Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tourism development, saying the sector remains a key component of the ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno stated this after an unscheduled inspection of the Ibom International Convention Arena, a major tourism and commercial hub that includes the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, Ibom Arise Shopping City and a theme park.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, the Governor said the projects were designed to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s tourism ecosystem and position the state to receive increased visitor traffic, especially following the expansion of operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.
According to him, the facilities within the arena are being developed as complementary assets to support conferences, hospitality, leisure, shopping and entertainment.
“This whole area is the Ibom International Convention Arena. It comprises the Ibom Convention Centre, the International Hotel, the Ibom Arise Shopping City and the theme park. They all constitute the ecosystem here,” Governor Eno said.
He said the Ibom International Convention Centre would provide a major boost to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the state, with capacity for more than 5,000 persons.
“The Ibom International Convention Centre can accommodate all kinds of conventions and conferences. It has over 5,000-seater space, with break-out rooms, banquet hall, amphitheatre and lots more,” he said.
Governor Eno added that the 250-room Ibom International Hotel would support the convention centre by providing accommodation for visitors, delegates and tourists expected in the state.
He also disclosed that the Ibom Arise Shopping City project was progressing according to schedule, noting that the different components of the arena were being delivered in line with the administration’s tourism development plan.
“Then, we also have the 250-room International Hotel to support the ecosystem. The Arise Shopping City project is equally on course. For me, they are all keeping to schedule,” he said.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the project site, stressing that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure that can attract visitors, create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making funds available to sub-national governments for the execution of development projects.
Governor Eno was accompanied on the inspection by the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
