EXCLUSIVE: Hon. Willie Urges Gov. Eno To Name Eket Air Force Base After Former Eastern Governor, U. J. Esuene

EXCLUSIVE: Hon. Willie Urges Gov. Eno To Name Eket Air Force Base After Former Eastern Governor, U. J. Esuene

By Solomon OKPO | August 5, 2025.

A respected community leader and public affairs analyst, Hon. Ekanem I. Willie (fcai, anipr), has appealed to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to immortalize the late Brigadier General Udoakaha Jacob Esuene by naming the newly established Air Force Operational Base in Eket after him.

In an open letter addressed to the Governor, Hon. Willie commended the State Government for attracting the Air Force Base to Akwa Ibom, describing it as a strategic achievement that would boost both state and national security, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.

He praised Governor Eno’s foresight and leadership, noting that the siting of the Base in Eket would not only enhance security but also stimulate socio-economic development in the oil-rich federal constituency.

While urging that the facility be named “U. J. Esuene Air Force Base, Eket,” Hon. Willie said such a gesture would serve as a lasting tribute to the former military governor of the defunct South-Eastern State, who was a distinguished son of Akwa Ibom and one of Nigeria’s respected military officers.

“Brigadier General Esuene’s legacy is a testament to patriotism, duty, and selfless service. Naming the Air Force base after him will not only honor his memory but also inspire future generations to emulate his values,” Hon. Willie stated.

He stressed that immortalizing Esuene through the Air Force Base would align with Governor Eno’s vision of preserving the rich history and heritage of Akwa Ibom while projecting the state’s contribution to national unity.

Governor Umo Eno recently convened the Eket Town Square Meeting on August 2, 2025, where he reassured the people of his commitment to inclusive development. The unprecedented turnout at the event, Hon. Willie observed, underscored the people’s genuine love for the Governor, who has lived, invested, and delivered visible performance in the constituency within just two years in office.

If accepted, the proposal to name the base after U. J. Esuene would mark another historic milestone in honoring Akwa Ibom’s illustrious leaders and embedding their legacies in the state’s growth narrative.