We’re Preparing A’Ibom For Growth Beyond Oil – Gov Eno

… Flags Off Ibom Int’l Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel
By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has said he is preparing the State for growth beyond oil as he flags off the reconstructions of the Ibom International Convention Centre and the Ibom Hotels, both within the Tropicana Entertainment Centre, in Uyo.
Pastor Umo Eno, who stated this, Saturday, at the flag off of the two facilities, re-emphasised that his administration was preparing the State beyond oil and was deeply intentional in transforming the tourism sector, considering the State’s comparative advantage.
Eno identified tourism as one of the key focal areas of the ARISE Agenda which requires certain basic infrastructure such as good conference centres and hotels to thrive.
The governor said the two facilities, in addition to the ARISE Resort, would be major signposts of the State’s tourism master plan, noting that with the state’s ownership of Ibom Air, which ensures the ease of movement, and a world-class International Convention Centre that would soon be operational, a peaceful, united and hospitable people, and a range of cuisines that is nationally celebrated as the best, Akwa Ibom stands at the cusp of expansion and growth in tourism.
He furthered that work was ongoing at the ARISE Resort, a marvel of human imagination which, when completed, would be the best family-themed resort in the nation. 
According to him, with facilities such as a 9-hole golf course, children playground, artificial lakes, banquet hall, tastefully furnished chalets, among other facilities, the ARISE Resort will help bring the world to Uyo. 
Eno observed that with Uyo, the State’s beautiful capital city, currently the host city of choice for major seminars, retreats, conventions and other events nationally, and the 200-bedroom hotel set for completion in 12 months, the world-class International Convention Centre will be an icing on the cake for the State’s vision of delivering a one-stop tourism haven.
The governor gave credence to past leaders of the State, especially the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who envisioned the project and thanked other leaders that attempted to restart the projects.
   Eno recalled that the projects were initiated 15 years ago, but could not be completed, adding that he came not just to deepen peace and unity in his State but to deploy his finishers’ anointing, especially on projects that may have gulped billions of the State’s resources already.
“We are gathered here this afternoon, in our determined effort to position Akwa Ibom State as the tourism hub of Nigeria.
“I have been asked why we are spending money to complete the 200-bedroom Ibom Hotels which has been abandoned for years. And, my answer is simple: ’I came not just to deepen peace and unity in my State but to deploy my finishers’ anointing especially on projects that may have gulped billions of our State’s  resources already.
“I believe in my heart fully that God wanted us to be part of these projects and to drive it to conclusion. 
“We give credence and kudos to all our past leaders, especially the distinguished Senate President, who envisioned this project. We thank all the other leaders that attempted to restart these projects. The last administration did a whole lot but God didn’t let them finish it so that we can participate in it, and bring in all the modern requirements to run an international hotel because that is my industry. There is no way they could have finished these projects without a tourism practitioner. So we thank God.”
The senator representing Uyo Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Aniekan Bassey, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, lauded Governor Eno for his leadership disposition, especially on inclusivity and bringing government closer to the people.
Bassey expressed the readiness of members of the National Assembly to support Eno’s second term political journey.
The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, said State legislators have observed with delight the governor’s commitment to project Akwa Ibom and expressed satisfaction that budgetary approvals were judiciously deployed. 
Otong noted that the facilities, when completed, would add appreciable value to the State, while also creating job opportunities.
Giving an overview of the project, the commissioner for special duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said both facilities were critical in the tourism equation of the State, adding that when completed, the facilities would direct tourism traffic to Akwa Ibom.
The Uyo Local Government council chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, his Ibesikpo Asutan counterpart, Mr. Edidiong Inyang, and the paramount ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Edidem Clement Ekpenyong, appreciated Governor Eno for his unique leadership style, especially his commitment to completing projects that were not initiated by his administration.