By George Bassey

GROWING up, the only tourist attraction in Nigeria given global recognition was Yankari Games Reserve of Bauchi State in the north eastern region of the country. However, poor management over the years made it lose its appeal and rating.

Despite huge investments at revamping the reserve by successive administrations in the state: Adamu Mu’azu (1999-2007) and Muhammed Abubakar (2015-2019), Yankari as it is fondly called, is still struggling at reclaiming its old status as increased level of insecurity which has plagued the North East region of the country continues to cause a huge risk to this tourist destination. Sadly, the huge investments on the facility have become challenged at recouping.

Other sites, national parks and forest reserves such as Olumo Rock, Ikogosi Waterfalls, Erin-Ijesa Hills and Obudu Cattle Ranch which could have retained a spot for Nigeria on global tourism map have also suffered poor management, infrastructural deficit, mundane practice, unconducive environment and insecurity.

In an extremely impressive demonstration of forward thinking, the Udom Emmanuel-led administration established Ibom Air not being unmindful that tourism thrives on aviation as it is the most important investment towards attaining enormous tourism strength with huge economic benefits as evident with countries like Kenya, Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates.

Nature had prepared Akwa Ibom for the new ambition with its apt description as Nigeria’s best-kept secret treasure and a land of promise from testimonies garnered across the public.

Some also describe it as a piece of God’s own real estate carefully hidden at the bottom of the map of the country, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and providing a strategic gateway for the country to any part of the world.

One can say Akwa Ibom State is the safest place in the country defined by beautiful scenery all through the stretch of the geographic boundaries, and the people remain the best resource of the land: they are industrious, intelligent and remarkably hospitable. You must agree these are the much-needed attributes for a great tourist destination.

In preparation for its new status, the State’s House of Assembly passed a Bill to establish the State Tourism, Arts and Culture Endowment Fund, AKSTACEF, into law.

A commitment that will dedicate funds to the repairs of major tourist attractions across the state and promote new ones. When Governor Emmanuel assents to it, there will be no shortage of funds and will to maintain historical and tourist sites such as the Amalgamation House at Ikot Abasi, the residence of Lord Lugard, the colonial governor who amalgamated the northern and southern protectorates in 1914,  and Oron National Museum and Beach towards positioning the state for tourism growth.

In furtherance of this ambition, the Akwa Ibom State government has affirmed it shall be issuing certificate to some 5000 tourism companies with the aim of onboarding and validating their operations in the state tourism sector.

With the activation of the Tourism Information Desk at the state-owned Ibom Airport, tourists will have guides to facilitate to the iconic sites and monuments. It is expected that this will provide the needed information to all travellers and tourists coming into the state thus stimulating local business patronage, macro and micro economic stimulation.

The governor’s commitment to promoting more locations such as Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the 21-storey Smart Building, Ibom Golf Course and other heritage sites speak to the importance placed on tourism for the edutainment pleasure of visitors and indigenes alike.

 It also reiterates the potential impact and value such initiatives have on the local economy and prosperity of the state whilst getting the country back on the world tourism map with the State.

Indeed, this agenda is also well supported through the mobilisation of residents across the state irrespective of ethnic, political and religious sentiments further anchored by the Peace Maintenance Movement formed by Emmanuel Enoidem, a lawyer.

Enoidem through the pan-Akwa Ibom movement has been mobilising citizens on the need to preserve the enviable peace within the state through civil and hospitable interactions as contribution to the success of the current administration.

Without a doubt, Ibomites are also not unmindful of the personal and economic growth the industrialisation agenda and quest for global recognition as a tourist destination avails them for which they are ready to play host to the rest of the world through their cuisines, friendliness and warmth.

According to Ekerete Ifiok a Tourism and hospitality sector stakeholder, Ibomites have elected to preserve the Udom Emmanuel’s legacy through their resolve to maintain peace, as Tourism only thrives where there is serenity.