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The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, on Tuesday, ordered immediate reclamation of all trespassed portions of the 82-hectare landed property acquired for the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre.
The Tropicana Entertainment Centre was started by former governor Godswill Akpabio, now Senate President
Eno gave the directives while undertaking an inspection tour of the theme park, the 14-storey Tropicana hotel building and the 5000-capacity Conference facility at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
The governor, who earlier held a re-evaluation meeting with major contractors on the project, said the visit was informed by his resolve to attend to critical infrastructure that has the potential to grow the state’s economy.
He explained that his drive to reclaim the facility was also in furtherance of his pledge to complete uncompleted 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 all of the vision, what it was all about, how we can link them together and how we can revive it. This can give several thousands of jobs to Akwa Ibomites.
“We’ve been trying to create a theme park at the Udo Udoma Cenotaph but seeing what we have here, why do I need to duplicate? Why do I have to start something new when we have something here we can build on,” he stated.
Eno therefore directed the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong, (retd.) to provide him with the survey plan of the entire land area that was acquired by the government for the project, with the intent to sack trespassers and bring down illegal structures.
He also directed the Ministry of Special Duties to ensure the cleaning of the entire area, and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien, (retd.), to immediately take over the security of the entire facility.
He warned vandals and hoodlums to stay off the facility as the government will not hesitate to prosecute any violator on the facility henceforth.
“This is Akwa Ibom money and so my duty as Governor is to protect the assets of the Government, life and property of the people. The government has sunk in so much money here and so I believe we can look at it.
“For me, what is important, going forward is how we can reclaim this place and make it functional. Behind us is an International Conference Centre. People come here for conferences and conventions. I understand we were named Tourists State of the Year 2023, and when people see your efforts and recognize you for doing something, it means they expect more from you,” Eno added.
In the governor’s team were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Engineer Bassey Okon, the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong (retd), as well as contractors for the project, and consultant.
