Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move to diversify Akwa Ibom State’s economy and position the state as a major tourism destination, Governor Umo Eno has flagged off the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Ibom International Convention Centre and 200-room hotel in Uyo, the state capital.
The facilities, which have sat idle for over 15 years, are now being revived under the Governor’s Arise Agenda, a bold economic blueprint aimed at preparing the state for life beyond crude oil production.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Saturday, Governor Eno described the projects as vital pillars of the state’s tourism-driven future and a “deliberate economic shift” away from dependence on crude oil revenues.
He emphasized that Uyo has increasingly become the “host city of choice” for national conferences, retreats, and conventions, and that completing the abandoned hotel and convention centre will create a one-stop destination for business and leisure.
The governor said, “Let me reemphasize here that we are preparing our State beyond oil. One of the key focal areas of our ARISE Agenda is tourism. We are deeply intentional in transforming this sector, considering our comparative advantage.
“I have been asked why we are spending money to complete the 200-bedroom Ibom Hotels, which has been abandoned for years. My answer is simple: I came not just to deepen peace and unity in my state, but to deploy my finisher’s anointing, especially on projects that may have gulped billions of our state’s resources already,” he said.
Beyond the revival of these two facilities, Governor Eno disclosed that work is ongoing at the ARISE Resort, which he described as a “marvel of human imagination.”
The family-themed resort will feature a 9-hole golf course, artificial lakes, chalets, a banquet hall, and children’s play areas,expected to become the largest of its kind in Nigeria upon completion.
“With our ownership of Ibom Air, which ensures ease of movement, a world-class international airport about to begin operations, a peaceful and hospitable people, and a cuisine nationally celebrated as the best, Akwa Ibom stands at the cusp of expansion and growth in tourism,” he stated.
Making a biblical reference from Hebrews 11:39–40, Governor Eno said the fact that the projects had remained unfinished for over a decade was divine, suggesting that only a tourism expert like himself could complete them properly.
“There is no way they could have finished these projects without a tourism practitioner. So we thank God. We give credence to all past leaders who started and tried to complete this project. But God saved it for us to drive to conclusion,” he added.
The project has received strong support from both state and federal legislators. Senator Aniekan Bassey, who led members of the National Assembly to the event, praised Governor Eno’s inclusive leadership and pledged legislative support for his second-term bid.
Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, said the lawmakers were satisfied with the Governor’s judicious use of public funds and commitment to continuity.
“We are satisfied that budgetary approvals have been properly deployed. When completed, these facilities will add appreciable value to the state and create jobs,” Otong said.
Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the projects are critical to unlocking Akwa Ibom’s tourism value chain.
“The Ibom International Convention Centre and Hotel are not just buildings; they are economic infrastructure that will redirect tourism traffic to the state,” Ememobong said.
He added that the 12-month timeline set for the hotel’s completion is part of a broader strategy to create jobs, attract investment, and enhance Akwa Ibom’s competitiveness in the post-oil economy.
