By Solomon OKPO
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has commended Governor Umo Eno for initiating and constructing the ARISE Palm Resort, describing the project as a landmark investment in the state’s tourism and economic future.
The commendation was delivered on Tuesday by the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, after he led members of the Union’s Magazine Committee on an inspection tour of the sprawling 10,000-hectare resort located on Brooks Street, Uyo.
Visibly impressed by the scale, design and infrastructure at the facility, Nsibiet described the resort as an “international masterpiece,” noting that it would significantly boost tourism, stimulate economic activities and generate employment opportunities upon completion.
The union also praised the construction firm handling the project, Bulletin Construction Company, for delivering what it termed a project marked by finesse, excellence and class.
The ARISE Palm Resort is designed as a self-contained leisure city, featuring a tennis court, swimming pool, golf course, football pitch with imported grass from the Emirates, gymnasium, conference centre, floating restaurants and an artificial lake. The facility also includes a handball court, basketball court, badminton court, viewing centre, race tracks, spa, children’s playground and a fully equipped clubhouse.
Beyond recreation, the resort provides 25 family chalets, a health facility, banking hall, café, lock-up shops, as well as a fire service post and police station to ensure safety and convenience for visitors.
In a remarkable environmental turnaround, the project was developed on what was previously a severe erosion site stretching from Udo Inwang Street to the popular Love Garden area beside Mr. Biggs on Brooks Street. The transformation of the ravine into a modern resort has been described as a major ecological achievement.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, disclosed that the firm was initially contracted to rescue Udo Inwang Street, which had been declared an emergency zone due to gully erosion. He explained that following the stabilization of the area, Governor Eno conceived the idea of converting the reclaimed land into an economically viable tourism hub, a vision realized within 24 months.
Also speaking during the tour, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Victor Brown, stated that the governor is committed to ensuring that the facility is fully completed before it is opened to the public, stressing that no aspect of the project would be rushed.
The ARISE Palm Resort is a flagship component of Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, a development blueprint focused on sustainable growth, infrastructure renewal and economic diversification. When operational, the resort is expected to position Akwa Ibom as a premier tourism destination, attracting visitors from within Nigeria and beyond.
The Evangelist News
