Worried by the alarming rate of unemployment and attendant effects on the state economy, 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 making 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 the 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, Charles Udoh, who disclosed this last Wednesday in Uyo, said tourism is a major revenue generation source and job creation avenue and that the state government is exploring 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.
He said, ”With the limelight now on Akwa Ibom as the tourism destination of Nigeria, government is dissipating energies on strategic sponsorship for the development of tourist sites that dot the landscapes of the state, particularly in Ikot Abasi, Itu, Ibeno and most coastal areas, for the interest of tourists”.
According to him, Akwaibomites in the diaspora have indicated interest for 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.
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 Akwa 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 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.
