AKSG Signs MOU With Aleph Technical Services To Strengthen Hospitality Industry

By Bassey Nkponam
 UYO
In a bid to strengthen the hospitality industry in Akwa Ibom, the State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aleph Technical and Advisory Services for the management of government-owned hospitality facilities across the State.
The MoU covers four facilities in the State including Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, Ibom International Hotel, and the ARISE Palm Resort.
The State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who signed the MoU, Friday, at Government House, Uyo, shortly after his arrival from a working visit to Abuja, and CSS Farms in Gora, Nasarawa State, noted that the State has what it takes to become a tourism destination, assuring the management of Aleph Technical and Advisory Services that his administration will give them necessary support to enable them succeed in the management of the facilities.
In his presentation on the state of the facilities, the team lead, Jad Shamseddin, said they had spent some days in the state to assess the facilities which they acknowledged were uniquely built with international standard.
   Highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each of the facilities, Shamseddin assured that with few adjustments, the facilities will achieve desired results.
The Hotel management Agreement, HMA, will subsequently be signed after the completion of due diligence.
In the team were the vice president, Food and Beverages, Marc Matar; director, development, Aman Raheja; director, projects, Fiona Stewart; head of technical design, Joseph Keserwany; and Area director, IT, Waqar Ashraf.
On the Governor’s team were the secretary to state government, Prince Enobong Uwah; attorney general and commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom SAN; commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, and dean of the college of commissioners, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; commissioner for information, Dr. Aniekan Umana; commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia; commissioner for works and fire service, Professor Eno Ibanga; president general of ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, Mr Uwem Okoko, an engineer, as well as the immediate past commissioner for youths and sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko.