Gov. Eno’s weekly review: Reinvigorating our tourism centres, touching lives at Christmas

You and Your Governor with Solomon Essiet

Writing about what Governor Eno is doing during the Christmas week is fun. The reason is simple: this is a man who is an unrepentant giver, giving at every opportunity. So, at Christmas, Governor Eno gave to all the 2,664 gazetted villages in Akwa Ibom State.

The excitement among Akwa Ibom people knows no bounds. It is indeed a pleasure bringing this report to you. Some of the Governor’s activities during the week under review include the following:

Governor Eno attended a Christmas dinner event at the Marina Waterfront, Nwaniba, on Sunday, December 21; celebrated with Sir Monday Ebong Uko on his birthday on Tuesday, December 23; and visited the ARISE Palm Resort for an unscheduled inspection on Tuesday, December 23.

He reopened the new Ibom Plaza for Christmas celebrations on Tuesday, December 23; worshipped at All Nations Christian Ministries International on Thursday, December 25; and felicitated with Prelate Isaiah Isong on his birthday on Friday, December 26.

Governor Eno also identified with Isantim Kenneth Okon on his birthday on Friday, December 26, and hosted Akwa Ibom people at a “Governor’s Day Celebration” at his country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, on Friday, December 26.

Matters Arising
During the week, Governor Eno visited two tourist sites in Uyo, the state capital. The first was the Marina Waterfront along Nwaniba, where the Governor had earlier discovered its potential to host a major dinner event.

In his characteristic manner, he directed officials working on the development of the state’s tourism potential to prepare the site for a Christmas dinner. The Governor’s vision for the Marina Waterfront was well interpreted, and on Sunday, December 21, 2025, a Christmas dinner event was successfully held at the facility.

According to the Governor, plans are underway to replicate what is happening at the Oron Jetty at the Marina Waterfront, in a move to reposition it as another tourist centre in the state. Until one visits Akwa Ibom State, one may not realize that, just like Lagos Marina, Akwa Ibom also has a comparably posh area known as the Marina Waterfront.

With plans to reinvigorate the centre, Akwa Ibom State is gradually becoming one of the leading states with exciting tourist locations in Nigeria.

The second tourist centre visited was the newly renovated Ibom Plaza. The Governor did not just visit; he officially commissioned the facility on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. This has afforded Akwa Ibom people the opportunity to use Ibom Plaza once again.

Ibom Plaza was constructed by a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, about 25 years ago. It was a beauty to behold and home to several entertainers and fun seekers—very conducive and suitable for relaxation.

Over time, however, the facility suffered considerable neglect and became a shadow of its former self. Area boys, pickpockets, and phone snatchers took over the plaza with nefarious activities, turning the vision of the former Governor into a nightmare.

It took Governor Eno—a man committed to connecting the dots of development across Akwa Ibom State—to revisit and renovate Ibom Plaza for the benefit of the people.

Today, life has returned to the city centre that once suffered abandonment. For safety around the facility, Governor Eno has also built a police station at Ibom Plaza to guarantee the safety of visitors.
Watch out as Akwa Ibom State overtakes major tourism cities around the world.

The Akwa Ibom State Government is placing tourism first as a dependable sector capable of improving internally generated revenue. Akwa Ibom State is indeed rising.

Governor’s Day Christmas Celebration
It was a unique Christmas celebration at Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, as Governor Umo Eno hosted guests to a special event spiced with scintillating performances by popular music artistes, including Flavour and Disasta.

The wonderful display of talent by the different artistes kept many guests dancing for a greater part of the event.
The Governor, who displayed various dance steps alongside members of his Executive Council, National Assembly members, State House of Assembly members, captains of industry, and other political stalwarts, expressed delight at the large turnout.

Speaking through the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, he said it was a joy to host a special Christmas celebration, a tradition that dates back long before his emergence as Governor.

The Governor, a seasoned entrepreneur, also used the occasion to empower indigenes of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area selected across all wards with business support grants of ₦500,000 each.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated attendees and urged them to remain committed to peace and unity in the state, while supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Akwa Ibom State Government.

The celebration attracted members of the political class, captains of industry, friends, indigenes of the area, and various performing artistes.

More on the New Ibom Plaza
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed plans to further beautify the Ibom Plaza in Uyo in line with the tourism vision of the ARISE Agenda.

Speaking at the reopening of the remodelled plaza, he commended the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Anietie Eka, and his team for meeting the set target, stressing that the best was yet to come.

“We needed to reclaim the plaza and make it a place where we can all gather like a city square to watch movies, football, and other forms of entertainment.

I want to thank the Chairman of UCCDA for working day and night to fix this place, along with his workers. The best is yet to come.

As we move forward, we are developing a master plan for this plaza. I can already envision a flyover and other befitting facilities around here.”

The Governor appreciated the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, for approving a security outpost at the plaza to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Let us make this a place of peace. The plaza will open by 7 a.m. and close at 12 midnight. That is why gates have been installed. Anyone found within the premises after closing hours will be arrested. We will not allow miscreants here. This is what our father, Architect Victor Attah, envisaged.”

He noted that the facility, especially the restrooms, would be professionally maintained, adding that UCCDA would continue to oversee maintenance.

The Governor reiterated his commitment to tourism development and appreciated everyone for attending the event.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, commended the Governor for restoring Ibom Plaza to its former glory, describing the renovation as a creative initiative aligned with the urban renewal vision of Arc. Obong Victor Attah.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, described the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that the administration has redefined governance through deliberate remodelling and renewal initiatives that strengthen cultural development and reposition the state as a tourism destination.

In an overview of the project, Rt. Hon. Anietie Eka highlighted the stages of deterioration that once turned the plaza into a den of criminals and appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise. He outlined innovations including art galleries, a security outpost with two Hilux trucks, a large LED screen for entertainment, and solar-powered lighting across the plaza.

This brings the curtain down on this week’s edition of “You and Your Governor.”

Until next week, when I return with more exciting news from the Governor’s Office.
Stay with me.

Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State