Citizens’ Square: Pastor Umo Eno advocates projection of Akwa Ibom as tourist destination
Worried by the increasing negative portrayal of Akwa Ibom State and its people in some sections of the media, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno has advised that the state be packaged and marketed as a tourist and investment destination which it really is, rather than dwell on the negatives.
Pastor Eno gave the advice at a citizens’ square, an enlightenment programme, and the inauguration of a socio-political group, “Sad Da Initiative” held in Uyo.
He noted that the state is blessed with rich human and natural resources, adding that its successive leaders have greatly contributed to the Akwa Ibom of today which is worthy of celebration.
The governorship hopeful maintained that the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration has been superlative in its developmental strides in the three gateways of land, sea, and air which according to him, must be supported, well packaged and marketed as a destination which it has now become.
Pastor Eno who is a seasoned entrepreneur, noted that as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the state needs a leader with capacity to improve on the developmental projects of Governor Emmanuel, create private jobs and stimulate the economy for the good of all.
He stressed that Akwa Ibom is a state with inumerable potentials, and advised everyone to be constructive and developmental in their contributions to state building rather than negatively portraying the state before potential investors.
While commending the group for organizing the event, he urged them to massively mobilize for PVC registration and collection to enable them vote in the 2023 general elections.
Earlier in his inaugural lecture, tagged, “Marketing the New Akwa Ibom: the Umo Eno narrative, Prof. Peter Esuh noted that Akwa Ibom is blessed and has all it takes for greatness.
Prof Esuh who is a lead scholar in Marketing Communications and Applied Rhetorics, stressed that it was imperative to package the new Akwa Ibom along side the golden gift, Pastor Eno, who has offered himself to serve and advance the course of leadership in the state.
He said he has known Pastor Eno since 1997 and can attest to his strength of character to drive the new Akwa Ibom adding that when Akwa Ibom is well packaged, it will lead to developmental growth that can be copied by other states.
The pioneer Dean, Faculty of Communication Studies, University of Uyo emphasized that in marketing Akwa Ibom, the Umo Eno narrative must be that of empowering youths with knowledge and skills and packaging them even for export where necessary.
While saying that marketing begins and ends with the people, he said Pastor Umo Eno is a pastor, and will not allow his sheep to go a stray, noting “”
If God has given us a shepherd for a Governor, we should embrace and support him for the overall good of Akwa Ibom State.””
At the event were former state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Nduese Ekwere, wife of the former military Governor, Mrs Funmi Idongesit-Nkanga, Deputy DG of Umo Eno Campaign organisation, Akparawa Godwin Ntukeudeh, and spokesperson, Prince Chris Abasi Eyo, and many others.
