……..As Minister hails Eno’s tourism investments, pledges Federal support.
FIC REPORT (AKWA IBOM STATE) – The Federal Government and Akwa Ibom State Government have resolved to deepen collaboration in tourism, arts, culture and the creative economy as part of efforts to harness the state’s vast tourism assets, attract investment and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated this on Saturday, when she paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, at the government House in Uyo.
The Minister, who was received by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described Akwa Ibom as a State endowed with a beautiful landscape, rich cultural heritage and significant tourism potential, noting that the Federal Government was interested in working with the State to transform those assets into tangible economic opportunities.
Musawa said the State’s international-standard airport and its growing tourism infrastructure has created fresh opportunities for the development of the sector, stressing the need for stronger synergy between the Federal Government and the subnational government.
According to her,”Akwa Ibom’s diversity and rich cultural heritage could be leveraged to develop a comprehensive tourism economy capable of attracting visitors, investors and businesses from within and outside Nigeria”.
The Minister said the Federal Government was prepared within the framework of relevant partnerships and memoranda of understanding to work with and support the State in achieving its tourism aspirations,and strengthening the State’s tourism ecosystem, adding that the Ministry would explore opportunities to position Akwa Ibom as a major tourism destination at the national level.
“This is absolutely mind blowing and incredible. What has happened in Akwa Ibom is like magic, the infrastructure is excellent. We have the culture in Nigeria,but we lacked the infrastructure to turn our value to abilities. she remarked during a brief inspection of facilities at the ARISE Palm Resort”.
Musawa also noted that the State’s peaceful environment, infrastructure and ongoing investments provided a favourable platform for developing tourism and the creative economy, and commended Governor Eno for what she described as a template of purposeful leadership in the development of tourism infrastructure.
Responding, Governor Eno, described the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with the State as significant to the realisation of Akwa Ibom’s tourism and creative-economy ambitions.
The Governor said Akwa Ibom was ready to work closely with the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, stressing that the state government considered tourism a strategic component of its economic diversification programme under the ARISE Agenda.
He said the State’s investments in tourism infrastructure were driven by the objective of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities for young people and stimulating economic activities across the State.
According to him, the government is deliberately developing tourism infrastructure that can attract visitors and investors while creating an ecosystem capable of generating opportunities for people within and outside Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno highlighted the ARISE Palm Resort and other ongoing projects as part of the administration’s broader efforts to position the State as a major tourism destination,noting that a stronger Federal Government collaboration in promoting the State’s tourism assets, would help accelerate investment and open the sector to greater opportunities.
The Governor said the State was prepared to work with the Federal Ministry on initiatives capable of attracting investors, adding that tourism remained one of the sectors with the capacity to benefit not only Akwa Ibom but the wider Nigerian economy.
He further identified the State’s historical and cultural assets, including sites connected with the slave trade route, commercialization of Ibeno beach, and Mary Slessor Cairn as areas requiring strategic collaboration and development to preserve their heritage value while turning them into viable tourist attractions.
Governor Eno said the State would continue to seek partnerships with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to develop such assets, stressing that a stronger tourism ecosystem would translate into employment, increased economic activities and improved livelihoods.
He expressed optimism that the proposed collaboration would encourage more investors to explore opportunities in Akwa Ibom, adding that the State was open to working with the Ministry in developing a structured tourism calendar and promoting the State’s attractions nationally and internationally.
The Governor thanked the Minister for the visit and expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with the State, assuring that Akwa Ibom would continue to provide the necessary support for initiatives aimed at advancing tourism, culture and the creative economy.
In attendance were the Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Ms Hadiza Ali, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, the Commissioner for Information, RT. Hon. Aniekan Umanah,the Chairman,Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Development,Mrs Udo,and other senior aides of the Minister
EME ESSIEN
FIC UYO
3/10/26.
