By Solomon OKPO
Uyo, On Wednesday, members of the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Ibom International Hotel construction site in Uyo, where contractors reaffirmed that the project will be completed by June 2026.
The visit came just a day before the association’s annual luncheon and award ceremony, as publishers sought firsthand updates on the progress of one of the state’s flagship hospitality projects.
Leading the inspection team, Project Manager, Engr. Elie Najem, of Ratcom Construction Company, assured the visiting journalists of the firm’s commitment to delivering a structure that meets global standards and stands as a landmark in Akwa Ibom State.
“We are determined to deliver a quality job that will stand the test of time and make Akwa Ibom people proud,” Najem stated. “The only challenge we’ve faced so far is weather-related, particularly rainfall, but all necessary logistics and government support have been adequately provided.”
Najem further revealed that the hotel, when completed, will feature 250 rooms and five lifts, each capable of carrying 13 persons, emphasizing that the project remains on track for its June 2026 delivery date.
Also speaking during the visit, the project’s Quantity Surveyor, Engr. Alade Abiodun, dismissed rumors suggesting that the hotel’s foundation was defective.
“The claim that the Ibom International Hotel foundation is faulty is false and politically motivated,” Abiodun said. “The foundation is extremely solid — deeper than two tall men standing one on the other — so such claims are simply an attempt to mislead the public.”
Responding on behalf of the delegation, ANPA President-General commended the contractors for their transparency and urged them to maintain the project’s momentum to ensure timely completion.
Other members of the ANPA delegation included Elder Patrick Albert, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee (CPC); Comrade Ernest Akpan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT); and several other senior publishers.
The Ibom International Hotel project is expected to further boost Akwa Ibom’s tourism and hospitality sector upon completion.
