By: Nwakaji Martins
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared the government’s unwavering dedication to the completion of the abandoned Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre situated on Udo Udoma Road.
During an extensive examination of the deteriorated site, Governor Eno also mandated the immediate reclamation of 82 hectares of encroached land that was originally procured for the project.
After conducting a thorough re-evaluation meeting with the project’s contractors, the governor inspected various facilities within the site, including the theme park, the 14-story Tropicana hotel building, and the 5,000-capacity conference hall.
The governor elucidated that this visit was prompted by his administration’s strong commitment to prioritizing vital infrastructure projects that have the potential to enhance the state’s economy. This decision is in line with his pledge to finalize incomplete projects passed down from previous administrations.
“We are determined to move forward from the past. The groundwork has been laid. My current task is to evaluate the original vision, comprehend its elements, and devise a strategy for its revival. This project has the capacity to generate employment opportunities for thousands of Akwa Ibom residents, “Governor Eno articulated.
He further questioned the necessity of commencing a new theme park at the Udo Udoma Cenotaph when the existing facility could be rejuvenated.
To this effect, the governor instructed the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong (rtd.), to furnish a survey plan of the acquired land. This action will facilitate the expulsion of trespassers and illegal structures.
Moreover, the Ministry of Special Duties was assigned the responsibility of clearing the area, while the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien (rtd.), was tasked with overseeing security at the site. Governor Eno issued a stern warning to vandals and criminals, emphasizing that any further encroachments would be met with legal action.
“This is the money of Akwa Ibom, and it is my obligation to protect government assets as well as the lives and property of the people. Significant investments have been made by the government here, and it is imperative that we safeguard them,” he affirmed.
