AKWA IBOM STATE AS AN EMERGING TOURISTS ' DESTINATION CHOICE IN NIGERIA.

+ Njoku Macdonald Obinna

Accra , Republic of Ghana ��

The recently commissioned 21- storey Dakkada Towers by Nigeria's Vice -President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and his official flagg -off for the construction of Dakkada Luxury Estate along Airport Road , Uyo, is a loud testimony that the new Akwa Ibom State under His Excellency, Governor Emmanuel Udom , is leading a generational revolution for high level of infrastructure development and industrialization drive in the state.

The highly impressive signature project , 21 Storey Dakkada Towers, said to be occupied by multi -national companies operating in Nigeria , is a monumental edifice that has added a boost to the tourism potentials of the state given the prospective inflow of foreigners who are coming to Akwa Ibom State for three major reasons : business, toursim and hospitality.

From above, therefore, the potentials of the annual Akwa Ibom Christmas Village came into focus as tour operators from all over Nigeria and beyond had around June, 2021, converged at the prestigious and serene Ibom Icon Resort, at the historical Nwaniba Village , on the outskirts of Uyo for the annual general meeting of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP).

The meeting which brought together proven professionals in the tourism industry from within and outside Nigeria, 4th Estate Reporters gathered, saw potentials unveiled, challenges x -rayed , new targets set, promises and assurances extracted , advice given , hopes kept alive , and dancing skills showcased in the Africa way.

In addition to the social conviviality and cultural diplomacy exchanged among the various visiting countries , places of interests were toured and diverse local cusine enjoyed as the tour operators savoured the serene and beautiful environment of Akwa Ibom State; with relative peace and strong security architecture.

Many flourisng hotels in Akwa Ibom state with a toga of 5 -star, provided a most friendly ambience and conducive atmosphere for intellectuals, the political class and captians of industry to visit for their business meetings , confernces and political retreats as the halls made available by these hotels for multi-purposes are of world class with state of the arts facilities .

With the new level of commitment, adopted new strategies , new approaches , new template, new zeal and unshakable determination by Governor Emmanuel Udom to reposition and boost the tourism sector in Akwa Ibom , the stage is now set for the Dakkada State to take over Africa's tourism sector as its destination choice for tourists visiting Nigeria.

As a new visitor or tourist in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria , the following hotels, their rates and locations should form part of your tourist destination decision making .

Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort -$60, Tropicana Hotel- $100, Cute Villa Hotel and Suites -$70, Albert Suites -$30, Kastrufid Apartments -$80, etc., Other tourist sites are :

Discovery Park , O r o n n oッ Field Museum (Oron Museum), Amalgamation House, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. , Explore the Uyo Nightlife , Ibom Plaza, Uyo , Tropicana Entertainment , Le Meridian Ibom Hotel. , Presybetarian Church, Dog Meat Treat.

Uyo - 'Land of Promise ', has a hive of packaged destination grooves featuring culture , outdoor activities, fine museums , attractions and miles of beaches.
Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, presents a picture of enchanting coastal , mangrove forests, beautiful sand beach resorts and other interesting places tourists can visit for relaxations. Whether an adventure seeker , movie lover, golfer, foodie, shopaholic or collector of random facts, you will find there are so many things to do while visiting Akwa Ibom State.

The postive narrative and trajectory of a booming tourism sector in Akwa Ibom State wouldn't have been possible without a deep mention of the visionary leadership of the uncommon transformation by His Excellency Sen. God'swill Akpabio as then governor of the state; as he laid the foundation for the Dakkada Towers Project , constructed many roads, bridges , schools, and other landmark projects before leaving office in 2015.

Imo State should redefine its tourism sector story for the better as this reporter moves to take a dispassionate and critical look at a number of the moribund tourist sites in the state .

+ Njoku MacDonald Obinna

Media Consultant|News Reporter|PR-Expert

Pulisher,

4thestatereporters

That's nice.Would love to pay a visit one day.

Excellent great lovely state,...