Akwa Ibom State has acquired two newly-built ferries to boost water transportation between Oron, a maritime hub and Calabar in Cross River State.
The ferries are seen as part of efforts to transform the Oron maritime and coastal environment into a vibrant water transportation, trade, commerce and tourism centre.
Governor Umo Eno, who made this known in Uyo, the State capital, noted that the maritime infrastructure being constructed by the state government is beyond just erecting a ferry terminal building, but incorporates high quality jetties with plans for world-class services.
“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.
“The Oron maritime infrastructure is aimed at repositioning Oron as a commercial zone to stimulate private-sector investment, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable livelihoods through productive utilization of the State’s marine resources.”
He disclosed that the project was well coordinated to facilitate passenger and cargo transportation, support fisheries and fish-processing activities, reduce post-harvest losses, promote hospitality and coastal tourism as well as strengthen maritime security and boost private investment.
The governor also noted that the maritime project has the potential of establishing Oron as a major gateway for coastal commerce that will expand economic opportunities for local communities and greatly advance the State’s economic diversification objectives under the ARISE Agenda.
He outlined most of the facilities expected from the project as including ferry terminal building, passenger jetty, cargo jetty, hotel, cold room, warehouse, floating bar, Joint Task Force jetty, workshop, car park, recreational unit, among others.
The governor disclosed that the ferries would be named after former First Ladies of the State to commemorate and show appreciation for their contributions to the development and growth of the State.
He also used the opportunity to highlight other development efforts of government within the Oron axis including the completed Nsit Atai – Okobo – Oron Road project, the ongoing rehabilitation of 13.5km Okopedi – Uya Oro Road, and others.
The governor noted that his administration, through the ARISE Agenda, had envisioned more impactful transformation for the State, and urged the citizenry to remain calm, prayerful and supportive.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, the governor announced that the State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council would flag off the Party’s campaign in the State with a prayer session on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the State’s International Christian Worship Centre in Uyo.
He urged the citizenry and stakeholders to endeavour to be part of the occasion to handover the campaign activities of the Party in the State to God for guidance and success.
Governor Eno lauded Christian fathers and everyone for turning up for the prayer service, and for their assurances of support in the 2027 elections.
Earlier in his message on the theme “For God is with us” drawn from Isaiah 8:9-10, the General Overseer of Precious Faith International Church, Emmanuel Iniama, charged Christians to be confident that no matter the rage of life challenges against them, it shall fail because God is with them.
He analysed the benefits of God being with His children to include: God taking over their battles; raising people to defend and speak for them; granting them victories all round their lives; giving them lasting favour; surrounding them with divine help and protection; and making success and progress constant heritages of their lives.
He admonished believers not to be bothered about knowing their enemies but be bothered and focused on knowing God more to ignite more of His glory and Almightiness.
He urged Christians to maximise the presence of God in their lives by doing things that please Him, including staying away from idolatry; avoiding affinity with the enemies of God and enemies of the people of God; working in love by being compassionate, kind, and forgiving; and praying consistently.
The monthly prayer service which had its scripture reading taken by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Helen Eno Obareki, was equally graced by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political stalwarts; captains of industry; clergies; government functionaries, and Christians across the State.
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