By Solomon OKPO
Governor Umo Eno has fulfilled his promise to Akwa Ibom residents with the reopening of the remodelled Ibom Plaza, restoring the iconic facility as a premier recreational and tourism hub ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
The Ibom Plaza, once a pride of Uyo but later overtaken by neglect and criminal activities, was officially reopened on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, following an intensive one-month renovation ordered by the governor. The intervention marked a decisive move to reclaim the space from misuse and reposition it as a safe, vibrant centre for leisure and tourism.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony held within the plaza, Governor Eno said the decision to shut down and remodel the facility was driven by the need to address years of decay and insecurity.
“We needed to reclaim the Ibom Plaza, which had been in a state of disrepair for several years. We cleared the area of miscreants and criminal elements and directed the Uyo Capital City Development Authority to remodel it immediately so that it would be ready for this yuletide season,” the governor stated.
He commended the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), Hon. Anietie Ekah, for delivering the project within a tight timeframe. “I want to thank the Chairman of UCCDA for working day and night to ensure that this plaza was ready in just one month,” he added.
Governor Eno also unveiled broader plans to further transform the area, including the construction of an overhead bridge across the plaza. According to him, the proposed flyover would allow vehicular movement above while leisure activities continue uninterrupted beneath, as part of a comprehensive master plan to beautify the capital city.
On security, the governor assured residents that strict measures had been put in place to preserve the renewed state of the facility. He disclosed that a fully equipped police station has been built within the plaza, with patrol vehicles permanently stationed to guarantee safety.
“I thank the Commissioner of Police for cooperating with us. The plaza will no longer be a den of criminals. It will open daily from 7 a.m. and close at midnight,” Governor Eno said, adding that the administration was committed to reviving the original vision of the leisure park conceived under former Governor Obong Victor Attah.
Earlier, UCCDA Chairman, Hon. Anietie Ekah, praised the governor for restoring the plaza in line with its original design and for fulfilling a key campaign promise.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, also lauded the state government for donating patrol vehicles and establishing a modern police post within the facility, assuring residents of sustained security in and around the plaza.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anietie Udofia, described the reopening as a turning point for tourism development in Akwa Ibom State, noting that the governor’s intervention had changed the narrative of the sector.
The newly reopened Ibom Plaza now boasts full illumination, a large LED screen, a Citizens and Information Centre, an arts gallery, and a modern police station, creating a safe, welcoming and contemporary environment for residents and visitors during the festive season and beyond.
The Evangelist News
