Oron Maritime Project: Eno Promises Jobs, Trade Opportunities as Commissioning Nears
… announces November 1 prayer session to kick-start APC campaign in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project will be commissioned in December 2026, describing it as a major step towards boosting coastal transportation, trade, tourism and economic development in the state.
The governor disclosed this on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during the October edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo.
Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the Oron maritime and coastal environment into a vibrant hub for water transportation, commerce, trade and tourism.
He explained that the project goes beyond the construction of a ferry terminal, as it incorporates high-quality jetties and facilities designed to provide world-class maritime services.
According to the governor, the initiative is aimed at repositioning Oron as a commercial centre capable of attracting private-sector investment, creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable livelihoods through the productive use of the state’s marine resources.
He said the project had been designed to facilitate passenger and cargo transportation, support fisheries and fish-processing activities, reduce post-harvest losses, promote hospitality and coastal tourism, strengthen maritime security and encourage private investment.
Eno added that the maritime infrastructure would position Oron as a major gateway for coastal commerce, expand economic opportunities for local communities and advance the state’s economic diversification objectives under the ARISE Agenda.
The facilities expected at the project site include a ferry terminal building, passenger jetty, cargo jetty, hotel, cold room, warehouse, floating bar, Joint Task Force jetty, workshop, car park and recreational unit, among others.
The governor also disclosed that his administration had acquired two newly built ferries measuring 24 metres and 18 metres in length, respectively.
He said four ferries were expected to operate along the Oron-Calabar route to ease the movement of people and goods across the coastal corridor.
“We have acquired two newly built ferries of 24 metres and 18 metres long. We expect four of them in all to operate along the Oron-Calabar route to provide easy movement of people and goods across the coastal corridor,” he said.
Eno further revealed that the ferries would be named after former first ladies of Akwa Ibom State in recognition of their contributions to the development and growth of the state.
Highlighting other development projects around the Oron axis, the governor cited the completed Nsit Atai-Okobo-Oron Road project and the ongoing rehabilitation of the 13.5-kilometre Okopedi-Uya Oro Road.
He said his administration remained committed to delivering more impactful development across the state through the ARISE Agenda, urging residents to remain calm, prayerful and supportive of the government.
Eno Announces November 1 Campaign Prayer
On the 2027 general elections, the governor announced that the Akwa Ibom State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council would commence its campaign activities with a prayer session on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The event is scheduled to hold at the state’s International Christian Worship Centre in Uyo.
Eno urged residents, party members and other stakeholders to participate in the programme, describing it as an opportunity to commit the party’s campaign activities to God for guidance and success.
He also expressed appreciation to Christian leaders and other attendees for their participation in the monthly prayer service and their assurances of support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Cleric Urges Christians to Trust in God
Earlier, the General Overseer of Precious Faith International Church, Rev. Emmanuel Iniama, delivered a message titled “For God Is With Us,” drawn from Isaiah 8:9-10.
Iniama urged Christians to remain confident in God’s presence, assuring them that the challenges confronting them would not ultimately prevail if they remained steadfast in their faith.
He identified the benefits of God’s presence as victory over battles, divine protection, lasting favour, help from unexpected sources, and sustained success and progress.
The cleric advised believers to focus more on knowing God than on identifying their enemies, stressing that a deeper relationship with God would enable them to experience His glory and power.
He also encouraged Christians to live in ways that please God by avoiding idolatry, distancing themselves from those who oppose God and His people, showing love and compassion, practising forgiveness and maintaining a consistent prayer life.
The monthly prayer service featured scripture reading by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; captains of industry; clergy; government officials; and Christians from across Akwa Ibom State.
