Tinubu approves Akwa Ibom airport, seaport, urges youths to get PVCs

President Bola Tinubu used a rally in Uyo on Friday to tell Akwa Ibom youths to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs), calling them the tool that will decide the country's political future.

Speaking at a presidential campaign gathering, Tinubu said the card is what young people need ahead of the next general elections. He promised better education, skills and jobs in return.

"The weapon you have is the PVC," he told the crowd, according to Daily Trust. He urged them to collect the cards "for the sake of your future."

Daily Post reported that the President also framed the vote as a way to "defeat tyranny" and those he said do not value a growing economy. He recalled his time as a Mobil auditor in the state, describing the visit as a homecoming.

Airport and seaport approved

Tinubu said he had approved full international status for Victor Attah International Airport, which he said Governor Umo Eno had requested. He also announced approval for the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport.

According to him, the seaport will bring economic value and development to the state. He said Akwa Ibom's palm trees and economic trees should support lasting industries, and promised federal support to make that happen.

The approvals matter for ordinary residents: an international airport and a working deep seaport could mean more trade, travel and jobs in a state that has long pushed for both projects.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Senate President Godswill Akpabio also spoke, urging Akwa Ibom people to back the All Progressives Congress (APC) and saying the administration has improved lives.

Governor Eno pledged to mobilise voters to deliver two million votes for Tinubu's re-election. Tinubu praised him as a leader of "conscience, commitment and vision."

Daily Post reported that Tinubu also took a swipe at a rival candidate over flooding, saying Nigeria needs leaders who confront problems rather than abandon them. The sources did not name the candidate.

What happens next

The airport and seaport approvals now move toward implementation, though the sources gave no timelines or costs. On the political side, the rally signals the start of a push for Akwa Ibom's votes, with the governor setting a two million-vote target.