National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM |
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has ordered the immediate reclamation of all encroached portions of the 82-hectare property acquired for the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, as he moves to complete the unfinished parts of the facility.
Governor Eno made this announcement during an inspection tour of the theme park, the 14-storey Tropicana Hotel building, and the 5,000-capacity conference facility at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
After holding a re-evaluation meeting with major contractors on the project, the Governor stated that his visit was motivated by his commitment to attend to critical infrastructure that has the potential to grow the state’s economy.
He noted that reclaiming the facility aligns with his pledge to complete projects initiated by previous administrations and make them functional.
“We have resolved to put the past behind us. We have structures on the ground.
What I’m doing now is to see the entire vision, understand what it was all about, how we can link them together, and how we can revive it. This can create several thousand jobs for Akwa Ibomites,” he said.
Governor Eno questioned the need to create a new theme park at the Udo Udoma Cenotaph when an existing facility could be built upon.
He directed the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong (rtd.), to provide him with the survey plan of the entire land area acquired for the project.
According to him, this will enable the eviction of trespassers and the demolition of illegal structures.
Additionally, he instructed the Ministry of Special Duties to ensure the area is cleaned, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (rtd.), to immediately take over the security of the entire facility.
The Governor warned vandals and hoodlums to stay away, stating that the government will prosecute any violators henceforth.
“This is Akwa Ibom’s money, and my duty as Governor is to protect the assets of the government and the life and property of the people.
The government has invested significant funds here, and I believe we can reclaim and make this place functional. Behind us is an International Conference Centre. People come here for conferences and conventions.
We were named the Tourist State of the Year 2023, and when people recognize your efforts, they expect more from you,” Governor Eno added
