AKSG Revokes Illegal Land Entitlements At Tropicana Layout

By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
As a measure to restore order in the Tropicana layout, Akwa Ibom government has revoked illegal land entitlements and reinstated the area’s original master plan.
The state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, while fielding questions from Government House correspondents, shortly after inspecting the area allotted for the ARISE Shopping City, warned people against encroachment or acquisition of government land for any personal purpose.
 Eno said the major reason for his decision to further the building of the hitherto abandoned 5,000-seat capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and the 200-bedroom Ibom International Hotel, was borne out of his vision to create a world-class tourism hub in the State, while also initiating the Ibom International Shopping City to complete the ecosystem.
According to him, “even though the land has not been put to use for years, there has been so much of encroachment. That is why I came in here and revoked every title and activity that was happening here, different from the original master plan.
He noted that the addition of the ARISE Shopping City to the area was to create a hub for tourists, and ensure that while they attend their event, they also have a place to lodge, do their shopping and access recreational facilities at one spot. 
   Eno noted further that with the state-of-the-art hospitality, recreational and shopping city infrastructures, when completed within 12-month timeline, in addition to the State’s quality road network and peaceful ambience, Akwa Ibom was about to experience a huge boost in its tourism investment and traffic. 
“We are trying to create a tourism ecosystem for the State. And, we have been blessed by previous administrations to have laid this foundation, and we are building on this to better our State.
“We are trying to ensure that we revive tourism. That is the hallmark for our State. We have all the infrastructure to become the best tourist destination in this country, and we are building on it. That is our strong point.
“Whether this is in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene or Oron, we will build all our tourism potentials and assets; whether it is culture and heritage, medical, agriculture, or aviation. We are going to put them together into a tourism Master plan that will help our State”, the governor stated.
He added, “We need a Shopping City with international brands where tourists would come here and can stroll in to have their leisure, vacation, and recreational comfort. 
“So, instead of going to all those big places where tickets are very expensive, you can get them all here, same quality, same top brands. That is what the ARISE Shopping City connotes. 
“It is against this backdrop that we are building on. We will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to disrupt the pea