Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to construct a flyover at Ibom Plaza and provide other facilities as part of his administration’s efforts to decongest traffic and enhance urban infrastructure in the state capital.
Ibom Plaza was built by the then Akwa Ibom State Government under ex-Governor, Arc(Obong) Victor Attah, was later turned to a den of robbery and other criminal activities.
Eno said the vehicles would move on top of the flyover while people would be doing business under it, saying this was his plan to further beautify the popular Ibom Plaza in Uyo in line with the tourism vision of the ARISE Agenda.
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Speaking at the re-opening of the remodelled plaza in Uyo, he commended the Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority, Hon. Anietie Eka, and his team for meeting the set target, stressing that the best was yet to come.
“We needed to reclaim the plaza and make it a place where we can all gather, like a city square, to watch movies, football, and other forms of entertainment.
“I want to thank the Chairman of UCCDA for working day and night to fix this place. Thank you so much, and to all your workers. The best is yet to come.
“As we move along, we are developing a master plan for this plaza. I can see a flyover and other befitting facilities around here,” he said.
He thanked the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, for approving a security outpost at the plaza to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“Let us make this a place of peace. This place will open by 7 a.m., and by 12 midnight, it will be shut. That is why we have gates everywhere. If we find anyone here after the closing hours, the person will be arrested. We will not allow miscreants in this place. We believe that this is what our father, Architect Victor Attah, envisaged,” he said.
He noted that the facility, especially the restrooms, will be professionally maintained, adding that UCCDA will continue to carry out maintenance work.
The Governor, who is deeply committed to tourism development in the State, appreciated everyone for turning up for the event and assured them of his unwavering commitment to the development of the State.
The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo E. Udo, commended the Governor for bringing life back to Ibom Plaza, describing the renovation as Governor Eno’s creative idea to restore the facility to its lost glory, in line with the urban renewal vision of the former Governor and father of modern Akwa Ibom, Arc. Obong Victor Bassey Attah
Udo thanked the Governor for his decision and initiative to renovate and upgrade the facility to meet contemporary standards of urban beautification, stressing that the plaza is a significant symbol of tourism and architectural excellence.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, described the occasion as a significant moment for the people of Akwa Ibom State, noting that the current administration has redefined governance through deliberate remodelling and renewal initiatives.
While commending the Governor for the transformation of the plaza and his commitment to developing the tourism sector, he said the gesture has strengthened cultural development and repositioned the State as a viable tourism destination.
Earlier in an overview of the project, Anietie Eka had analysed the different stages of deterioration of the plaza to the point where it eventually became a den of criminals.
Eka appreciated the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise by transforming the centre in line with his vision to make the State a tourism hub.
He highlighted the innovations introduced into the plaza to include art galleries for showcasing heroic human histories, a security outpost and two Hilux trucks for effective security management, a brand-new LED screen for entertainment, and solar lighting across the plaza. He also thanked the Governor for granting him the opportunity to play a supervisory role in actualising his vision for the plaza.
