Akwa Ibom: The state for big boys and big projects

There is something about Akwa Ibom State. I will call it the state of big projects. Sometimes, it feels like the state is not a part of Nigeria for its ability to pull through some stunts that have sparked debates. The introduction of “Happy Hour” gave many a good laugh. As usual, it sparked a discussion and gathered headlines. But who cares? Those that buy drinks at government-subsidized rates or the government that introduced it? I don’t know if either party cared about the debate then. 

Back to the crux, Akwa Ibom state is a story of monuments. It started in 2007. The administration of Obong Victor Attah commissioned the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. A description of the resort follows thus: “IBOM ICON Hotel & Golf Resort, the pride of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, welcomes you with open arms. Situated amidst rich palm forest vegetation, this magnificent hotel on 174 hectares of land connotes peace and serenity complemented by its original atmosphere. The lush greens of the world-class 18-hole golf course create the right atmosphere for the most challenging, memorable golfing experience. Discoveries await you each time you visit this unique hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.”. It is such a beautiful place.

Former governor Godswill Akpabio also entered the fray. His was controversial. He built the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene. Many argued the relevance of such when the state already had a similar one. The immediate past governor, Udom Emmanuel and Godswill Akpabio traded words about the hotel’s completion. This story is for another day.

Godswill Akpabio also built the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (formerly Akwa Ibom International Stadium), an all-seater national sports stadium in Uyo, the state capital of Akwa Ibom. The 30,000-seater ultra-modern multipurpose sports complex was modelled after Allianz Arena.” The Allianz Arena is the world’s first stadium with a completely colour-changing exterior.

The Ibom Specialist Hospital is a 300-bed multi-specialist medical facility that began operations with 150 expatriates. Hear this: “Planning for the Akwa Ibom Specialist Hospital started in early 2010 under the German Designer RRP in Munich. Construction began in 2010. The Hospital contains all relevant disciplines, including a special clinic for children. It has about 300 beds, divided between male and female ward wings. The Hospital was planned as a state-of-the-art hospital, unique in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.” Another big one. Nigerians should troop to Akwa Ibom to seek medical care from this audacious facility instead of travelling to India or Germany.

Enter the world of the Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre, the signature of the governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, constructed at a whopping N32 billion. Hear this again: The first of its kind in Akwa Ibom, this modern multipurpose facility aims to provide a suitable place for religious events for the state’s people and its government. It can accommodate 5,500 visitors, and its 45,600m² podium is sizable enough to host international gatherings.”

The Dakkada Tower is another signature project by former governor Udom Emmanuel. It watches over Uyo from a height of 357 feet ( 21 floors). The skyscraper is adjudged the 10th tallest building in Nigeria. It also has a helipad for helicopters and a hospital for emergencies. “I have seen several buildings in Nigeria, but in terms of the modern technological facilities embedded in a building of this nature, this is probably one of the best, if not the best, I have seen in the country”. This was the remark by former president Olusegun Obasanjo after a tour of the facility.

These are indeed monuments in a state in Nigeria. Akwa Ibom is the place to be. It suggests that successive administrations since 1999 have been trying to outshine each other. Obong Victor Attah will claim the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort. Godwill Akpabio will claim the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, an international stadium modelled after the Allianz Arena, and the 300-bed multi-specialist International Hospital. Udom Emmanuel will claim the Dakkada Tower and International Worship Centre, among others.

Maybe Governor Umo Eno is also thinking of a monumental project to tie to his name before finishing his term as governor. Somehow, the Ibomites are proud of these monuments regardless of what the public thinks. These monuments are in the state for their use. Some would argue about the economic viability of these projects. It is normal, and the argument would be endless, with varied opinions.

For example, a commentator argued that N32 billion expended on the International Worship Centre could conveniently lift 32,000 Ibomites from poverty. That is an instructive one. N32 billion would go a long way if invested in agriculture and primary health care for rural dwellers in the state. Another argued that the state had consecutively won the award for the cleanest state in Nigeria. This is also instructive.

These are indeed exciting times. Many things are happening across states in the country—each with its uniqueness, with Akwa Ibom leading the charge. However, the state is a pleasure to visit. It is a “land of promise” and the country’s highest oil and gas-producing state, accounting for 31.4% of the total crude oil produced daily. Indeed, it is a state for big boys and big projects.

Ocheja, a military historian and doctoral researcher, can be reached via jaocheja@gmail.com