All Is Set For Stakeholders’ Roundtable On Tourism Development In A’Ibom Tomorrow

All is set for the Private Sector Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the future of tourism in Akwa Ibom State, scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo.

About 200 stakeholders, including investors, hoteliers, transport operators, government officials, academics, and media practitioners, are expected to converge for the one-day dialogue aimed at birthing an integrated tourism ecosystem and a framework to track implementation beyond the event.

In a joint press statement, Obong Daniel Udoh, Chairman, Nigeria Hotels Association, NHA, Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Sir Joseph Umoh, Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter; and Amb. Usen Udoh, Chairman/CEO, Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd. and Consultant to the project, affirmed that the Roundtable is a deliberate effort to back the State government in its efforts to reposition Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s leading tourism and hospitality destination.

The event is also designed to complement the massive tourism and hospitality investments being driven under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.

By addressing the theme, “Repositioning Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination,” and the tagline, “Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom,” the summit establishes a clear objective, which is converting the state’s untapped potential into active investments, high-yield performance, and measurable economic growth.

Related: Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom: Inside the Private Sector’s Bold Shift On Tourism Development

The keynote speaker at the event will be High Chief Edem Duke, former Hon. Minister of Tourism, Culture, and National Orientation; the Chairman on the occasion will be Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Secretary to State Government, Akwa Ibom State; the Guest of Honour will be DIG Udom U. Ekpoudom (Rtd), Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council, University of Calabar, while the Moderator will be Mr. Etim Etim, veteran journalist & Media Consultant.

The panellists are Sir Charles Udoh, Tourism & Hospitality Management Expert, Brand Architect and Author; Prof. Bassey Benjamin Esu, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Calabar; Dr Nkereuwem David Edemekong, Historian, University of Uyo; Mr Nkereuwem Onung, CEO RemLord Tours/NATOP BOT Chairman/HSA Tourism to Gov. Eno; Mr Ini Akpabio, CEO Nanet Group; and Mrs Faith Esohe Essien, Travel & Tourism Executive, Educationist and Vice President, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, South-South.

Key areas of discussion at the roundtable are destination branding, tourism investment, hospitality standards, business and events tourism, community participation, youth and women entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism.

The organisers stressed that while Akwa Ibom is blessed with hospitality infrastructure, cultural heritage, cuisine, and improved aviation connectivity, the next phase must focus on organisation, marketing, and monetisation.

“The time has come to transition Destination Akwa Ibom from potential to performance. Tourism must be developed as a viable economic sector capable of attracting visitors, investment, and events, increasing visitor expenditure, creating employment, and generating sustainable opportunities for local businesses and communities,” the statement read.

The Roundtable is expected to produce a collaborative action plan and working committees to drive implementation.