…as Gov Eno Reaffirms Vision to Make State Destination of Choice
Akwa Ibom State on Saturday, April 18, 2026, joined the global community in commemorating World Heritage Day with a colourful celebration that highlighted its rich cultural identity and growing tourism potential.
The event which had as its theme; “Akwa Ibom Heritage Alive,” held at the Tropicana Event Centre (Dome), Uyo, drew dignitaries from government, academia, the traditional institution, and stakeholders in the culture and tourism sector.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and cultural preservation. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor said his administration had embarked on strategic projects and initiatives designed to position Akwa Ibom as a premier leisure and investment destination.
He identified the annual Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged, held from December 1 to January 1, as one of the state’s flagship attractions, noting that it has continued to attract visitors from within and outside Nigeria. He also listed major infrastructure projects such as the Arise Palm Resort, the International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport ahead of 24-hour international flight operations, and ongoing works at the Tropicana Entertainment Complex, including the International Convention Centre, Ibom Hotel project, Medical City project, and Ibom Model Farm.
Governor Eno said the projects reflected deliberate efforts to unlock the state’s tourism assets, create jobs, and boost internally generated revenue. He noted that the influx of visitors recorded during the last Christmas Village celebration, alongside the anticipated commencement of Ibom Air’s international operations, had further strengthened Akwa Ibom’s profile as a destination of choice. He described the Arise Palm Resort as a world-class leisure haven capable of attracting global attention.
Delivering the keynote address, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, underscored the importance of preserving local cultural legacies and the values that define communities. He also commended the remarkable transformation witnessed in Akwa Ibom over the years.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, said the celebration aligned with the administration’s vision of building a thriving tourism hub, while the event also featured goodwill messages, cultural displays, drama presentations, musical performances, and other artistic showcases of the state’s heritage.
