Akwa Ibom governor praises development at conference center, hospitality construction site

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, conducted an unscheduled inspection visit to the Ibom International Convention Arena in Uyo, reaffirming his administration's commitment to developing the state's tourism sector.

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This visit took place shortly after the Federal Government, under the leadership of Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, launched international flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport with a maiden flight to Ghana.

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Initially, Governor Eno was scheduled to attend the inauguration of an 11-kilometre rural road project in Edebom, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, but he delegated this task to his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and instead proceeded to the convention arena unannounced.

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The Ibom International Convention Arena is a comprehensive facility that comprises the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel, Arise Shopping City, and the Ibom Theme Park.

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Following his inspection of the projects, Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating that the arena would enhance the state's tourism potential and establish Akwa Ibom as a major destination for conferences and leisure activities.

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Eno noted that the Ibom International Convention Arena is a key component of the state's tourism ecosystem, designed to cater to the increasing tourism traffic from the Victor Attah International Airport.

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The governor highlighted the Ibom International Convention Centre's impressive capacity, which includes a 5,000-seater space, break-out rooms, a banquet hall, and an amphitheatre, making it an ideal venue for various conventions and conferences.

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Governor Eno also reported that the 250-room Ibom International Hotel and the Arise Shopping City project are progressing steadily, and these developments will complement the state's tourism infrastructure.

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Additionally, Eno commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing economic reforms that have improved access to funding for sub-national governments to execute developmental projects.

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The governor acknowledged President Tinubu's role in making funding available to sub-nationals for project execution, which will have a positive impact on Nigeria's economy, saying "We have to thank our President, Bola Tinubu, in all we do today because his bold economic reforms make funding available to sub-nationals for the execution of projects that will positively impact the economy of Nigeria,"