Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s tourism sector, emphasizing its potential for long-term economic growth. During the flag-off of the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Ibom International Convention Centre and the 200-room Ibom Hotels in Uyo, Eno underlined that the initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil.
As part of his vision, Governor Eno noted that the projects, alongside the ARISE Resort, will play a significant role in establishing Akwa Ibom as a tourism hub in Nigeria. He highlighted the state’s assets, such as Ibom Air, a soon-to-open international airport, and its vibrant, welcoming population, which will drive the tourism sector’s growth.
Eno also shared his excitement about the ARISE Resort, a family-oriented destination featuring a golf course, artificial lakes, playgrounds, banquet halls, and luxury chalets. He called it “a marvel of human imagination” and a key piece of Akwa Ibom’s emerging tourism master plan.
The governor, a former chairman of the State Hotels and Tourism Board, expressed his administration’s focus on completing projects that had been abandoned for over a decade, ensuring public resources were not wasted. He also acknowledged the efforts of previous administrations, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for initiating these projects.
National Assembly lawmakers, led by Senator Aniekan Bassey, praised Eno for his inclusive leadership and pledged their support for his second-term bid. Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, also commended the governor’s focus on infrastructure, job creation, and tourism development, noting that the completed projects would boost the state’s economy.
