Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has moved to restore order in Uyo’s Tropicana layout by revoking all illegal land titles and activities that violate the area’s original master plan. The governor made this decision after inspecting the portion of land designated for the ARISE Shopping City, emphasizing that government property must not be encroached upon or converted for private use.
Fielding questions from Government House Correspondents, Governor Eno said the government was determined to reclaim all lands illegally occupied in the area to ensure that development follows the approved master plan. “Even though the land has not been put to use for years, there has been so much of encroachment. That is why I came in here and revoked every title and activity that was happening here different from the original master plan,” he stated.
Governor Eno explained that his administration’s vision to make Akwa Ibom a world-class tourism destination informed the decision to advance work on the previously abandoned 5,000-seat Ibom International Convention Centre and the 200-room Ibom International Hotel. He added that the ARISE Shopping City would complete the ecosystem for a comprehensive tourism experience.
“We are trying to create a tourism ecosystem for the State. And, we have been blessed by previous administrations to have laid this foundation, and we are building on this to better our State,” he said.
The governor stressed that tourism remains the hallmark of Akwa Ibom’s economic development strategy, adding that the state already has the right infrastructure to become a top travel and leisure destination in Nigeria. “We are trying to ensure that we revive tourism. That is the hallmark for our State. We have all the infrastructure to become the best tourist destination in this country, and we are building on it. That is our strong point,” he stated.
Governor Eno further said that his administration is working on a comprehensive tourism master plan that will integrate all tourism assets across the state, including cultural, medical, agricultural, and aviation potentials. “Whether this is in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene or Oron, we will build all our tourism potentials and assets; whether it is culture and heritage, medical, agriculture, or aviation. We are going to put them together into a tourism Master plan that will help our State,” he explained.
On the proposed ARISE Shopping City, the governor said the project aims to provide tourists with an all-in-one leisure and shopping experience. “We need a Shopping City with international brands where tourists would come here and can stroll in to have their leisure, vacation, and recreational comfort,” he said. “So, instead of going to all those big places where tickets are very expensive, you can get them all here, same quality, same top brands. That is what the ARISE Shopping City connotes.”
Governor Eno disclosed that the project has a 12-month completion timeline and is expected to boost tourism, investment, and economic growth in Akwa Ibom. He added that with the state’s quality road network and peaceful environment, Akwa Ibom is set to experience significant expansion in hospitality and recreation. “It is against this backdrop that we are building on. We will not allow anyone, no matter how highly placed, to disrupt the peace and harmony of Akwa Ibom State,” he emphasized.