Gov Eno Breaks 19 Years Jinx, Procures John Deere Mowing Machines For Ibom Hotel, Golf Course

UYO
In his commitment towards Tourism development in Akwa Ibom, the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has broken a 19-year-old jinx with the procurement of two brand new John Deere TerrainCut mowers – 9900A and 8800A Rough and Fairway Mowers for Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, last provided in 2006.
The mowers, each with a 9ft cutting width, were officially handed-over by the State Government to Equatorial Parks and Premises Limited, a janitorial outfit in-charge of maintaining the lawns at the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, recently at a brief ceremony at the Ibom Golf Course, Uyo.
The event marked the first time the mowing equipment had to be replaced since the hotel’s inception 19 years ago, an action which speaks volumes about the determination of Governor Eno to develop all facets of Tourism in the State including Sports Tourism with Golf as an integral part.
The commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, who handed-over the machines on behalf of the State Government, averred that the initiative was part of his Ministry’s resolve at interpreting the ARISE Agenda as it relates to Tourism development in the State.
Udofia applauded Governor Eno for his unwavering devotion to tourism development and expressed appreciation to the governor for approving the procurement of the new machines for the maintenance of Ibom golf course, for the benefit of golfers in the State and for inter-State and cross-country golf tournaments.
  “When I assumed office five months ago, the first memo I saw on my desk was the request for procurement of the mowing machines. We did justice to it, and the governor, graciously approved the release of funds for the Terraincut mowers. Today, we are witnessing the official handing-over and usage of the machines,” Udofia stated.
  The commissioner assured Golfers of the Uyo Country Golf Club and the management of Equatorial Park, of government’s support towards the development and maintenance of the golf course, and expressed appreciation to the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Mrs.Grace Akpan, for her support and cooperation as well as directors, for their determination in ensuring the actualisation of the ARISE Agenda in the Tourism sector.
Earlier, the captain of Ibom Golf Country Club, Mr. Archibong Isua, had expressed deep appreciation to Governor Umo Eno, for the new mowing machines, noting that it was a promise fulfilled by the governor.
On his part, the managing director of Equatorial Parks, Mr. Emmanuel Ekong, lauded Pastor Umo Eno, as a tourism-friendly governor who is committed to the development of Tourism as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda.
Highlight of the event, which was attended by officials of the Ibom Golf Country Club including Barr Usenobong Akpabio and the Golf Pro, Emmanuel Ochayi as well as management staff of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, was a test run of the mowing machine by the tourism commissioner, Dr. Anieti Udofia, amidst applause by onlookers.