Sunday July 5, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
… Says Arise Palm Resort Is a Destination Every Nigerian Can Be Proud Of
By Promzy UMOH
Popular Nollywood actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur Jim Iyke has showered praises on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, after touring the breathtaking Arise Palm Resort, describing the facility as a bold testament to visionary leadership and a major boost for tourism, investment and the creative industry.
Speaking after the tour, the award-winning actor said he has long admired Governor Umo Eno’s leadership style from afar, noting that the governor’s humility, accessibility and people-oriented approach distinguish him as a leader committed to genuine development.
“Governor Umo Eno is somebody I have followed and admired from afar. Every time I see him, he’s full of smiles, he’s engaging with his people, and he’s doing a lot. He has demystified this thing called leadership. That, for me, is one of the greatest qualities of leadership.”
Reacting to what he saw at the resort, Jim Iyke admitted he was overwhelmed by the scale and quality of the development.
“I’m just like every other person seeing this for the first time. I’m totally carried away. What has been created here is incredible.”
He described Arise Palm Resort as a destination that breaks social barriers and creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background.
“This place has collapsed the old notion that world-class destinations are meant for a particular class of people. Anybody, regardless of background, can come here with family and feel part of something bigger. That’s what true development looks like.”
The actor stressed that the resort should not be viewed as an Akwa Ibom project alone but as a national asset capable of attracting tourists, investors and business leaders from across Nigeria and beyond.
“This is not just an Akwa Ibom project; it’s for everyone. If you want to host business partners or create the right atmosphere for meaningful conversations, this is where you bring them. Once they experience this place, they immediately understand that Akwa Ibom is open for business.”
Speaking on the opportunities the resort presents for the film industry, Jim Iyke said facilities of its standard would significantly enhance filmmaking in Nigeria while reducing production costs.
“Today, I produce and executive produce major film projects. We recently completed a big production, and a significant part of the budget went into sourcing locations and creating the right environment. If I had known a place like this existed, it would have made a remarkable difference. Everything a filmmaker needs, the scenery, the ambience and the hospitality, is right here.”
The actor further observed that the resort reflects Governor Umo Eno’s broader vision of positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, business, entertainment and investment, while creating opportunities that extend beyond the state to the benefit of the country.
During the tour, Jim Iyke was accompanied by the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Ph.D., and the Managing Director of Bulletine, who walked him through the resort’s impressive facilities while outlining the government’s vision of positioning Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism and investment destination through the ARISE Agenda.