Akpabio: “I See Myself in Eno” as Ibom Air Gets New Airbus

: Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, saying he sees aspects of himself in the governor’s leadership style.

Akpabio spoke at the Victor Attah International Airport during a ceremony to welcome a new Airbus A220-300 into the Ibom Air fleet, describing Eno as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and West Africa.”

A Leader’s Recognition

ValidViewNetwork gathered that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, saying he sees aspects of himself in the governor’s leadership style.

Akpabio spoke on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, during a reception and water-cannon ceremony to formally welcome a new Airbus A220-300 into the fleet of Ibom Air, a state-government-owned airline.

“As a former governor of this state, I am seeing Governor Umo Eno in me, and I am also seeing myself in Governor Umo Eno,” Akpabio said.

Transformational Leadership

Performing the ceremonial cutting of the tape to mark the arrival of the aircraft, the Senate President commended Eno for what he described as transformational leadership, particularly the expansion of the airport and the acquisition of the new aircraft.

Akpabio described Eno as “a gift to Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and West Africa” .

Investing in Human Capital

Akpabio also praised the state government for investing in human capital within the aviation sector, commending Eno for training Akwa Ibom indigenes in various aviation institutions.

“I strongly commend the governor for training Akwa Ibom indigenes in various aviation institutions. I want to assure you of my continued partnership in promoting the growth and development of the state,” he added.

A Milestone for Akwa Ibom

The new aircraft, according to Governor Eno, represents another significant milestone in the development of Ibom Air and the state’s aviation industry.

“This event marks the commencement of activities for the commissioning of 39 projects across the state in commemoration of Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary. It is a major milestone that will further strengthen Ibom Air’s fleet, aimed at positioning it for regional connectivity among Nigerian airlines,” Eno said.

The arrival of the Airbus formed part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

Akpabio’s recognition of Eno’s leadership is a reminder that true leadership is about continuity and impact.

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Eno has built on the foundations laid by his predecessors, including Akpabio, to transform Akwa Ibom’s aviation sector.

The same politicians who tear down the work of their predecessors will never allow their own children to inherit a legacy of destruction.

Build, don’t destroy. Learn from those who came before you. And never forget that your legacy will be measured by what you leave behind.