By Onyeka Ezike
The Immediate past president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr Nkereuwem Onung, has extended an open invitation to the world to visit Akwa Ibom State this December for the “Experience Ibom Tourism Concert”.
Speaking on ‘Creative Nigeria’, a cultural tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, and hosted by award-winning journalists Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Onung said the Experience Ibom initiative would transform Akwa Ibom tourism landscape into a world-class attraction that connects visitors to the very soul of the state.
According to him, “Every destination has a heartbeat, and that rhythm is shaped by its people, culture, and stories. Experience Ibom will blend creativity, culture, hospitality, and innovation redefining how destinations are discovered, experienced, and remembered.”
He added that the project aims to inspire pride, create prosperity, and position Akwa Ibom State as the preferred gateway to African tourism, crediting Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to consolidating the achievements of past administrations.
“Our goal is to make the state a preferred gateway to African tourism through the hard work of the dynamic Governor Umo Eno, who has built on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors. Each governor since 1999 has contributed to developing Akwa Ibom’s infrastructure — from Obong Attah’s pioneering projects to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s legacy with Ibom Air. Now, Governor Umo Eno, whom we call the “Experience Governor”, is bringing the entire vision to life,” Onung stated.
He emphasized that Governor Eno’s approach focuses on empowering stakeholders to participate actively in tourism development. “The government is doing its part by providing infrastructure, but the private sector must take ownership and drive sustainability. That’s what Experience Ibom is all about,” he said.
Onung further noted that tourism development thrives through collaboration, stressing that “getting stakeholders involved is critical. The Experience Ibom project will connect government initiatives with real experiences that engage visitors and empower local communities,” Onung assured.
