The Akwa Ibom state government has refuted speculations on social media that the famous Landmark Beach in Lagos is relocating to the state. Instead, the state is partnering with the beach resort to develop 20 hectares of Ibeno Beach, one of the state’s major tourist attractions.
Premium times reports that the Commissioner for Tourism, Charles Udoh, said the landmark is coming to Akwa Ibom State but not relocating.”So, no one should say they are shutting down in Lagos and coming over here. Akwa Ibom state is blessed with 129 km of shoreline, so we are seeking a partnership with Landmark, which is over 20 hectares only.” He added.
The partnership aims to create 1,000 jobs and open up a range of employment opportunities in the state. “This partnership is targeted at creating 1,000 jobs, so we are looking at taking 1,000 people off the street,” Udoh said.
Business mogul and owner of Landmark Beach Resort, Paul Onwuanibe, had earlier expressed mixed emotions after receiving a demolition order for his Lagos property due to the construction of the N15 trillion 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road. However, the state government’s partnership with Landmark Beach Resort has clarified that the beach is not relocating, but rather expanding to Akwa Ibom state.
Udoh emphasized that the state is open to other investors, considering the portion allocated to Landmark, adding that the partnership is part of deliberate efforts made by this present administration to improve tourism in the state. “For 36 years plus, prior governments of the state never considered tourism as a front-burner issue for the state, but this present government has set tourism as a front-burner issue and a prospective primary income earner for the state.”
The commissioner also highlighted the state’s rich history and cultural heritage, including the slave trade and the dwelling place of Mary Slessor, which will be shared with the world through this partnership. “The name Nigeria was born in Akwa Ibom state. We intend to share the history and stories of the slave trade and the dwelling place of Mary Slessor with the world.”
The partnership is part of the state’s deliberate efforts to improve tourism and achieve the governor’s ARISE agenda, which aims to move Akwa Ibom state from a geographical destination to a tourist destination.
