– Gov. Umo Eno’s Two Hours of Vision and Detail at ARISE Resort
By Aniekan Umanah
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Dateline :Tuesday, May 13, 2025. It had already been a day of solemn significance and regional unity. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had traveled to Delta State to honour the late Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, a revered Niger Delta statesman, at a memorial tagged “A Fulfilled Life of an Icon.” The event, attended by dignitaries and national leaders, was a fitting tribute to a man who helped shape the conscience of a generation.
By 4:15 p.m., the Governor’s official Gulfstream G450 jet touched down at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. Dressed in immaculate white native attire, he stepped off the aircraft with the poise of a statesman whose day had already been filled with weighty moments. Awaiting him on the tarmac were some members of his cabinet and senior aides, expecting a direct drive to the Governor’s Lodge for a well-deserved rest.
But that was not to be.
As the convoy cruised along Brooks Street, it made a sharp detour into the ARISE Resort. This vast, 70-hectare stretch of gullies has been transformed into a bold leisure and lifestyle development. With a nine-hole golf course, golf house, swimming pools, artificial lakes with floating bars, lounges, restaurants, a conference center, sports arcade, children’s playground, and guest apartments, the resort is poised to position Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism destination in sub-Saharan Africa.
What began as an unscheduled stop quickly evolved into one of the Governor’s most engaged and revealing inspections.
With little ceremony, Governor Eno stepped out of his vehicle, changed out of his formal shoes into site-appropriate footwear, and got to work. This wasn’t a courtesy visit, it was a working session.
He began at the resort’s grand gates, pausing to examine the bold advertising walls flanking the entrance. Running his hand along the structure, he remarked, “We’ll sell advertising on all these spaces. They were deliberately created for that purpose.” It was a simple observation, but one that reflected deeper strategy—every square foot of the resort was designed with revenue, guest experience, and community impact in mind.
From there, he moved steadily through the grounds—past the expansive golf course, still being refined but already radiating promise; across the swimming pools, where he made suggestions to ensure they offered both family-friendly and stylish experiences; and to the artificial lakes and floating bars, where he envisioned weekend gatherings, music over the water, and laughter under the stars. At the embankments and “Walk in the Palms” zone, he inquired about the quality and layering of the grass turf, ensuring durability and aesthetics.
At the indoor sports section, he paused, studied the layout, and gave a new directive: the salon and beauty centre should be repositioned between the terrace and the sports hall to better serve guests and enhance flow.
Children were not left out. At the colourful playground, the Governor imagined even more excitement. “Extend the train ride track to circle the entire resort,” he instructed. “Let’s create a more immersive experience for the kids—something they won’t forget.”
At the cluster of twenty stand-alone guest apartments, the Governor stepped into one of the freshly built units. Immediately, the hotelier in him emerged. He scanned the rooms, noting details and flow. “Where are the burglary proofs for these glass fittings?” he asked. “Install one as a sample—I want to see how it looks and feels.”
Then came a thoughtful question: “If a VIP is a guest here, where will his driver stay?” Again, not waiting for an answer, he offered one: “Adjust the design. Include a self-contained service room at the back.” It was a small touch with big implications, evidence of a leader who values the full hospitality chain, not just the elite.
For the entire two-hour tour, Governor Eno remained hands-on, an active participant, not a distant supervisor. He asked questions, made head notes, and issued directives. His energy was contagious. Engineers, architects, and project staff were inspired and re-energized by his clarity and passion.
As dusk slowly draped across the resort’s skyline, the work didn’t stop,but something else emerged: a renewed sense of purpose. This resort isn’t just a normal government project; it is an expression of what visionary leadership, bold design, and thoughtful execution can achieve.
Before the Governor departed, a new slogan emerged almost spontaneously:
“ARISE Resort: There’s Something for Everyone.”
And indeed, there is. From family leisure to business retreats, from wellness to recreation, ARISE Resort is more than a destination, it is a declaration of where Akwa Ibom is headed. Toward a future of beauty, balance, tourism, and boundless potential.
As the evening proved, Governor Umo Eno is not just leading that journey he’s walking every inch of it.
