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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Smart photographers beckon on visitors and tourists for fast snapshots, PoS operators are not left out calling you to withdraw quick cash to fund your merriment and big flat screen television set showing sports and other events is another attraction that will compel first time visitor to relax and think of how to locate a hotel in town to check in. Welcome to Ibom Plaza !
The edifice is the cynosure of eyes in Uyo metropolis. It is located at the centre of the town for any first time visitor to access. Coming from Ibom Airport, Abia State through Ikot Ekpene road via Calabar- Itu road by Itam junction and Ibesikpo Asutan through Aka road as well as navigating from Akwa Ibom Government House by Barracks road now known as Wellington Bassey Way, Ibom plaza welcomes all to Uyo city as it stands tall in a strategic location and signpost for tourists to the promise land of Nigeria.
Designed and constructed by former Governor Obong Victor Attah (1999 – 2007), Ibom plaza hosts captivating facilities such as water fountains, ornamental trees, sit outs, big screen television for youths watching football matches, malls, relaxation spots among others.
Unfortunately, the vision of the founding father to make it a tourist centre and adding beauty to the city was defeated as it was later turned to haven for idle youths, criminals , hooligans, drug peddlers, cheap prostitutes and social misfits.
Many ugly practices took place at the plaza, including pick pocketing, hooliganism, drug abuse, teenage open sex by “skolombo girls” children trafficking and other forms of criminal activities in broad day light, giving the state a bad image in the eyes of residents and visitors to the state.
Despite the poor condition of the plaza, all the governorship aspirants in all political parties used it as a campaign ground, throwing money to ‘area boys’ and canvass for vote with empty promises to turn the edifice to tourism centre when they win election.
The Commissioner of Information in the state, Hon Aniekan Umanah, confirmed the former state of the plaza in a press statement replying critics of Governor Umo Eno over the recent interventions on the once neglected facility in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ibom Plaza was conceived and constructed during the administration of Arc. Obong Victor Attah. Over time, the facility suffered prolonged deterioration, becoming unkempt and unsanitary, and degenerating into a haven for criminal activities.”
Umanah recalled that during a campaign visit ahead of the 2023 elections, Pastor Umo Eno pledged to rehabilitate and restore the Plaza. He said in fulfilment of that commitment, Eno directed the comprehensive rehabilitation in November 2025.
“The rehabilitation was carried out through the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, and the Plaza was reopened for public use on December 23, 2025.
“The intervention was deliberate and extensive, covering the construction of a brand-new police station, construction of an information and tourism gallery, and the deployment of two brand-new security trucks to strengthen security at the Plaza.
“It further included environmental management, restoration of drainage systems, landscaping, structural repairs, aesthetic enhancements, restoration of the water fountains, and deployment of modern infrastructure.”
Other intervention works include resurfacing and sealing of concrete areas, mural refurbishment, installation of solar-powered lighting, replacement of the Plaza’s LED screen with a solar-powered unit, CCTV surveillance, public address systems, and improved water and sanitation facilities.
Umanah, who took the critic to the cleaners explained that prior to this intervention, Ibom Plaza posed serious public safety and health risks.
“Today, it has been reclaimed as a safe, vibrant, and functional civic space. The renewed sporting, recreational, cultural, and leisure activities at the Plaza clearly reflect public acceptance and appreciation of the project.”
Last December, Gov. Eno declared the plaza open for residents and tourists who visited the state for the Christmas holiday.
