Guardian Nigeria
Akwa Ibom State Government has stated its readiness for strategic partnership in the tourism industry for the development and growth of the sector in the state.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, disclosed this at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo, during the inauguration of the South/South Executive Council of BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo, Delta) Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative, BTPDI.
Udoh averred that with the friendly disposition of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, towards tourism development, the state was opened to strategic collaboration with valuable actors and practitioners in the industry, especially with the vast range of the sector.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Grace Akpan, the Culture and Tourism Commissioner said the choice of Akwa Ibom for the auspicious South/South Tourism event was apt, as the state ranks top in the zone in tourism, especially with the recent tourism awards won by the state government, the governor, Eno, the Commissioner himself, Udoh and indigenes of the state at the recently concluded 10th Wonder of the World Tourism Expo held at Lagos.
He congratulated the organisers of the event, led by Prof Bassey Esu, for the successful outing and also the just inaugurated S/S BRACED Exco Council led by Mrs Ifiokobong Akan of House of Bourah, for emerging as the tourch-bearer to join in the development of tourism in the state, the zone and the country at large.
The commissioner, who described tourism as a high revenue-spinner used in oiling the economy of most developed countries, expressed optimism that with friendly policies and commitment of government, tourism would flourish in Akwa Ibom State.
Goodwill messages were presented by the Director General, BRACED Commission, Amb Joe Keshi, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola, the Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa State Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, Mrs Tonye Koroye, the Chairman of the State Hotels and Tourism Board, Sir Iniobong Akpabio, the State President of the Institute of Tourism Practitioners, Bren Inyang, a former Chairman of Uruan LGA, Mr. Tony Akan and the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, BOT, South/South BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative, BTPDI, Mr. Usen Udo.
Present at the occasion were: a former Commissioner for Information, Prince Chris Abasieyo and Directors of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, including: the Director, Culture, Mr John Offiong, Director, Administration, Mr. Mfon Udokang and Director, Art, Dr (Mrs) Iniobong Umotong, among others.
