Ex-FTAN President, Onung invites global audience to Akwa Ibom for Experience Ibom Tourism Carnival
By Maureen Aguta
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 a global invitation to the world to visit Akwa Ibom this December for the Experience Ibom Tourism Carnival.
Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism programme on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, co-hosted by award-winning journalists Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Onung said the Experience Ibom initiative is designed to transform Akwa Ibom into a world-class tourism destination that reflects the soul and heartbeat of its people.
“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 stated.
Onung explained that the initiative is part of the state government’s vision to create prosperity, inspire pride, and position Akwa Ibom as the preferred gateway to African tourism. He commended Governor Umo Eno for building on the legacies of previous administrations to sustain the state’s development trajectory.
“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. From Obong Attah’s pioneering projects to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s legacy with Ibom Air, Governor Umo Eno — whom we fondly call the Experience Governor — is bringing the entire vision to life,” Onung said.
He emphasized that the governor’s tourism strategy focuses on empowering stakeholders to actively participate in tourism development and sustainability. “The government is providing the infrastructure, but the private sector must take ownership to drive growth. That’s what Experience Ibom is all about,” he added.
Onung also highlighted the importance of collaboration in tourism development, noting that Experience Ibom will bridge government initiatives and authentic local experiences that engage visitors and empower communities.
“Tourism thrives through collaboration. Getting stakeholders involved is critical. Experience Ibom will connect government policy with real experiences that create jobs and enhance the visitor experience,” he said.
Lagos showcases multi-modal transport plan
Also featured on the programme was Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, who unveiled details of the Emi Eko Project — a six-year initiative aimed at modernizing and integrating water transportation into Lagos’ broader transport network.
According to Emmanuel, the €410 million project — supported by the Agency for French Development (AFD), European Investment Bank (EIB), European Union (EU), and Lagos State Government — will introduce over 70 hybrid-electric ferries, upgrade 20 jetties, dredge 140 kilometres of waterways, and build capacity across the marine transport sector.
He described the EU’s €60 million grant as the largest of its kind for a development project globally, adding that Lagos State has committed €40 million alongside €10 million from private investors.
“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.
He further noted that the project’s repayment plan, spanning seven years and backed by Federal Government guarantees, is expected to unlock sustainable revenue streams and stimulate new economic opportunities within the Lagos sub-region.