Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday night declared a season of “divine visitation” for the state, assuring residents of renewed unity, peace, accelerated development and expanded social interventions.

Governor Eno made the declaration while opening the annual Night of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carol, themed “Divine Visitation” and drawn from Luke 1:68, which he said symbolises God’s abiding presence, redemption and favour upon Akwa Ibom and its people.

“This is not a night for a long speech; it is rather a night of celestial party, a night to dance and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” the governor said, as he wished the people of the state a Merry Christmas.

He expressed gratitude to gospel artistes, choral groups and churches from the 31 local government areas, as well as guests and Akwa Ibom people at home and in the diaspora, praying that God would continue to visit the state, dwell among its people and redeem it mightily.

In the spirit of the season, Governor Eno announced that the state government would commence its annual Christmas largesse distribution on Saturday by 3 p.m., with 40 bags of rice allocated to each gazetted village across the state. He urged political leaders, appointees and stakeholders to return to their wards and collaborate with government to spread Christmas cheers.

“Just as our Lord Jesus Christ had a hometown, we also have our villages. Let us all go home and decree a happy season for our people,” he said.

The governor called for unity and responsible political engagement, stressing that politics in Akwa Ibom must be devoid of bitterness, acrimony, character assassination and violence, and instead be anchored on conviction, civility and the common good.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to positioning the state as Nigeria’s next major tourism destination, the governor listed ongoing projects to include; the ARISE Palm Resort, a 5,000-capacity convention centre, a 200-bed Ibom Hotels in Uyo, ARISE Shopping City, rehabilitation of the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, Ibom Hotels and Apartments in Abuja and Lagos, the Ibom Model Farms Conference Hotel, as well as aviation sector upgrades.

He disclosed that the government has established a Destination Marketing Office and engaged an international destination marketing consultant to project Akwa Ibom globally as a preferred vacation destination.

Governor Eno commended past administrations for their contributions, particularly in the aviation sector, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the designation of Victor Attah International Airport has positioned the state for global connectivity.

He recalled that the recent oversight inspection by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo, SAN, alongside industry stakeholders, yielded positive commendations and has set the stage for the airport’s maiden international flight scheduled for April 2026.

The governor called for continued respect and celebration of past leaders, describing their sacrifices as foundational to the state’s progress.

He also reaffirmed Akwa Ibom’s support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and for Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his leadership of the 10th National Assembly.

“As we lift our voices in praise, let us take solace in the knowledge that God is the source of our happiness and sustenance,” Governor Eno said, assuring that God would continue to strengthen Akwa Ibom and steer the state toward greater growth and development.