By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, and traditional rulers from both states have praised Governor Umo Eno’s vision for the 18-storey Ibom Towers in Lagos, a project aimed at generating income and creating employment opportunities.

In a statement released to newsmen on Thursday in Uyo, the leaders expressed their support during the groundbreaking ceremony held on Wednesday in Lagos State.

In his remarks, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who performed the groundbreaking, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing Lagos’s longstanding status as Nigeria’s commercial hub. He stated, “I look forward to seeing this relationship deepen. Who knows, maybe I’ll also invest in an oil well in Akwa Ibom,” adding a light-hearted comment that highlighted the shared economic aspirations of both states.

Former Governor Obong Victor Attah expressed that the project represents a vision for Akwa Ibom to become a significant player in real estate and economic development. He said, “This project fulfills our long-held aspirations for the prosperity of our state.”

Governor Umo Eno, while thanking the partners involved, highlighted the project as a testament to the power of bipartisanship. He explained that the initiative aims to generate income and job opportunities for the state. “Whenever leaders invest in forward-looking projects like this, there are challenges. But a leader must look to the future,” he stated.

“With Ibom Towers, both Akwa Ibom and Lagos are showing how unity and vision can drive prosperity, marking a new era of economic innovation amid a national economic downturn. This is the essence of bipartisanship; it should not be limited by political affiliations.”

Governor Eno also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former Governor of Lagos State, for his significant contributions to the development of Lagos. He emphasized the importance of patience during this period of reform in Nigeria, assuring that “these changes may be painstaking, but they will bear fruit.”

The statement further noted that Imo-Abasi Jacob, Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), provided a comprehensive overview of Ibom Towers, describing it as a premium project designed to attract urban professionals.

“Featuring upscale apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology, the tower will serve as both a luxury residence and a revenue generator, with income from property leases and tourism expected to enhance GDP growth for both states,” he said.

The Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, expressed his support for the project, seeing it as a legacy of cooperation between Lagos and Akwa Ibom.

Similarly, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, President General of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, highlighted the initiative’s potential to elevate Akwa Ibom’s international profile and encouraged the involvement of young engineers from the state for hands-on experience.

The Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, who set the tone for the event, noted that the state has been blessed with strong leadership, adding that Governor Eno is building on the legacies of his predecessors.