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 prepare 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’s tourism master plan.
Making reference to the scriptures in Hebrew 11:39-40, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect,” he recalled that the projects were started 15 years ago, but couldn’t be completed.
“I believe in my heart fully that God wanted us to be part of these projects and to drive it to conclusion. We give credence and kudos to all our past leaders, especially the distinguished Senate President, who envisioned this project, we thank all the other leaders that attempted to restart these projects. The last administration did a whole lot but God didn’t let them finish it so that we can participate in it, and bring in all the modern requirements to run an international hotel because that is my industry. There is no way they could have finished these projects without a tourism practitioner. So we thank God.
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 position Akwa Ibom State as the tourism hub of Nigeria.
“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 in 12 months, a world class International Convention Centre, will be an icing on the cake for our vision of delivering a one-stop tourism haven.
“Let me also reemphasize 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.
“With our ownership of Ibom Air, which ensures the ease of movement, with a world-class international airport that will soon go into operation, 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 Resort, a marvel of human imagination, which, upon completion will be the best family-themed resort in the nation. With facilities such as a 9-hole golf 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.
He assured that members of the National Assembly are willing and ready to follow and support the Governor’s second term political journey.
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.
He said they were satisfied that budgetary approvals were judiciously deployed, adding that when completed, the facilities will add appreciable value to the State, while creating jobs.
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.
He described the Governor as a jinx breaker saying, “Your Excellency you’re a Jinx breaker. I came to join everyone and tell Your Excellency, you’ve done well. I urged you all to stand with your Governor. The Governor has done well and may God continue to bless him in Jesus name.”
In an overview of the project, Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong 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 Udo, and his Ibesikpo-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 style, especially his commitment to completing projects that were not initiated by him.
