Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on Akwa Ibom indigenes in the United States to channel their expertise, networks, and capital into tourism, infrastructure, and technology projects that can accelerate the state’s economic growth.
Speaking through Lady Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, at the 38th Annual Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA, AKISAN, the Governor urged the diaspora to embrace a “backward integration” model, similar to strategies adopted by Chinese and Indian expatriates, to drive socio-economic transformation back home.
“How can you bring investments, transfer technology, and use your platforms to promote our state’s rich tourism potential?” Governor Eno asked, citing Ikot Abasi’s historic castle, Onna’s pottery industry, and Ikot Ekpene’s raffia craft as untapped commercial assets.
In what he described as a “new era for Akwa Ibom tourism and business,” the Governor unveiled plans for Arise Resorts, a mini-Disneyland with luxury facilities, alongside a 5,000-seater international conference centre, a five-star hotel, a shopping mall, and a world-class hospital, projects aimed at positioning the state as a West African hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions and high-value tourism.
He spotlighted Dr. Itawan James, a US-trained professional who returned home to establish the Arise Senior Citizens’ Centre, set for commissioning, challenging others to follow her example. “The success stories we celebrate today are the result of skills, vision, and the will to invest back home,” Eno said.
In a major business overture, the Governor announced readiness to host the 2026 AKISAN Convention in Uyo, urging the association to begin immediate planning in collaboration with the state government.
He also redeemed a $5,000 pledge from last year’s convention to the winner of a native dialect competition, reinforcing his commitment to cultural preservation alongside economic expansion.
AKISAN President, Engr. Mbong Ekiko, commended the Governor’s consistent engagement with the diaspora, noting: “We are ready to align our networks and resources with the state’s Arise Agenda to bring tangible investments and innovation to Akwa Ibom.”
The three-day convention featured a Governor’s Townhall Meeting, a Business and Technology Summit, and sessions on women’s empowerment, children’s development, and skills training, all aimed at creating a stronger investment bridge between Akwa Ibom and its diaspora.
