Akwa Ibom experiencing boost, growth in tourism development

Despite the economic recession in the country, tourism in Akwa Ibom has continued to receive a tremendous boost as thousands of fun-seekers gathered at Ibeno and other beaches on Tuesday in the spirit of the Yuletide.

Visitors from across the country also thronged the Women War Museum, Uta Ewa beach, Ebughu fishing terminal and National Museum in Oron.

Most spectacular was the carnival that took place at Ibeno beach where thousands of fun-seekers took time out to celebrate with their families and friends.

Speaking, Mr Effiong Eyina, a member of the organising committee of the carnival, said that tourism was capable of generating huge revenue for the state to develop its developmental projects.

He commended the state government for partnering the organizing committee of the carnival while calling on corporate citizens and other investors to invest in tourism sector.

“All that is needed is the development of a framework by the state government to make the entire state an ultimate tourism destination in Nigeria,’’ Eyina said.

Also speaking, Mr Daniel Godwin, another reveler, said he came to Ibeno beach to catch fun with friends and admire its beauty.

He told NAN that he never thought the beach could have commanded such a large turnout of visitors.

Godwin, a member of a social club said the club had a joint picnic at the beach to celebrate the Yuletide, adding that there was a lot of fun to catch there.

“After doing a lot of humanitarian services to the public during the year, we also created time for ourselves to come here for our happy hour,’’ Godwin said.

Another fun-seeker, Mr Uyoata Udoh, said he came to the beach for recreation and to enjoy himself after a long working period.

“I came here with my co-staff to catch fun and enjoy the allurement of the Yuletide,’’ he said.

Udoh urged fun-seekers to visit tourist sites with their families and friends to enjoy themselves, especially, during Yuletide season because it comes once in a year.

“I think visiting the beach and other enticing sites in the company with ones families and friends is a good recreation for the people.

A tourist, Mr Okonkwo Ebu, said he came to confirm the history of Nigeria as recorded through museum in pictures and archives.

He said he was at the National Museum in Oron with his family to educate his children on the history of the country and to also recreate with his family.

NAN during a visit to the National Museum in Oron observed that it was filled with visitors and fun-seekers playing beach ball, volley ball and swimming.