The immediate past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has extended an open invitation to the world to visit Akwa Ibom this December for the Experience Ibom Tourism Concert.

Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, and hosted by award-winning journalists Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Onung said the Experience Ibom initiative would transform Akwa Ibom’s tourism landscape into a world-class attraction that connects visitors to the very soul of the state.

According to him, “Every destination has a heartbeat, and that rhythm is shaped by its people, culture, and stories. Experience Ibom will blend creativity, culture, hospitality, and innovation — redefining how destinations are discovered, experienced, and remembered.”

He added that the project aims to inspire pride, create prosperity, and position Akwa Ibom as the preferred gateway to African tourism, crediting Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to consolidating the achievements of past administrations.

“Our goal is to make the state a preferred gateway to African tourism through the hard work of the dynamic Governor Umo Eno, who has built on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors. Each governor since 1999 has contributed to developing Akwa Ibom’s infrastructure — from Obong Attah’s pioneering projects to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s legacy with Ibom Air. Now, Governor Umo Eno, whom we call the Experience Governor, is bringing the entire vision to life,” Onung stated.

He emphasized that Governor Eno’s approach focuses on empowering stakeholders to participate actively in tourism development. “The government is doing its part by providing infrastructure, but the private sector must take ownership and drive sustainability. That’s what Experience Ibom is all about,” he said.

Onung further noted that tourism development thrives through collaboration, stressing that “getting stakeholders involved is critical. The Experience Ibom project will connect government initiatives with real experiences that engage visitors and empower local communities.”

Lagos’ Emi Eko Project to Transform Water Transportation

Also featured on the programme was Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, who spoke on the Emi Eko Project — a comprehensive plan to formalize and modernize water transportation in Lagos.

Emmanuel explained that the six-year project, supported by both local and international partners, seeks to integrate water transport with other modes — the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines — forming a three-point agenda for Lagos’ multi-modal transportation reform.

“The Emi Eko Project will introduce over 70 hybrid-electric ferries, upgrade 20 jetties and terminals, dredge 140 kilometres of waterways, and provide capacity building for stakeholders. It also includes a vessel industry transition programme to ensure no one in the informal sector is left behind,” he said.

According to Emmanuel, the €410 million project is being jointly funded by the Agency for French Development (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union (EU), and the Lagos State Government. The EU’s €60 million grant, he noted, represents the largest of its kind for a developmental project globally, while Lagos State contributed €40 million, alongside €10 million from private investors.

He added that, although the investment seems enormous, the long-term impact justifies the cost.

“Transforming a sector requires substantial investment. The impact will be worth it — generating revenue, improving connectivity, and reshaping how people move and trade across Lagos and beyond,” Emmanuel stated.

The project’s repayment plan spans seven years, backed by Federal Government guarantees, and is expected to generate sustainable revenue streams for Lagos while unlocking new economic opportunities across the sub-region.