Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno says ongoing construction of the International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City in Uyo has generated more than 2,000 jobs daily over the past year, boosting economic activity and supporting peace and security in the state.
Governor Eno disclosed this after inspecting three project sites in Uyo. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, describing the projects as the realisation of development visions conceived by previous administrations.
“I am happy that there is visible progress, and we thank God for what we see on the ground. The International Hotel and the International Conference Centre were envisaged 16 years ago, and I am happy that we are realising that vision,” he said.
The Governor said the projects would strengthen the state’s tourism sector and advance youth empowerment under the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
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He noted that the facilities, when completed, would attract tourists and investors, create additional employment opportunities and showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism potential to the international community.
“The International Convention Centre can take 5,000 people, and there are partitions that would help you segment your meetings. There are twelve breakout rooms, a restaurant and other facilities,” he said.
Governor Eno stressed that developing tourism infrastructure to international standards was essential to positioning Uyo and Akwa Ibom as a competitive destination for visitors and investment.
“What we are seeing here is part of development. If this is a state capital, and we want tourists to visit, we must have the facilities to accommodate them by developing those facilities to international standards,” he added.
He commended the contractors for sustaining the pace of construction and expressed optimism that the projects would be completed and commissioned as scheduled for the benefit of residents and visitors.
The Governor said the projects had already demonstrated their economic value through direct employment and increased commercial activity, with more opportunities expected upon completion.
He was accompanied on the inspection by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga; Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah; and other members of the State Executive Council and government officials.
