…ARISE Palm Resort Set for Unveiling in December
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s administration to delivering purposeful and impactful governance through the systematic implementation of the ARISE Agenda.
Speaking on Friday, October 31, 2025, during the October edition of the Monthly Media Interactive Briefing held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Umanah outlined major milestones achieved by the administration across key sectors.
He announced that preparations were in top gear for the official unveiling of the ARISE Palm Resort, a flagship project designed as a world-class tourism and leisure destination that will boost Akwa Ibom’s hospitality infrastructure, attract investors, and position the state as a leading travel and business hub in West Africa.
“The ARISE Palm Resort reflects Governor Umo Eno’s vision of a diversified economy anchored on tourism, rural development, and sustainable enterprise,” the Commissioner said.
Umanah highlighted other notable achievements within the review period, including:
- Restoration of night flight operations at the Victor Attah International Airport following the upgrade of navigational aids and lighting systems;
- Upward review of health workers’ allowances and continued recruitment drives under the declared State of Emergency in the health sector;
- Inspection of the CNG Mass Transit Bus Terminal project along the new stadium road in Uyo, featuring a gas station, training school, and maintenance workshop; and
- Approval for upgrading the Akwa Ibom State College of Education to a University of Education, underscoring the government’s emphasis on human capital development.
He also disclosed that Governor Eno had signed into law a ₦695 billion supplementary budget, raising the total 2025 budget to ₦1.65 trillion, and approved ₦60 billion for contractors to accelerate road construction and rehabilitation ahead of the dry season.
Umanah added that the administration had launched a Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centre to promote merit-based civil service recruitment and repositioned the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) as a stand-alone agency under the Office of the Secretary to the State Government to drive palm oil production and rural wealth creation.
In the area of youth and creative development, the Commissioner announced the flag-off of Youth-Friendly Centres across all 31 local government areas and revealed plans for the Ibom Creative Village, a purpose-built hub for film, music, fashion, and digital innovation.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, also announced that the 2025 edition of Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged, a 32-day festival of music, cuisine, art, and culture, will hold from December 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, at Unity Park (Christmas Village), Uyo. He added that the ARISE Palm Resort is expected to be officially unveiled in December as part of the festive tourism rollout.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerette Udoh, and the Chairman of the State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mrs. Ime Udo, also provided updates on ongoing programmes and reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining international best practices in the hospitality sector.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John, commended the Commissioner for sustaining the monthly media briefings, describing them as a vital platform for deepening engagement between the government and the media.
The event was attended by Permanent Secretary, Akparawa James Edet; Director-General of AKBC, Mrs. Imaobong Udo; SSA to the Governor on Local Media, Mr. Amos Etuk; SA on Ethical Orientation, Dr. Osondu Ahirika; and several media representatives across the state.
