Eno Sets To Complete Abandoned Ibom Tropicana Project

GOVERNOR Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has commenced moves to complete the 14-storey hotel building and the 5,000-capacity Conference facility at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre in Uyo.

The projects which was initiated and started by the administration Senator Godswill Akpabio while as governor to boost the tourism potentials of the state has remained uncompleted for more than 10years.

However, Eno after undertaking an inspection tour of the abandoned projects noted that his resolve to complete the facility, followed his promise to Akwa Ibom people that he would complete all abandoned critical infrastructure with the potentials to grow the State’s economy.

His words, “We have resolved to put the past behind us. We have structures on ground, what I’m doing now is to see all of the vision, what it was all about, how we can link them together and how we can revive it.

“This can give several thousands of jobs to Akwa Ibomites. We’ve been trying to create a theme park at the Udo Udoma Cenotaph but seeing what we have here, why do I need to duplicate? Why do I have to start something new when we have something here we can build on,”

Eno therefore directed the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong, (rtd.) to avail him with the survey plan of the entire land area that was acquired by Government for the project, with intent to sack trespassers and bring down illegal structures.

He also directed the Ministry of Special Duties to ensure the cleaning of the entire area, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien, (rtd.), to immediately take over the security of the entire facility, sounding a warning to vandals and hoodlums to stay off the facility as Government will not hesitate to prosecute any violator on the facility henceforth.

“This is Akwa Ibom money and so my duty as Governor is to protect the assets of Government, life and property of the people. Government has sunk in so much money here and so I believe we can look at it.

“For me, what is important, going forward, is how we can reclaim this place and make it functional. Behind us is an International Conference Centre. People come here for conferences and conventions.

“I understand we were named Tourists State of the Year 2023, and when people see your efforts and recognize you for doing something, it means they expect more from you,” Governor Eno added.