FTAN Unveils Plan To Transform Akwa Ibom Into Tourism Hub

Tourism stakeholders under the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) have unveiled plans to position Akwa Ibom State as a major tourism hub, as part of renewed efforts to diversify the state’s economy away from crude oil dependence.

The stakeholders, who converged at Gladmann Hotel, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, the state capital, said the initiative would deepen private sector participation in tourism and strengthen ongoing efforts to expand the hospitality and leisure ecosystem.

They noted that the development aligns with the economic diversification agenda of Governor Umo Eno and his ARISE Agenda blueprint, particularly in job creation, internally generated revenue and human capital development.

Participants at the forum, drawn from various affiliate associations of FTAN, commended the state government’s investments in key tourism and hospitality assets, describing them as critical foundations for building a sustainable tourism economy.

They cited projects such as the ARISE Park, Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, Ibom Air, as well as heritage and natural sites including the Blue River in Ukanafun, the Mary Slessor historical site and the slave post locations in Ibiono Ibom and Ikot Abasi, as strategic assets capable of attracting both domestic and international visitors.

As part of the initiative, FTAN inaugurated a 10-member State Executive Council (SEC) to serve as implementation ambassadors for the “Destination Akwa Ibom” agenda. The committee is expected to coordinate stakeholders, engage partners and drive investment inflows into the sector.

The committee is led by Mr. Joseph Umoh as Coordinator, with Sunday Otoyo as Deputy Coordinator, Emediong Ebong as Secretary, Obonganwan Mariaterese Adiakpan as Treasurer, and Possibility Akpan as Public Relations Officer.

Other members include Anthony Bassey (Welfare/Protocol), Unwong Ette (Programmes Coordinator), Edima Imara (Financial Secretary) and Idorenyin Essien (Membership Secretary).

Speaking at the inauguration, Umoh described tourism as a structured economic sector rather than a leisure activity, noting that it spans hospitality, culture, business, sports and creative industries.

“Tourism is a strategic business, not merely sightseeing. It is a conglomeration of leisure, hospitality, culture and business activities that cut across multiple value chains,” he said.

He pledged that the committee would work collectively to reposition Akwa Ibom as a competitive destination, stressing the need to create value for visitors, investors and residents.

Also speaking, Mr. Brendan Inyang urged stakeholders to look beyond oil and harness the state’s tourism potential, citing examples of oil-rich countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have successfully diversified into tourism-driven economies.

He said Akwa Ibom already has a strong foundation in tourism infrastructure and security, which the private sector can leverage to attract both local and foreign investment.

“Tourism revolves around the people. Government must provide the enabling environment, but stakeholders must actively drive investment and participation,” he said.

The FTAN Vice President (South-South), Pastor Faith Esohe Essien, also called for collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that the “Destination Akwa Ibom” vision could only succeed through collective action.

According to her, no single institution can achieve the tourism transformation agenda alone without sustained partnerships between government, private investors and industry players.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that with coordinated implementation and sustained investment, Akwa Ibom could emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism and hospitality destinations in the coming years.