In recent times in West Africa, one of the most talked about favourite travel destinations is Uyo the capital city of Akwa Ibom, and other neighboring cities within the state.
Uyo town is one of the most popular of the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom.
The city became the capital of Akwa Ibom after the state was carved from Cross River State on September 23, 1987, Like all the 36 states in Nigeria, Akwa Ibom has its slogan which is the “Land of Promise “.
With a total of about 7081 square kilometers and a population range of about 4 million people, Akwa Ibom State is ranked among the smallest states in Nigeria.
Akwa Ibom is renowned for its catalogue of amazing food lineups and the culinary skills of its elegant and charming women as well as its huge oil-producing exploits.
It is considered one of the best tourist attractions in Southern Nigeria.
Indeed, if you love adventure – like exploring new places, your next destination should be Uyo and its environs.
Join me as I take you on this journey to Akwa Ibom – the Land of Promise where I had an extraordinarily incredible experience.
Tourism in Uyo:
Akwa Ibom state is blessed with many awesome natural tourist attractions, some of these nature gifts are not documented and are yet untapped for tourism while others have been properly harnessed for economic gain, hence ballooning the state’s internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Akwa Ibom and Uyo Generally have the best road networks in the whole of Nigeria
Across the 31 Local Government areas of Akwa Ibom State, the road networks are unbeatable, you can simply put unmatched.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Akwa Ibom remains affordable depending on your choice and taste of living. Food is quite affordable, the same as housing, but in all, your choice is determined by the size of your pocket.
Luxurious Housing Estate for the Rich:
Just in popular cities like Abuja and Lagos, Uyo boasts of some of the best housing estates in terms of architectural master plan and serenity as well as other luxurious features.
Opulent neighborhoods like Ewet Housing and Shelter Afrique are places where the rich, stylish, and the most powerful reside, and rent within these estates goes for as much as N1.5 – N2million naira for a very standard and spacious three-bedroom apartment. While duplexes go for as much as N2.5 – N3.5million. Properties within the estates go for as much as N100 to N250 million.
Popular Landmarks in Uyo Town:
Like every properly planned city, Uyo boasts of some popular landmarks where people converge for one reason or the other and you could see the deliberate moves by successive governments of the state to maintain the standards of those landmarks for the sake of continuity.
About Ibom Tropicana Mall:
The Tropicana Mall is an entertainment hub that provides a modern one-stop shopping experience.
The Ibom Tropicana Mall is regarded as the most modern – and one of the largest shopping center in the South-South region of Nigeria. It is a commercial enterprise offering top-notch shopping for goods, products, and services.
The Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, which was originally developed in 2011 by the Akwa Ibom State Government is being regenerated to become ‘Tropicana Mall’, a center that will provide a modern one-stop shopping experience.
This project, backed by the Tropicana Mall Development Company Limited, includes Shoprite as its anchor tenant, Silverbird Cinemas which is currently operational along with other retail shops catering for fashion, health, and beauty, food court, restaurant, cafes as well as specialist retailing and children’s entertainment for the family.
Check Out the Complete Documentary of Akwa Ibom Below:
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium:
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, formerly the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, is a 30,000-seater at the heart of Uyo, constructed by Julius Berger at $96 million. The stadium is modeled after FC Bayern Allianz Arena in Germany. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is one of the best in Africa.
The Godswill Akpabio stadium has played host to some of the national team’s matches. The stadium, built in 2014, also has some world-class facilities like 400m standard tracks, floodlights, a helipad, etc.
This stadium is also nicked the champion nest by sports lovers and when I visited, my excitement blew up…
Ibom Connection:
The Ibom Connection is a beautiful monument at the heart of Uyo that symbolizes the unity of the Akwa Ibom people. This particular place in Uyo has a wide range of artworks. The garden – flowers are also aesthetically pleasing to the eyes.
This is definitely why you should visit if you are in Uyo. It is one of the landmarks in the state with great artworks to see. If you are looking to take amazing pictures with art in the background, it is your go-to place. Here, you can learn about the culture and history of Akwa Ibom and equally have fun.
