April 20, (THEWILL) — Governor Umo Eno has positioned Akwa Ibom as an emerging destination in the global tourism market, using the platform of the 2026 World Heritage Day celebration to court international visitors and investors.
Speaking at the event in Uyo, hosted at the Tropicana Event Centre and headlined by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, the governor declared the state. is “ready for the world”, citing cultural assets, infrastructure, and hospitality as competitive advantages.
Represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, Eno framed tourism as a strategic pillar of his administration, pointing to ongoing investments in roads, aviation, healthcare, and leisure.
He highlighted assets such as Ibom Air, the Ibom Hotels, the ARISE Palm Resort, a new International Conference Centre, and the Ibom International Hospital, alongside maritime opportunities in Oron, as part of a broader push to attract global traffic.
The governor anchored his pitch on the state’s cultural capital, describing Akwa Ibom’s heritage as “alive” through indigenous cuisine, music, folklore, and traditional practices. He noted that the state’s month-long end-of-year cultural festival, featuring all 31 local government areas, drew over five million attendees last year, with expectations of a higher turnout in 2026.
In his keynote address, Soyinka warned against what he described as “cultural enslavement,” urging Nigerians to reclaim and freely express their artistic and traditional identities. He stressed that culture remains central to human existence and should not be diminished by external influences.
Earlier, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Anieti Udofia, described Akwa Ibom as secure and tourism-driven, crediting the administration’s support for renewed momentum in the sector.
He added that the World Heritage Day event aligns with global calls to safeguard cultural and natural heritage, particularly in periods of conflict and crisis.
The event featured performances by students of the University of Uyo, cultural exhibitions, and the presentation of awards to winners of the ARISE Youth Storytelling Competition, drawing a cross-section of government officials, traditional leaders, and culture enthusiasts.
