Akwa Ibom begins turnaround rehabilitation of Ibom Plaza ahead festive season

Akwa Ibom has commenced the renovation and rehabilitation of Ibom Plaza, a relaxation park within the city centre in Uyo, the state capital ahead of the festive season.

The plaza built during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah between 1999 and 2007 has suffered neglect and had lost its lure as a leisure spot in the state capital.

When completed, it will add to the beauty of the state, known for its consistency in winning awards as the cleanest state in the country, according to observers.

To underscore the importance of the renovation work, Governor Umo Eno inspected the site which has an amphitheatre, relaxation spots and a big screen for movies and football matches.

He said the ongoing renovation work will enhance the aesthetics of the plaza for people to visit for relaxation as was conceptualised, adding that facilities like the amphitheatre and the live size television screen will be upgraded and provided to enliven the place.

“We have a master plan for this city centre that we have put together but it won’t be launched now. For now, we must make it a park, restored to its original status with all its facilities– the amphitheatre, the TV screen, and others,” he added.

According to the governor, his administration is putting machinery in motion to take the State to a higher level in tourism development, expressing hope that the State will catch up with renowned tourist destinations across the globe, and enjoined citizens and residents to tailor their public narrations about the state in good light.

Read also: After much public outcry, road rehabilitation within Uyo metropolis set to begin

He called on everyone to join hands to market the State positively, saying, “while we are putting in our best efforts to build and boost our tourism ecosystem, please don’t demarket the state.

“In most clime, it is the citizens who are proudly telling the visitors about the beauty and greatness of their States or countries.

“We must desist from running down our state or our country because we don’t have any other state other than this Akwa Ibom.

“If we are from this state, we must do everything to make sure we market our state positively. If at all you want to draw government’s attention to any issue, there are better ways of doing that than putting the entire State in bad light,” he said.

He directed the contractor to speed up the project execution so that the plaza can be put to use latest December 23 or 24, 2025.

“The Plaza should be open to the public for use while renovation works could still be going on in other parts of the facility.

“We are getting experienced contractors to get this place adequately fixed up. This is the city centre. I want to see it being lit 24 hours with Christmas lightings during this season.

“Personnel from Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and from Uyo Capital City Development Agency, UCCDA, with effective security vehicle and gadgets, must be stationed here to take charge of the place,” he ordered.

Observers say the restoration of the original status of the plaza would go a long way in creating a healthy avenue for leisure and relaxation as the state is set to witness an influx of tourists during the festive season.

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