International Worship Center:
Although it has been argued in many quarters that the project was a misplaced priority on the part of the Udom Emmanuel administration, the architectural masterpiece called the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo which is the venue for the Akwa Ibom State special inter-denominational Thanksgiving/New Year Service, is quit intimidating and unputdownable.
The Akwa Ibom International Worship Centre was built with 32.3 billion Naira. Which many argued can empower 32,000 Akwa Ibomites with 1 million Naira each as small business capital.
However, the IWC edifice has become a tourist attraction sight attracting tourists from different parts of the world.
Ibom Icon Hotel:
“The serenity of the environment earns Ibom Icon Hotel a title as an ideal tourist hot spot in Uyo, making it an ideal place to retreat and refresh. The ambiance and cozy outlook of the hotel, as well as the welcoming disposition of the staff, make you want to return”
For your luxury vacation, events, and fine dining experience, Ibom Icon is your best bet
Ibom Golf Course:
Ibom Golf Resort is bordered by a glistening river and encased on a sweeping landscape with gangly palm trees and lush green vegetation, the Akwa Ibom Golf Resort which sits on 174 hectares of land in the womb of Nigeria’s tropical rainforest is as beautiful as it is breathtaking.
Aside from being enlisted as the longest Golf Course in West Africa, the dreamy atmosphere of the world-class 18-hole Ibom golf course creates the ideal setting not only for a challenging and memorable golfing experience but also for natural relaxation and healing.
A wonderful experience awaits you each time you visit this unique location in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, with lush green fairways and breathtaking views at every turn, the Ibom Golf course is more than just a game.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, there’s something truly magical about teeing off amidst nature’s splendor.
It offers you a chance to unwind, connect with friends, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Ibeno Beach:
Ibeno Beach is Nigeria’s longest coastline, measuring 129 kilometers from Oron to Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas, in Akwa Ibom State.
Ibeno Beach stretches along the Atlantic coastline for about 45 kilometers from Ibeno to James Town. It is well known for being the longest beach in the West African region and a popular travel destination.
No doubt, Ibeno town, in Ibeno Local Government Areas which is home to ExxonMobil Plc’s operational headquarters, has a stunning coastline that offers countless opportunities for participating in water sports like diving, swimming, water aerobics, beach soccer, boating, water basketball, water polo, water volleyball, jet skiing, etc.
Eastern Obolo Beaches:
There is the popular Cashew Island Beach at Eastern Obolo in Akwa Ibom.
Cashew Beach is an island beach, 20 minutes from the Iko town river bank. It has an abundance of cashew and almond trees.
This is a Perfect getaway destination if you dislike noise and want to soak yourself in the quietness of nature.
Also, you can savour the awesome beauty and calmness of the blue beach in Elekpon Okoroette, Eastern Obolo local government area, Akwa Ibom State.
The Elekpon Okoroette Blue Beach in Eastern Obolo is a fishing settlement by the Atlanta Ocean.
The Mysterious Green River in Ikot Akpa
Tucked away in the tranquil bushes and sloppy sandy footpaths of Ikot Akpa, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, is a sparkling green river with creepy awesomeness and beauty.
A certain writer described the green river as looking like something out of a dream – the calming atmosphere, the peaceful flow, and the soft-whizzing winds – along with a sophisticated ambiance that is both healing and nostalgic.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that one of the mysteries of this river is that, while the water inside resembles an endless sheet of green silk, it is colourless when scooped into a glass and what’s more, the sand bank around and within is white.
Bet you would instantly be mesmerized by the sight and sound that greet you as you approach the river. When you talk with the locals, they will tell you stories about how the river has always been there for them and how climate change has not seriously affected its appearance.
Those who have visited the Green River can attest to the fact that it is not only a choice destination for tourists and writers alone; but also, a site that needs to be studied by experts, who may be able to discover hidden treasures within its boundaries.
