Akwa Ibom State Government is targeting automatic direct job opportunities for 2000 indigenes at the onset of the Ibeno Beach Waterfront development project.
The government is also gearing efforts at strategic sponsorship for the development of tourist sites in the State for the benefit of tourists and investors alike.
All these are measures put in place by Governor Umo Eno-led administration towards the development of the Tourism sector of the economy, as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, made these known today in Uyo, while appearing as a Radio Guest on Inspiration105.9fm programme, tagged – Arise Akwa Ibom.
Sir Charles Udoh averred that, with Tourism as a major revenue generation and job creation sector, the government is ploughing all necessary apparatuses and energies towards boosting the sector for its inherent benefits and gains.
He emphasized that there will be automatic employment for 2000 direct workers, with the take-off of the Ibeno Beach Waterfront project by Landmark Africa, in addition to the foreign investment that will be attracted to the State from the project.
The Tourism Commissioner disclosed that, with the limelight now on Akwa Ibom as the Tourism destination of Nigeria, the government is dissipating energies on strategic Sponsorship for the development of tourist sites which dot the landscapes of the state, particularly in Ikot Abasi, Itu, Ibeno and most coastal areas, for the interest of tourists.
He said, already, Akwaibomites in the diaspora have already indicated interest in the development of the Slave Boat confiscated from the Slave masters by the natives of Ifiayong, Nwaniba in Uruan LGA, during the Slave trade era, which has been lying idle at the Marina of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.
Sir Udoh therefore called for collaborative efforts by public-spirited individuals to join the government in developing the rich and vast tourist sites of the State to boost the cultural heritage of Ibom State, with great historical perspectives, in order to shore up the tourism and revenue profile of the State.
Speaking on the gains of the much-expected Christmas Unplugged season 2.0, the Tourism Boss said, the festivity will bolster the local economy, small business owners, hoteliers, taxi drivers, and even participants like the Artists, Choir groups, vendors and others who will benefit from numerous value chain opportunities.
Sir Udoh emphasized that the event will also enhance the tourism profile of the State, confirming Akwa Ibom as a premier tourism destination of Nigeria and Africa at large.
