By Emmanuel Nicholas
In 2007, a significant milestone was achieved under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio when the Akwa Ibom State government entered a landmark agreement with Silverbird Entertainment.
This collaboration sought to build a remarkable edifice, the Ibom Tropicana and Entertainment Center, incorporating a world class conference centre and a 17-storey five-star hotel.
Originally estimated to cost N33 billion, the project’s financial structure was based on an exchange rate of 98 Naira per dollar at that time.
The vision for the Tropicana complex was ambitious and multifaceted. It was intended to be a vibrant hub of recreation and leisure, featuring, also, an exciting theme park, comprising wet and dry parks for both children and adults .
The state-of-the-art conference center was to have a capacity for five thousand attendees, with the bustling shopping malls, a Cineplex (six cinema halls) for movie lovers facing it.The luxurious five-star hotel was to have 258-rooms.
The overarching goal of this initiative was to transform Akwa Ibom into a thriving destination, akin to the opulent city of Dubai, attracting both local visitors and international tourists.
However, the financial landscape of the project did not remain stable. The construction costs surged by over 34% due to various unforeseen factors, prompting the state government to allocate substantial funds to keep the project on track.
As at today, only the shopping complex, reactivated and furnished by the Udom Emmanuel administration, is in use.
In the light of these escalating expenses, Governor Umo Eno’s decision to prioritize this investment is both timely and prudent.
By ensuring the project’s completion, he aims to restore public trust in government initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.
The complex occupies an expansive 168 hectares of land in Uyo, the state capital. Unfortunately, this valuable land has been threatened by unscrupulous land grabbers, who have engaged in fraudulent activities by selling parcels to unsuspecting buyers.
Although the original landowners had received full compensation from the government, they now blame the Ministry of Lands for the encroachment because there is no adequate security framework to protect the property .
Investigations have revealed that these lands are being unlawfully occupied and sold by deceitful agents within the communities , exploiting innocent purchasers.
In addition to these challenges, the complex has faced significant vandalism. Some of these damages have been inflicted by farmers who illegally utilize the land for agriculture, even going so far as to set fires that have destroyed critical facilities at the water park.
Tragically, the warehouse housing essential equipment—such as air conditioners, televisions, and sporting gear—was also consumed by flames.
Observers have suggested that these acts may represent a deliberate attempt at sabotage, as the looters used the fire to distract Government from investigating their criminal activities.
To address these pressing issues, Governor Umo Eno’s budget allocation for 2025 will support measures to reclaim the land from fraudulent agents and prevent further vandalism and looting .
This allocation,aside from being a financial commitment; also represents a crucial step toward safeguarding the complex and restoring order.
Moreover, the timely intervention by the Akwa Ibom State government will not only put an end to the illicit sales of land but also discourage those who have already purchased it from proceeding with their development plans.
The Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Complex stands as a testament to Akwa Ibom State’s aspirations to become a thriving hub for entertainment and business.
Governor Umo Eno’s timely budgetary allocation is a critical step toward reviving this once-promising projectis very timely .
As the project progresses, it holds the promise of economic revitalization, job creation, and a brighter future for the people of Akwa Ibom.
While the journey may be fraught with hurdles, strategic governance under Governor Umo Eno will ensure that the investment is worthwhile and that the vision for the Tropicana complex can indeed become a reality.
By utilizing the complex, the State will increase its internally generated revenue, which will bolster its ambition for economic independence.
