By Our Correspondent
National News – Umo Eno has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tourism and economic growth with an unscheduled inspection of the Ibom International Convention Arena project in Uyo.
The governor visited the site on Thursday after delegating the inauguration of an 11-kilometre rural road project in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
The inspection came shortly after the Federal Government inaugurated international flight operations from the Victor Attah International Airport to Ghana, a development expected to boost tourism traffic into Akwa Ibom State.
The sprawling tourism and business facility includes the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, Arise Shopping City and the Ibom Theme Park.
According to Eno, the project is designed to position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for conferences, entertainment and leisure activities in Nigeria.
He noted that the convention centre alone can host over 5,000 guests and includes banquet halls, amphitheatres, breakout rooms and other modern facilities aimed at attracting international events and investors.
The governor explained that the 250-room Ibom International Hotel and shopping complex were progressing steadily and would complement the state’s growing tourism infrastructure.
He said the projects would create jobs, attract investors and strengthen the hospitality sector in the South-South region.
Eno also praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic reforms that have improved funding opportunities for state governments to execute major development projects.
Stakeholders believe the combination of improved air connectivity, tourism infrastructure and commercial investments could transform Uyo into a major business and tourism hub.
Analysts say the convention arena project may also increase internally generated revenue, encourage private sector participation and improve the state’s profile as a destination for international conferences and leisure tourism.
