Akwa Ibom At 38: From Cradle To Adulthood, State Marks Milestones In Development
By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025 marks its 38th anniversary with reflections on its transformation from a civil service enclave into one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sub-national economies, boasting significant achievements across multiple sectors of development.
Created on September 23, 1987, by then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, Akwa Ibom has evolved into a symbol of steady growth in infrastructure, industrialization, education, health, agriculture, and aviation services.
Governor Umo Eno, in his anniversary message, praised the resilience of Akwa Ibom people and emphasized his administration’s focus on rural development, youth empowerment, agricultural expansion, and human capital development.
“We have come this far by God’s grace and the determination of our people to build a prosperous state. Akwa Ibom is now a beacon of peace, unity, and progress in the Niger Delta,” the governor said.
Key milestones include the establishment of Ibom Air, the first state-owned airline in Nigeria; the introduction of free and compulsory primary and secondary education; the construction of modern roads, flyovers, and housing estates; and strides in healthcare with secondary and tertiary medical facilities.
Industrial initiatives such as; the Ibom Deep Seaport project and power sector expansion also stand as testaments to the state’s developmental vision.
Stakeholders across the state’s 31 local government areas joined in commemorations, describing the anniversary as a moment to consolidate past gains and accelerate Akwa Ibom’s transformation into a globally competitive economy.
