The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has expressed strong support for Akwa Ibom State’s growing reputation as a tourism-forward destination.
During a recent engagement, Director-General Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade praised the state’s strides in infrastructure, rural revitalization, and safety—key pillars driving its tourism sector—and pledged closer institutional collaboration to amplify these efforts.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, Fagade applauded the state’s achievements—particularly citing Ibom Air—as evidence of a growing tourism-friendly ecosystem. He reaffirmed NIHOTOUR’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the State and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) to drive sustainable tourism growth.
The Deputy Governor, in her remarks, praised Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, noting it has transformed Akwa Ibom into a peaceful and attractive destination for tourism and investment. She highlighted the administration’s innovative projects such as the Ibom Neighborhood Watch, establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, and large-scale agricultural initiatives as key pillars of the state’s development.
She encouraged FTAN and other stakeholders to explore the state’s rich cultural and historical sites. FTAN President, Pastor Nkereuwem Onung, described Akwa Ibom as the “new face of tourism in Africa” and called for broader destination marketing efforts to showcase its potential to the world.
