Taking cognizance of the potentialities of tourism in creating employment and its high-yield revenue capability, the administration of Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is set to give the sector a new face.
The Director of Administration, Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Mr. Anthony Isonguyo, divulged this to newsmen while taking them round the Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, and Ibom Plaza both in Uyo local government area on Monday, 26th June, 2023.
Flanked by Head of Departments and other senior staff of the Ministry, Mr. Isonguyo, who is officially covering duties as the Permanent Secretary, while speaking at the Unity Park made some startling revelations.
Hear him: “Christmas Village is just a component of what we call Ibom Christmas Celebrations. Under Ibom Christmas Celebrations we have, the Ibeno beach Carnival, we have a celebration where the Father Christmas move around and give our children gifts, we have exhibitions and a whole lot of celebrations.
“So, by the special grace of God, we believe the Governor is looking at bringing all these components of the Ibom Christmas Celebrations and by God’s grace, this year’s Christmas village will be huge.
The Unity park which was initiated and put together by the administration of ex-Governor Victor Attah, sits on 11 hectares of land. It has the museum, park, massive arena, VIP toilets and others.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has frowned at the sanitation management and other activities carried out at the Ibom Plaza in Uyo.
Located a few kilometers away from the Government House, Ibom Plaza is a tourist paradise, sitting in center of the beautiful and culturally rich Uyo city. It was designed by the Attah administration in 2001 and the plaza features a sitting arena modeled in line with the gothic Greco-Roman arena with a giant amphitheater screen for football and sports enthusiasts beamed through satellite.
The plaza has lockup shops, car parks and open area for events.
According to Mr. Anthony Isonguyo, who is a member, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (MCIPM), the purpose of the on the spot assessment was to have a first hand information and report same to the State Chief Executive.
Isonguyo emphatically stated that, with the Governor’s A R I S E agenda, Akwa Ibom State and its tourism sector will become like a cynosure of all eyes.
