Arise Agenda: Umo Eno’s Tourism Revolution Enters “Season of Harvest” – Sir Charles Udoh
By Godwin Edet
The Delivery Adviser to the Governor on Tourism and Managing Director of the Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort, Sir Charles Udoh, has declared that Akwa Ibom State is presently witnessing a “season of harvest” in the tourism sector, following strategic investments and policy interventions under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
Speaking as a guest on Arise Update, a radio programme dedicated to highlighting the achievements of the state government, Udoh commended the governor’s visionary leadership, describing the administration’s focus on tourism as a deliberate “state of emergency” aimed at repositioning Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for leisure, business and investment.
“I need to give His Excellency, Pst. Umo Eno PhD, his flowers for declaring a state of emergency in the tourism sector,” Udoh stated. “The governor understands the enormous potential of tourism and has demonstrated uncommon commitment towards unlocking it.”
The tourism expert highlighted the ongoing development of the state-owned hospitality infrastructure, particularly the ambitious expansion of the Ibom Hotels and Convention Centre.
According to him, beyond the proposed ultra-modern 200-room hotel facility, the project also includes a world-class 5,000-capacity convention centre designed to host major international conferences and events.
Related: A Tourism Revolution is Quietly Unfolding in Akwa Ibom State – Sir Charles Udoh
“The Ibom Hotels and Convention Centre is not just another project; it is a statement of intent. The 5,000-capacity convention centre will position Akwa Ibom to host the world and become a hub for conferences, exhibitions and business tourism,” he said.
Udoh further revealed that Governor Eno personally chairs the State Tourism Committee meetings, a development he described as a testament to the governor’s deep interest and hands-on approach to the growth of the industry.
“I am privileged to be a member of the State Tourism Committee, and I can tell you that the governor pays keen attention to every detail concerning the tourism industry. He understands that tourism is not an accidental sector; it thrives on deliberate planning and strategic investments,” he added.
The former Tourism Commissioner noted that no tourism economy can thrive without functional gateways, stressing that the administration has invested heavily in transportation infrastructure by opening up air, land and sea routes to facilitate the movement of people and investments.
“You cannot talk about tourism without opening the major gateways, which are the air, the land and the seas. You also need quality road infrastructure to usher in investors and tourists,” he said.
As part of efforts to unlock the state’s blue economy and coastal tourism potential, Udoh disclosed that the state government has acquired two ferries, one of which is capable of transporting vehicles, while the other is a fully air-conditioned luxury ferry designed for passenger comfort.
He added that the newly constructed jetty in Oron has become a major tourist attraction and has significantly reduced travel time between Akwa Ibom and neighbouring Calabar.
“With the new jetty in Oron, you can get to Calabar in about 30 minutes. That is transformative and opens up immense opportunities for tourism and commerce,” he noted.
On the aviation sector, Udoh described Ibom Air as “the best airline in Nigeria,” noting that the carrier’s expansion into international routes and the ongoing construction of an Aviation Village further underscore the administration’s long-term vision.
“Today, Ibom Air is the best airline in Nigeria. The airline has commenced international operations, and the government is also constructing an Aviation Village. How else do you define visionary leadership?” he asked.
Industry stakeholders have continued to describe the ARISE Agenda’s investments in hospitality, transportation and infrastructure as a strategic move capable of transforming Akwa Ibom into one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism and investment destinations.
With sustained investments in aviation, marine transportation, road infrastructure and hospitality facilities, analysts say the state may indeed be entering what Sir Charles Udoh aptly describes as the “season of harvest” in its tourism sector.
