Devoid of sentiments, any keen observer of the developmental strides recorded in Akwa Ibom State under the current administration can attest to the fact that Governor Umo Eno’s government has been marked by a steadfast commitment to the ARISE Agenda, which envisions an emerging and open economy with endless opportunities to create value and wealth.

One of the key drivers of this economic growth and development is tourism and Since assumption of office on May 29, 2023, the Governor has leveraged the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom State to strategically develop the tourism sector and transform the state into a tourist destination.

The Governor has in the last eighteen months of his administration made notable progress to complement tourism development in the state in line with the ARISE Agenda.

One of his notable initiatives is the conversion of a fully erosion-ravaged site into a tourist zone named “The Arise Park.” This state-of-the-art recreational park, which will soon be opened, sits on a former gully-erosion-ravine off Etim Umana and Dominic Utuk Avenues.

The park is expected to feature artificial lakes, floating bars, waterfalls, mini shopping centers, a sports arena, a swimming pool, a children’s amusement ground, a police post, and a medical center.

Governor Eno

His vision for tourism extends beyond new projects. He is also committed to managing and sustaining projects initiated by previous administrations. For instance, he has taken steps to complete the moribund and uncompleted parts of the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, including the 14-storey Tropicana hotel building and the 5000-capacity conference facility.

Also, as part of the Arise Agenda of His Excellency, the Uyo Capital City Development Agency is carrying out a beautification project at Atiku Flyover to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and drive economic growth.

Impressed by his vision, the Governor’s efforts in the tourism sector have not gone unnoticed. He was voted by tourism professionals as the Nigerian Tourism Governor of the Year 2023, and Akwa Ibom State was named the most active tourism state in Nigeria.

These accolades reflect the impact of his initiatives, such as the repackaging and rebranding of the Christmas Park and the construction of a 20,000-capacity amphitheater as the permanent venue for the annual award-winning Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol.

Looking ahead, Governor Eno has announced plans to hold a tourism summit in 2025. This summit aims to bring together stakeholders in the tourism industry to create a comprehensive tourism map for Akwa Ibom State.

Moreover, Governor Umo Eno’s blueprint for tourism development aims to encourage SMEs and promote tourism development. He is determined to continue encouraging the people of Akwa Ibom State and fostering economic growth through tourism.

Without a doubt, his commitment to tourism development is evident in his efforts to create a conducive environment for both residents and visitors. His administration’s initiatives, such as the beautification projects, capacity-building training for staff, and support for homegrown artists, are all strategically designed to open the state to the world.

Safe to say that the Governor’s vision for Akwa Ibom State is one of growth, prosperity, and cultural renaissance, and his proposed tourism summit marks a significant step towards realizing this vision.

Let me end my piece with the Governor’s remarks at the grand opening of CEEDAPEG Hotel in Uyo, on December 24, 2024, which highlight his vision for the summit:

“Akwa Ibom is rising exponentially in tourism. Daily, thousands of people are trooping into our State, to live, work, and experience our famed hospitality. Hotel occupancy rates are almost at full capacity, and as we look forward to more growth across sectors in the years to come, there is a need to have more quality hotels such as the CEEDAPEG.

“Apart from world-class hotels such as this, we are also building the Arise Park, which we hope to commission early next year. The Park sits on a large expanse of land that was once ravaged by gully erosion and had become a den for miscreants. When completed, it will offer a golf course, children’s playground, an artificial lake, banquet and accommodation facilities, among other family-themed features.

“Next year, we have decided to hold a tourism summit in our state, and at the end of that summit, we must come out with a tourism map for Akwa Ibom State, so that we can continue to explore the rich tourism potential in our state.

“We came with a blueprint, and our blueprint was to encourage SMEs and promote tourism, and we are determined to do that in line with our Arise Agenda so we can continue to encourage our people,” Governor Umo Eno stated.

Ekemini James