The Akwa Ibom State Government has attributed the delay in reopening the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort to a comprehensive renovation process. The facility was shut down and stripped to undergo major renovations, including electrical works and furnishing. According to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Nseowo Udofia, the renovation is being executed in phases, with work expected to resume shortly.
Dr. Udofia disclosed that the golf course at the Ibom Icon Hotel has not been affected by the closure, and golf enthusiasts can still play at the facility. Additionally, the government has approved funds annually for the maintenance of the golf facilities. The renovation of the Ibom Icon Hotel is part of a broader investment in hospitality infrastructure, which includes the completion of the Ibom International Hotel and Convention Centre.
The Ibom International Hotel and Convention Centre is expected to be completed and commissioned soon, with Governor Umo Eno inviting the President of the Senate to commission the twin facilities later in the year. Another major achievement of the administration is the ARISE Palm Resort, described as a "signature project" that transformed an erosion-prone area into a world-class tourism facility.
The ARISE Palm Resort recently hosted the state banquet and is expected to be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu later this month. The government approves over ₦900 million annually for the maintenance of tourism facilities, including the ARISE Palm Resort Golf Course, Ibom Hotel Golf Course, Unity Park, Ibom Plaza, and Ikot Ekpene Plaza.
The renovation of Ibom Plaza has been completed, and the facility was recommissioned last December. Unity Park is also undergoing significant improvements, including expanded walkways, development of an Ibom Kitchen, additional toilet facilities, and installation of a sub-power station. The Ibibio Museum within the park is being renovated to enhance visitors' experiences.
The Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project is another development with tourism value, combining transportation with tourism. The project includes ferry services that will facilitate movement between Uyo and Calabar, while the Governor has also approved the remodelling and reconstruction of the Oron Museum. The ARISE Shopping Mall is under construction behind the convention centre to complement the facilities around the Tropicana environment.
The state government has established a full-fledged Hotels and Tourism Development Commission through legislation to strengthen regulation and development of the sector. The government has also engaged a Destination Management Organisation and private-sector partners to drive the Destination Akwa Ibom project, aimed at increasing visitor traffic into the state for tourism and entertainment.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Government has invested in various tourism infrastructure, including the renovation of the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, and the development of the ARISE Palm Resort.
- The government has approved over ₦900 million annually for the maintenance of tourism facilities.
- The state is planning various tourism projects, including the remodelling of the Bridge of No Return, development of the Ibom Creative Village, and development of Ibeno Beach through private-sector partnership.
