Charles Ajunwa
Governor Umo Eno, in one of his on-the-spot inspections of tourists’ facilities in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, recently declared that “Akwa Ibom is ready for the world.”
He vowed to make Akwa Ibom not only the best sought after tourists’ destination in Nigeria, but the world at large.
Eno, at the March Projects Delivery Meeting reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to timely project delivery and sustainable development.
The governor who appreciated stakeholders for their continued support, highlighted 86 priority projects of the administration outside of roads, hospitals, and schools.
As part of his administration’s policy to build and improve on landscape tourism, scenic tourism, nature tourism, and cultural geography tourism, Eno addressed the state’s electricity situation, outlining ongoing reforms and clear roadmaps for Akwa Ibom State to take ownership of its power market. With steady power supply, Eno envisions an Akwa Ibom where tourists will like to make their second home.
On agriculture, which plays key role in tourism sector, Eno approved the sum of N2.5 billion for the procurement of over 620,000 palm seedlings for distribution to registered farmers across the 31 local government areas of the state. Malaysia, which is reputed today for producing different products sourced from Palm trees, collected their first palm seedlings from Akwa Ibom.
Eno whose administration will be three years on May 29, reviewed a total of 55 projects during the meeting, with clear timelines and inauguration dates established. These landscape projects reviewed included; the Governor’s Office Annex, AKWA-GIS House, Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, Itam Industrial Park, Arise Palm Resort, International Market, Ikot Ekpene; Rehabilitation of AKADEP Head Office, Youth Friendly Centres, One Project Per LGA (Phase 2), Judiciary Village, Chairman’s Lodge, 350 Bed International Hospital, Tree Crop Revolution, Security and Command Centre, AKBC House, Court of Appeal Complex, key airport infrastructure projects, Ibom farms, Arise Shopping City, Agric Equipment Leasing Company, and Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.
Other projects included; Oron Maritime Infrastructure, Ibom City Bus Service, Multiple General Hospitals, AKICORP House, Agricultural initiatives, security infrastructure, and housing developments across the state.
The Arise Palm Resort, stands out as one of the signature projects, Eno is using to make Akwa Ibom a global tourism destination. The project is located at Dominic Utuk Avenue, Uyo. Eno during one of on-the-spot tours to Arise Palm Resort, promised to ensure the project was delivered according to specifications.
The hospitality resort, was once an erosion ravaged site, but Eno turned it around to a world-class destination resort. With the support of the State House of Assembly, the Arise Palm Resort is among projects to be inaugurated in May by Eno. Investors and government officials have continue to commend Eno for conceiving, initiating and executing such a massive project. Tourists and fun-seekers now have a serene getaway in Akwa Ibom where they can relax.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who visited the Arise Palm Resort, in company of the governor, said it will be a big support to international airport business in the state.
Keyamo, who was in the state to ensure that necessary infrastructure at the Victor Attah International Airport was in place for the airport’s smooth take-off of operations in line with its recent status as international Airport, noted that aviation and tourism go together.
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