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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government said it has concluded plans to partner with tourism investors for development of strategic tourism sites across the state to increase Internally generated revenue.
It also plans to explore rich local delicacies of the state during the 2026 Christmas festival tagged “Taste of Akwa Ibom: Our Food, Culture and Heritage, billed to commence from 1st December and run till January 2027, in Uyo .
Speaking during the ongoing Ministerial Media Briefing at Government House, Uyo to mark the 39th anniversary of the state creation, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, said Governor Umo Eno has spent the past three years of his administration to build tourism economy to drive Akwa Ibom as a destination.
Udofia observed that the tourism market all over the world is rated at N7.3trillion adding that Pastor Umo Enon was ready to diversify the state economy through tourism.
Udofia listed tourism sites to be developed in the state to include: Ibeno beach, Mary Slessor cane, Blue River in Ukanafun , Lord Lugard / Amalgamation House, Bridge of No Return in Ikot Abasi and other notable tourism centres in the state .
”With a background in hospitality and tourism, Pastor Umo Eno came well prepared to reposition Akwa Ibom State and, more importantly, to develop tourism as a sector that will turn the state into a destination of choice
“Tourism is a money spinner and has the capacity to contribute up to 70% of a country’s GDP. Akwa Ibom State is leveraging this potential
“Within the last three years, the Governor has built infrastructure that complement the state’s tourism drive, e.g., the Arise Palm Resort.”
He listed key achievements of Governor Umo Eno in tourism sector which would generate revenue for the state as Arise Palm Resort , Ibom International Hotel and Convention centre, maintenance of key tourism infrastructure , convention centre and 200 bed hotel , Arise Palm Golf courses, Unity Park, Ibom Plaza and Ikot Ekpene Plaza, among others, noting that the governor has committed over N900 million annually to the maintenance of key tourism facilities.
The commissioner said the governor is intentional about developing the tourism sector to generate revenue and improve the state’s IGR.
“On the whole, all projects initiated by Pastor Umo Eno’s administration have tourism impacts because when visitors come, they not only access tourism facilities but also other facilities.”
