Akwa Ibom
Ibom International Hotel: From Commonwaste To Commonwealth
Ibom International Hotel: From Commonwaste To Commonwealth
Ibom International Hotel: from commonwaste to commonwealth. On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, after returning from the flag-off ceremony for the ARISE Youth Friendly Center in Nsit Ubium, I decided to make a brief stopover at the Tropicana Mall on Udoudoma Avenue to pick up some groceries.
As I exited the mall, my ears were pricked by the sibilance of heavy construction work at the Ibom International Hotel, located less than 400 meters within the 82-hectares of the Tropicana complex.
Drawn by curiosity, I skirted around the mall to the construction site. It was a busy hive of industry, swarming with haulage trucks, day laborers, engineers, and safety professionals in reflective gear.
And towering over it all was the gigantic 14-storey hotel building, wrapped in skeletal scaffolding. A few men as little as birds, perched on the steel framework, while a massive crane arched close to the building.
For over 15 years, this 200-room, abandoned 14-storey hotel stood in infamy, with its massive grey concrete and sun-bleached blue glass dominating that end of the city skyline like a menacing tombstone.
As I inched closer to the site, the warm golden glow of the evening sun caught a male laborer idling in front of me. Not more than 35 years old, he seemed much like he might have been molded from the dust of the site. His dark skin and face and hair were coated in pale grit.
There were countless others like him at the site. Perhaps a hundred, both male and female.
But Mr Alade, the admin officer disagreed with the figure the moment I sat in his air-conditioned container cabin to discuss it.
There are 320 workers here on any given day,” he said matter-of-factly. “And upon completion, the hotel is expected to add a significant number of jobs to the 3,000 jobs projected for the Ibom Tropicana complex.”
“That’s impressive.” I replied “The governor seems quite impressed by the pace of work in the hotel the last time he visited. When is the project expected to be completed?” I prodded.
He did not hesitate. “Well, barring force majeure or other unforeseen circumstances, this project would be ready for commissioning in eight months.”
I made a mental note. “That’s May, 2026?”
“Absolutely”. He said.
“Including the landscaping and all?”
Sensing my anxiety, he arched his head backward in a smile. The construction site was a vast, chaotic mountain of debris and craters filled with muddy water.
“Quite soon, the landscaping will begin.” He assured. “And when it’s completed, the result will be as picture perfect as what you see in the model,” he said, pointing to the picture of the hotel model on the wall. I took a few pictures.
I left the site feeling a warm, satisfying sense of pride. Governor Umo Eno had resurrected a dream everyone had written off. By mustering the political will to pull this off barely two years into office, he has definitively rejected the corrosive culture of abandoning the previous administration’s projects and set a new template for those to come after him.
A couple of years back, the Tropicana project was labeled a white elephant and impossible to actualize by not a few prominent voices in the state. And it’s debatable whether or not their fears were justified.
The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in one of his live interactive sessions with the media acknowledged the project was non-viable. But despite his observation, the forward-thinking governor, to his credit, pressed on and completed the Tropicana Mall, one of the key components of the project.
Where Mr Emmanuel expressed cautious skepticism about Tropicana project, Arc, (Obong) Victor Attah, Godswill Akpabio’s predecessor, was emphatic in his condemnation as soon as it was conceptualized. He noted that the project raised environmental concerns, structural concerns and even siting concerns.

Ibom International Hotel
Not given to repressing his opinion on topical issues, he had written a lengthy letter to that effect to then-Governor Godswill Akpabio who, as it turned out, did not think he was deserving of such a letter. What followed was a media blitzkrieg against Obong Attah which eventually birthed the famous rebuttal from the media handlers of then governor “What does Attah really want?”
This honest recollection is not intended to stir strife, exhume contentious issues surrounding the 16-year-old project, or insinuate that Godswill Akpabio’s vision was faulty. Its purpose is simply to provide a brief backdrop to the project’s unfolding story.
As a matter of fact, dwelling on past conflicts serves no purpose, not with Governor Umo Eno at the helm of affairs. He is a conciliator, a unifier, and a peacemaker, the one charged with the ministry of reconciliation.
“We have resolved to put the past behind us. We have structures on 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 them.
This is Akwa Ibom money and so my duty as Governor is to protect the assets of Government, life and property of the people. 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. This project when completed will provide thousands of jobs to Akwa Ibom people “ the governor said.
Beyond the 200 rooms Ibom International Hotel, which lies within the 82-hectare Tropicana complex, work has progressed significantly on the Ibom International Conference Center. Furthermore, the Ibom Shopping City has been approved, with work set to commence soon.
It is worth recalling that Governor Umo Eno has consistently demonstrated ability to convert our commonwaste to commonwealth. Evidence abound.
The Arise Recreational Park for instance, which was given birth to on a ravine is transforming into a world class resort facility with completion date set for December 2025.
Akwa Ibom
Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars
Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.
The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.
The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the state’s overall development.
She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.
“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.
“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”
Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.
She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.
She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.
Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the government’s commitment to worker’s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.
She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that worker’s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the government’s favourable policies.
He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.
Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.
He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.
“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.
James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ interest.
He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.
He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom Governor
In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.
They also acknowledged his administration’s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.
Akwa Ibom
NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community
NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community
A routine flight turned into an unforgettable moment in Nsit Ibom as Nigeria marked Workers’ Day. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) demonstrated its people-focused service during a routine liaison mission within the Niger Delta area.
While en route on the mission, the crew executed a precautionary landing at a primary school football field in Nsit Ibom LGA, in line with standard safety procedures.
The unexpected arrival of the helicopter transformed the quiet community space into a scene of excitement, drawing children and youths from Afaha Abia and Ikot Obio Asanga villages, many witnessing a military helicopter up close for the first time. What began as a routine mission quickly evolved into a meaningful moment of connection and inspiration.
Eereporter.com
Seizing the opportunity, NAF personnel engaged warmly with the young audience, sharing insights into career pathways and emphasizing the values of discipline, service, and patriotism. The interaction ignited hope and aspiration among the youths, with several expressing a desire to join the Service.

NAF
Seamless coordination between Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army personnel, alongside the warm reception by community leaders, further reinforced the strong bond between the military and the people.
Following necessary aviation procedures, the helicopter safely departed and has since returned to base, leaving behind more than just a story, it sparked hope, pride, and stands as a powerful testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana
Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana
Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Eereporter.com
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.

Ibom Air
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”
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