•Governor Eno
… flags off Int’l Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the reconstruction of the Ibom International Convention Centre and Hotels in Uyo, with a commitment to preparing the state for growth beyond oil.
Speaking at the event held at the premises of the structures, he said one of the cardinal components of the ARISE Agenda is tourism which requires certain basic infrastructure such as good conference centres and hotels to thrive.
He said the two facilities in addition to the ARISE Resort, will be major signposts of the state tourism master plan.
The governor who was a major player in the hospitality industry and former Chairman of the State Hotels and Tourism Board, said: “We are gathered here this afternoon, in our determined effort to positioning Akwa Ibom State as the tourism hub of the South South/ South East Regions and indeed the entire nation.
“I have been asked why we are spending money to complete the 200-bedroom Ibom Hotels which has been abandoned for years and my answer is simple: I came not just to deepen peace and unity in my State but to deploy my finishers’ anointing especially on projects that may have gulped billions of our State’s resources already.
Speaking further, he said, “With Uyo, our beautiful Capital City today, easily the host city of choice for major seminars, retreats, conventions and other events nationally, and with the 200-bedroom hotel which we are set to complete, a world class International Convention Centre, will be an icing on the cake, providing in the process, a one-stop tourism haven.
“Let me also reemphasise here that, we are preparing our state beyond oil and one of the key focal areas of our Arise Agenda is tourism. We are deeply intentional in transforming this sector, considering our comparative advantage in this sector.
“With our ownership of Ibom Air, which ensures the ease of movement, with a world-class international airport that will soon go into operations, a peaceful, united and hospitable people, a range of cuisines that is nationally celebrated as the best, Akwa Ibom State, stands at the cusp of expansion and growth in tourism.
“Work is ongoing in our Arise Resorts, a marvel of the human imagination, which, upon completion will be the best family-themed resorts in the nation. With facilities such as a 9-hole gulf course, children playground, artificial lakes, banquet hall, tastefully furnished chalets among other facilities, Arise Resorts will help bring the world to Uyo,” he added.
The governor therefore called on the people to remain united, reduce unnecessary political bickering as the ARISE Agenda remains his administration’s governing blueprint.
Members of the National Assembly led by Senator Aniekan Bassey, commended the governor for his leadership disposition, especially on inclusivity and for bringing government closer to the people.
Also speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, said the legislators have observed with delight, the Governor’s commitment to project Akwa Ibom.
On his part, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, recalled that during the electioneering campaign, the Governor had promised to complete abandoned projects without considering the initiator, stressing that the event was a fulfillment of one of the major promises at the campaigns.
In an overview of the project, Commissioner for Special Duties, Comrade Ini Ememobong (former) said both facilities were critical in the tourism equation of the State adding that when completed, the facilities will direct tourism traffic to the State.
The Chairman of Uyo, Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh, and his Ibesikpo Asutan Asutan counterpart, Mr. Edidiong Inyang as well as the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Edidem Clement Ekpenyong, appreciated the Governor for his unique leadership approach, especially for his commitment to completing projects that were not initiated by him.
