket provided a personal dimension to the relationship between the Nigerian leader and the state.
Projects Scheduled for Commissioning in Akwa Ibom
According to an announcement by the Presidency, Tinubu’s November 6 visit includes the inauguration of several infrastructure projects completed under Governor Eno’s administration.
Among the projects are the new International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport, the International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village.
The President is also scheduled to inaugurate the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas.
Another major project is Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.
Other facilities listed for inauguration include the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.
The projects cover different areas of infrastructure development, including transportation, aviation, healthcare, technology and tourism.
Their inauguration is expected to provide an opportunity for the state government to showcase its development priorities and infrastructure investments.
Political Significance of the Presidential Visit
Beyond the infrastructure inaugurations, Tinubu’s visit also carries political significance as political activities gradually intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The President is expected to participate in an APC rally in Uyo as part of the party’s mobilisation efforts.
The visit follows his appearance at a political rally in Kaduna last month, which marked an important stage in his participation in activities connected to his re-election campaign.
Governor Eno had earlier declared Friday, November 6, a work-free day to enable residents, particularly civil servants, to participate in welcoming the President.
The governor also encouraged residents to demonstrate the state’s hospitality during the presidential visit.
However, the combination of official project inaugurations and party mobilisation highlights the intersection of governance and electoral politics as the 2027 elections approach.
Akwa Ibom’s Development Priorities
Akwa Ibom remains an important state in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, with economic interests spanning the oil and gas industry, agriculture, aviation, maritime development and tourism.
The state’s infrastructure priorities include improving transportation networks, strengthening its aviation facilities and developing its potential as an investment and tourism destination.
The proposed Ibom Deep Sea Port is also among the major infrastructure interests previously discussed by the state government in engagements with the Federal Government.
During the March 2025 meeting at which Tinubu received the Otuekong title, Governor Eno highlighted the state’s interest in federal collaboration on the deep-sea port and other development projects.
The President’s current visit therefore provides another opportunity for engagement between the Federal Government and the Akwa Ibom administration on infrastructure and economic development.
What Happens Next?
Following his engagements in Akwa Ibom, Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, to participate in an APC political rally.
The two-state visit is expected to bring the President into contact with political stakeholders, government officials, party members and supporters in the South-South region.
For Akwa Ibom, attention will also turn to the operational impact of the newly inaugurated infrastructure and the extent to which the projects contribute to economic opportunities, public services and improved connectivity.
Tinubu’s recollection of his years working in Eket as a Mobil auditor adds a personal historical dimension to the visit, while the infrastructure inaugurations and political engagements place the state at the centre of important national developments.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
- The State House, Abuja – Presidential announcement on Tinubu’s visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers, November 5, 2026.
- Punch Newspapers – Report on Tinubu’s arrival in Akwa Ibom, November 6, 2026.
- Premium Times – Presidential two-state visit announcement, November 5, 2026.
- Channels Television – Report on Governor Eno’s work-free-day declaration, November 5, 2026.
- PM News – Report on Tinubu receiving the Otuekong traditional title and recalling his Mobil experience in Eket, March 1, 2025.
