Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has urged the state’s diaspora community in the United States to leverage their expertise, networks, and resources to promote tourism, attract investment, and preserve cultural heritage.
Speaking through Helen Obareki at the 38th Annual Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria, USA (AKISAN) in Virginia, Eno encouraged members to adopt a “backwards integration” model, similar to Chinese and Indian diasporas, to channel education, technology, and business connections toward the state’s growth.
He cited heritage sites like Ikot Abasi’s castle, ONNA pottery, and Ikot Ekpene raffia craft as untapped tourism assets.
The Governor commended Dr. Itawan James for returning from the US to establish the Arise Senior Citizens’ Centre and redeemed a $5,000 pledge to winners of the 2024 native dialect competition.
He also announced plans for mega tourism projects, including the Arise Resorts, a 5,000-seat conference centre, luxury hotel, shopping mall, and world-class hospital, and expressed readiness to host the 2026 AKISAN Convention in Uyo.
AKISAN President, Mbong Ekiko, pledged collaboration with the state government, while a Townhall Meeting saw members call for youth entrepreneurship support, better teacher and health worker incentives, improved security, and stronger rural infrastructure.
The State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, assured that the government was addressing these concerns.
The three-day convention, themed “Shaping Our Future, Embracing Change, Transforming AKISAN Today for Tomorrow’s Possibilities”, featured summits, cultural displays, and business forums, uniting Akwa Ibom indigenes from across the US and Nigeria in celebration of heritage and progress.