The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has described the ongoing Arise Palm Resort project in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, as a mind-blowing tourism facility that will complement operations at the Victor Attah International Airport in the State.
The Minister made the remarks after inspecting facilities at the resort situated in Uyo, the State Capital.
Keyamo said; “his visit to the State was to ensure that the necessary infrastructure was in place to support the smooth take-off of operations at the Victor Attah International Airport following its recent upgrade to international status.”
He noted that Aviation and Tourism are closely linked.
“Aviation is tied to tourism and commerce. They go together as a full package. So, we thought it fit to come and see the supporting infrastructure available to the new international airport that is about to take off,” he said.
Keyamo described the Arise Palm Resort as a massive and captivating project, noting that it ranks among the best tourism facilities in the country.
“This one we have here, the Arise Palm Resort, is indeed huge and mesmerizing. What is here is one of the best facilities we are going to have in this country. This is a proper family resort to support our international airport business,” he stated.
The Minister highlighted key features of the resort, including the artificial lake supplied by natural spring water, the clubhouse, villas, floating bars and restaurants, as well as sporting and recreational facilities, describing them as complementary to the international airport.
Keyamo commended Governor Umo Eno for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership in transforming the State into a major tourism destination.
“Governor Eno wants to turn this place to a separate tourists attraction, different from the rest of the country. And, we are already there,” he said.
Keyamo also described as remarkable the transformation of the area from an erosion-prone zone into a tourism hub.
“This was an erosion spot, but today, it is spectacularly being transformed into a world-class tourist hub. It is mind-blowing.
“It is another tenth wonder of the world. I just want to congratulate the people of Akwa Ibom State in advance. This is huge and good for them. It is going to support the international airport. There is a symbiotic relationship that we have in aviation with tourism. And, with this, it is going to be one of the busiest international airports in Nigeria,” he assured.
On his part, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, while assessing the pace of work at the resort, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, particularly with the commencement of the dry season.
He, however, clarified that the resort would not be opened in December as earlier anticipated.
“Work has gone up well as we expected, but we still will not open in December. I like this project to be thoroughly finished. I do not like what is called ‘soft opening.’ When we open, let us open in full,” the Governor said.
He assured that a new and more definite date for the official opening would be announced in due course.
“Very soon, we will announce a more stable date for its official opening. Let us not be in a hurry. I am impressed with what I have seen here in the last one month. We will soon get it done and put it to use as expected,” Governor Eno added.
Members of the inspection team included; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; captains of industry; and other government functionaries.