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By Tracy Moses
The Akwa Ibom state government has unveiled plans to establish a School of Hospitality Management and embark on an ambitious upgrade of its key tourism infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, made the disclosure during a media briefing in Uyo on Sunday.
He noted that the initiative is central to the administration’s broader efforts to transform the state’s tourism ecosystem and enhance service delivery within the hospitality sector.
Dr. Udofia announced that Governor Umo Eno has given the green light for the full-scale renovation of the iconic Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, aiming to elevate it to global standards.
“According to him, the overhaul will include modernization of infrastructure and a transition from diesel-powered systems to more efficient gas-powered energy solutions.
“Our goal is to make Ibom Hotels as competitive as leading destinations like Eko Hotel in Lagos,” he said. “This rebranding aligns with our vision of making Akwa Ibom a leading hub for tourism, business, and leisure in Nigeria.”
Further reinforcing the state’s commitment to developing tourism infrastructure, the Commissioner disclosed that work is also set to begin on the Ibom International Conference Centre and the 200-room Ibom Tropicana Hotel. These projects are expected to significantly expand the state’s capacity to host national and international conferences and events.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Dr. Udofia emphasized the administration’s focus on human capital development. He revealed ongoing discussions with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to integrate international best practices into the training curriculum for hospitality professionals in the state.
The Commissioner also spotlighted progress on ARISE Park, an urban renewal project located on Brooks Street in Uyo. Once a derelict and crime-prone area, the site has been transformed into a modern recreational facility featuring a clubhouse, gym, mini-golf course, and multi-sport pitches.
“This transformation speaks to our commitment to urban regeneration and creating leisure spaces that serve both residents and visitors,” he said.
In a move to promote cultural tourism, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently held Akwa Ibom’s inaugural celebration of World Heritage Day. The event showcased the state’s rich traditions, including the raffia artistry of Ikot Ekpene, the spiritual serenity of the International Worship Centre, and the natural beauty of Itiat Ubium.
To complement these efforts, the Ministry is developing a Digital Visitors’ Manual alongside a mobile application known as “Di Akwa Ibom.” The app is expected to serve as a comprehensive digital guide to tourist sites, cultural activities, and navigation tools to enhance visitors’ experiences.
“We are leveraging technology to ensure tourists can explore our state with confidence, ease, and excitement,” Dr. Udofia said. “The digital platform will also feature rich multimedia content and serve as an international promotional tool for our destinations, ” he added