By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has ordered the immediate reclamation of all trespassed portions of the 82- hectare landed property acquired for the Multi Billion Naira Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre.
The order is one of the major moves he has initiated to complete the moribund and uncompleted parts of the facility.
Eno gave the indication while undertaking an inspection tour of the theme park, the 14 – storey Tropicana hotel building and the 5000 – capacity Conference facility at the complex yesterday in Uyo.
The Governor who had earlier held a re-evaluation meeting with major contractors on the project, said the visit was informed by his resolve to attend to critical infrastructure that have potentials to grow the State’s economy.
He explained that his drive to reclaim the facility was also in furtherance of his pledge to complete uncompleted projects initiated by previous administrations and make them functional.
“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 it. This can give several thousands of jobs to Akwa Ibomites.
“We’ve been trying to create a theme park at the Udo Udoma Cenotaph but seeing what we have here, why do I need to duplicate? Why do I have to start something new when we have something here we can build on.” He stated.
Eno therefore directed the Commissioner for Lands, Captain Iniobong Ekong, (rtd.) to avail him with the survey plan of the entire land area that was acquired by Government for the project, with intent to sack trespassers and bring down illegal structures.
He also ordered the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien, (Rtd.), to take over the security of the entire facility, sounding a warning to vandals and hoodlums to stay off the facility as Government would not hesitate to prosecute any violator on the facility henceforth.
“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. Behind us is an International Conference Centre. People come here for conferences and conventions.
“I understand we were named Tourists State of the Year 2023, and when people see your efforts and recognize you for doing something, it means they expect more from you.” The Governor added.
The Tropicana Entertainment Complex was initiated by former Governor Godswill Akpabio in 2008 but apart from the Shopping Mall and Gallaria most other facilities at the complex have remained uncompleted with the 14 Storey Tropicana hotel building at one time reported to have structural defects.
