Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday said President Bola Tinubu did not create Nigeria’s current economic challenges, stressing that the President deserves national support to steer the country through difficult times.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Eno described Tinubu’s first two years in office as “wonderful” and marked by determined efforts to address inherited challenges.

“President Tinubu didn’t create the problem we are in right now,” Eno said. “For me, I believe he is doing his best, and he should be supported to finish strong.”

With his own administration nearing the two-year mark, Eno highlighted achievements across key sectors in Akwa Ibom, pointing to strides in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and rural development.

“When you come to Akwa Ibom, you’ll find we are working across the board—from schools to hospitals, roads, and markets,” he said. “We are delivering tangible results.”

The governor noted that while the first phase of his administration focused on grassroots development, the next half of his tenure will usher in a wave of major infrastructure projects to position the state as an economic and tourist hub.

“We’re now moving into super infrastructure. We want to make Akwa Ibom a tourist destination—and we are well on our way,” he stated.

Eno also praised the legacy of leadership in Akwa Ibom, acknowledging the contributions of past governors to the state’s progress.

“Akwa Ibom has been blessed with visionary leaders—from Obong Victor Attah to Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chief Udom Emmanuel, and now myself,” he said. “We’ve sustained a development trajectory that has set us apart.”

On youth empowerment, the governor emphasised his administration’s investment in skills development, job creation, and entrepreneurship.

“We’re training our young people, supporting SMEs, and have launched an employment portal to match job seekers with opportunities,” he said. “The goal is to rebuild the middle class and create sustainable livelihoods.”

Eno reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive growth through strategic partnerships with the federal government and private sector players.

“Our focus is to unlock Akwa Ibom’s full potential through collaboration and long-term planning,” he said.