Gov Eno Highlights Jobs, Economic Impact Of Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel, Shopping City

By Bassey Nkponam

UYO

Akwa Ibom  Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has highlighted the economic benefits of the ongoing International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City projects in Uyo, saying the developments have provided employment for more than 2,000 people daily over the past year.

Eno who stated this while speaking with members of the Government House Press Corps shortly after inspecting the three ongoing projects in Uyo, said the projects were not only transforming the state’s infrastructure but were also stimulating economic activities, creating jobs and contributing to peace and security in Akwa Ibom.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the project sites, noting that the developments represented the realisation of visions initiated by previous administrations.
“I am happy that there is visible progress and we thank God for what we see on ground. The International Hotel and the International Conference Centre were envisaged 16 years ago and I am happy that we are realizing that vision,” he said.

According to the governor, the completion of the projects would further strengthen the state’s tourism sector and support the youth empowerment objectives of his administration’s ARISE Agenda.

He explained that the facilities would provide the infrastructure required to accommodate tourists and visitors, attract investors, create additional employment opportunities and project the tourism potential of Akwa Ibom to the international community.

Giving an insight into the facilities at the International Convention Centre, Governor Eno said the complex was designed to accommodate up to 5,000 people and included facilities that would allow events to be divided into different sections.

The governor stressed that developing facilities to international standards was necessary if Uyo and Akwa Ibom State were to fully realise their potential as a tourism destination.

He also commended the contractors working on the projects for the pace of construction, expressing optimism that the facilities would be completed and commissioned as scheduled for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.

Eno said the projects, upon completion, would represent important additions to the state’s infrastructure while supporting tourism, investment, employment and economic activity.