GOVERNOR ENO VOWS TO REVIVE IBOM TROPICANA, CONDEMNS WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS
Governor Umo Eno has pledged to breathe new life into the long-abandoned Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Complex, vowing that his administration will not allow such massive public investments to waste. During an unscheduled inspection of the site over the weekend, the governor expressed dismay at the state of disrepair and called the situation a glaring example of mismanaged resources. He described the complex as a critical asset to Akwa Ibom’s tourism, conference, and hospitality sectors and said that revitalizing it would be a top priority.
Accompanied by key aides and civil engineers, Governor Eno noted that although some components of the project, such as the cinema and mall, have shown signs of commercial use, many others — including the International Conference Centre, luxury hotel, and theme park — remain dormant. He stressed the need to adopt a more practical and sustainable strategy, revealing plans to partner with private investors to complete and operate various segments of the complex through a public-private partnership framework.
The governor also emphasized the role of facilities like Ibom Tropicana in positioning the state as a hub for digital economy growth and international events. He defended his decision to carry out surprise inspections, noting that it allows him to witness projects in their true state without prior staging by officials. He urged contractors, public servants, and stakeholders to focus on results and ensure the people of Akwa Ibom benefit directly from government expenditures. His comments have reignited debate on state project execution and the legacies of past administrations.
