President Bola Tinubu has recounted his years of working in Akwa Ibom State before entering politics, revealing that he never imagined he would eventually become Nigeria’s President.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday while visiting Akwa Ibom State to commission the Victor Attah International Airport.
He described the visit as a homecoming, recalling his previous professional engagement in the state when he worked as an auditor with Mobil.
The President said his experience in Akwa Ibom brought back memories of his younger days, particularly his involvement in activities connected to the development of communities such as Ibeno and Eket.
Speaking during the airport commissioning ceremony, Tinubu expressed surprise at how life had taken him from his days as a professional auditor to the country’s highest political office.
“I never dreamed I would become president, to commission an airport, inaugurate this airport, named after a colleague who has served this state effectively,” he said.
His comments attracted attention as he reflected on the journey that eventually brought him back to the state in a completely different capacity.
Tinubu explained that his relationship with Akwa Ibom dates back several years, long before he became involved in national politics and eventually emerged as President.
“This is a homecoming for me, I was here in Akwa Ibom as a Mobil auditor. We built Ibeno, developed Eket, did what we had to do,” Tinubu said.
The President’s reference to his former work with Mobil highlighted his connection to the state’s oil-producing communities and the industrial activities that shaped parts of Akwa Ibom during that period.
He also acknowledged the importance of the airport project, describing its completion as an indication of how an idea could become a reality through sustained commitment and government action.
Tinubu praised Governor Umo Eno for completing the project, noting that the achievement reflected the governor’s determination to deliver on his administration’s vision.
“I must give compliments and recognise the fulfilment of a vision, from mission to a vision, and from vision to reality of this administration,” he said.
The President further described Eno as a leader whose commitment and sense of responsibility had contributed to the state’s development efforts.
“Pastor Umo Eno, the governor, you are a great man of conscience, commitment and vision,” Tinubu said.
He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to recognise the importance of continuity in governance and appreciate projects that contribute to the state’s long-term development.
The commissioning of the Victor Attah International Airport marks an important moment for the Akwa Ibom Government, which has continued to invest in aviation infrastructure as part of its economic development plans.
The airport, named after former Governor Victor Attah, represents part of the state’s efforts to improve transportation, attract investment and strengthen its position as a commercial destination in the South-South region.
Victor Attah governed Akwa Ibom State between 1999 and 2007.
His administration was associated with the state’s long-term aviation development vision, including efforts to establish an airport that could serve the growing transportation and economic needs of the state.
The naming of the facility after the former governor also recognises his contribution to the initial vision behind the project.
