By Our Correspondent

Akwa Ibom State is embarking on a broad tourism development programme under Governor Umo Eno, with the administration seeking to transform Uyo into a major destination for conferences, leisure, culture, entertainment and business.

Venerable Richard Peters, Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on New Media, made the assessment while speaking with journalists in Abuja on the achievements of the present administration.

For a state historically associated with oil production, Akwa Ibom is increasingly promoting tourism and hospitality as alternative sources of economic growth.

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The government’s approach combines infrastructure development, aviation, cultural promotion, private-sector partnerships and security.

At the centre of the plan is the Uyo City Tourism Ecosystem.

The project is designed to integrate accommodation, conferencing, shopping, entertainment and leisure into a single tourism economy.
The 5,000-capacity Ibom International Convention Centre and adjoining 200-room Ibom Hotel are undergoing reconstruction.

The ARISE Resort is also being developed with a nine-hole golf course, artificial lakes, playgrounds, luxury chalets and a banquet hall.

In addition, the ARISE Shopping City and Amusement Park are expected to increase the state capital’s capacity to accommodate visitors seeking retail and entertainment experiences.

Hotels as Economic Drivers

The rehabilitation of the Ibom Icon Hotel & Golf Resort is another important component of the plan.

The project involves renovation of 163 rooms and seven chalets, alongside upgrades to essential systems.

The government expects improved hotel facilities to strengthen Uyo’s capacity to host international and domestic conferences, exhibitions, sporting events and leisure travellers.

Governor Eno has described the programme as an important part of his ARISE Agenda and the state’s long-term preparation for a post-oil economy.
Building a Business-Friendly Tourism Sector

The government is also paying attention to how tourism facilities will be managed once completed.

Through its agreement with Aleph Hospitality, the state expects international hospitality standards to be introduced across key facilities, including Ibom Icon Hotel, Four Points by Sheraton, ARISE Park and the Convention Centre.

The partnership with UNDP is expected to support tourism, the blue economy, skills and innovation.

The proposed collaboration with MTN around sports tourism is another attempt to expand the range of events capable of attracting visitors to the state.

Aviation and Tourism

The Victor Attah International Airport is central to the strategy.

Following upgrades, the airport now accommodates international flights from Accra, Ghana.

Ibom Air continues to connect Akwa Ibom with other parts of the country.

The government’s decision to create a dedicated Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development underscores the importance attached to connectivity.
Governor Eno has stated that tourism cannot succeed without a functional airport.

Akwa Ibom’s Culture as a Tourism Brand

Beyond infrastructure, the administration is promoting the state’s cultural identity.

The 2026 World Heritage Day celebration in Uyo, themed “Akwa Ibom Heritage Alive,” provided an opportunity to showcase traditional music, folklore, cuisine and cultural expressions.

Popular indigenous dishes including afang, edikang ikong and ekpang nkukwo were part of the cultural presentation.

The annual Yuletide Cultural Festival also brings communities from the state’s 31 local government areas together to display dances, food and traditional practices.

Tourism locations such as Marina Beach and the State Museum are also being assessed for further development.

Security and Investment

Security remains critical to the strategy.
The state’s ₦10 billion Security Trust Fund reflects the government’s effort to create an environment where residents, tourists and investors can operate confidently.

The tourism programme is expected to generate employment and business opportunities across several sectors.

Hospitality workers, drivers, chefs, tour guides, artisans, event managers and entertainment practitioners are among those positioned to benefit.

Retail, food supply, transportation and hotel management could also receive a boost.

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Governor Eno has spoken of his ambition to make Akwa Ibom “another Kigali” — a destination capable of combining business, conferences, leisure, culture and hospitality.

If successfully implemented, the tourism programme could help reposition Akwa Ibom from an oil-dependent economy towards a more diversified model driven by tourism, services, culture and investment.