By The Daily Crucible
Akwa Ibom State will come to a standstill on Friday as Governor Pastor Umo Eno has declared Friday, November 6, 2026, a work-free day for the reception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The President departs Abuja on Friday for a two-state visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers, in what is shaping up to be a major political show of force ahead of 2027.
Eno announced the holiday after inspecting projects scheduled for commissioning by the President, describing the visit as timely and significant to the development of Akwa Ibom.
Tinubu will first land in Uyo to commission landmark projects completed by Governor Eno’s administration and attend a political rally.
Among the projects lined up for commissioning are:
– International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport
– Ibom Aviation Village
– Airport Hospital
– ARISE Palm Resort
– 14.5km Nsit Atai–Okobo Road / Airport-Okopedi Road
– Ring Road 3 Extension
– Security and Command Centre / Command and Control Centre
– AKWA-GIS Office Complex
Speaking with Government House Correspondents after the inspection tour, Eno said the President’s visit would provide an opportunity to showcase some of the infrastructure projects executed by his administration.
He also confirmed that a rally would be held during the visit in support of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Governor Eno commended President Tinubu for making resources available to state governments, saying the support had contributed to the implementation of development projects in Akwa Ibom.
He called on residents to turn out to welcome the President, urging them to demonstrate the state’s tradition of hospitality.
Eno said the work-free day would allow civil servants and other residents to participate in the reception.
“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,” he said.
On Saturday, President Tinubu will leave for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to take part in the All Progressives Congress rally.
The rally will be his third, since he flagged off the re-election campaign in Kaduna last month.
According to a State House press release by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, the visits will also give President Tinubu opportunities to engage with political stakeholders, party members, and supporters while emphasising unity, political stability, and a shared commitment to national progress.