Historic Cities and Landmarks in Akwa Ibom
Ikot Ekpene:
Ikot Ekpene British colonialists created the Ikot Ekpene Division in 1951 to make the administration of the local population easier.
Ikot Ekpene is Nigeria’s first local government council, having been established as an experiment in the then-British West Africa.
At the time, it included the Ikot Ekpene Urban, Otoro, Central Annang, and Eastern Ibibio Ikono District councils.
Ikot Ekpene is in the middle of a road triangle that connects Cross River State, Umuahia, and Aba.
Its advantageous location makes it a very thriving and financially viable commercial city in Annang land. The area is also known for its raffia products, which gives rise to the moniker “Raffia City.”
Artisans use raffia to make shoes, handbags, slippers, folders, etc, that are in turn sold to foreigners and lovers of art who visit from time to time.
Ikot Abasi:
Ikot Abasi is historically remembered as an exchange point for slaves in the 1900s. Slaves were kept in a transit cell and were eventually traded and transacted like commodities, by the colonial masters.
Ikot Abasi also houses the Amalgamation House where Lord Fredric Lugard in the year 1914, reportedly signed a historical document merging the then Northern and Southern protectorate into one entity which is today known as Nigeria.
Again, Ikot Abasi also houses the War Memorial Museum containing paintings and sculptures of courageous women who died in the famous Aba Women Riot. There is the famous Aba Women Memorial grave close to the waterfront in Ikot Abasi.
Ikot Abasi also houses the historic Bridge of no Return, a five-minute walking distance from Lord Lugard’s House and built by the Colonial Master. The Bridge of no Return was used to move slaves into a waiting ship that would finally transport them abroad.
Point of no return also popularly known as the Bridge of no Return in Ikot Abasi LGA of Akwa Ibom State is an existing reminder of the horrors of the slave trade era. It is known as the last point of discharge of slaves; first, they’re moved to a small slave bunker with very little ventilation, and then the waiting slave ships finally sailed them away to slavery.
The jetty also had three major underground holding compartments, where stubborn slaves were held. Although the compartment could hold only 30 people, it was alleged that the slave masters held at least 150 slaves at a given point in time.
There is also a place called the amalgamation house which was the administrative headquarters of Lord Lugard. It is situated in what was then called the colonial seat of government.
Eket:
ENigeria Newspaper reports that the beautiful city of Eket is nicknamed the small London of Southern Nigeria. Life in Eket is so quiet and yet exhilarating.
Eket quickly resonates with fun seekers of little means and houses private estates that are home to foreign offshore workers of Exxon Mobile and other oil exploration companies. Exxon Mobile also operates a private airstrip in Eket where its aircraft and helicopters land.
The bubbly city of Eket has some amazing tourist attraction packs including beautiful and affordable hotels and fanciful fun spots for big boys within and from outside the city.
With an unmatched road network, top-notch infrastructure, and beautiful scenery, Eket is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in Southern Nigeria with affordable housing, affordable food, markets, and much more.
Not to forget also is the fact that Eket is an industrial and commercial hub, as well as a political hub according to an account by Wikipedia and this is not much of a surprise because some of the wealthiest people which include oil workers reside in Eket and for this reason, businesses and politics thrive very well in the city.
The UJ Esuene Square said to be the biggest roundabout in Eket holds an amusement park where tourists and locals hang out to have fun. It is also a major landmark in Eket with lots of people visiting from time to time.
There is also Eket Sports Stadium for sporting activities and many more…
ORON:
Oron is a coastal city and Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It is home to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the Oron Museum.
Oron is a coastal trade center for yams, cassava, fish, palm oil, and kernels. Natural resources found in the area include oil, gas, and iron.
Oron is most popular for its famous Oron Crayfish and other seafood like fish, prawns, crabs, periwinkles, and many others which you can get at affordable prices.
The beach market or fish market in Oron only opens on Sundays and Wednesdays where traders transact on seafood and other food produce transported to other parts of the country.
The Oron people (or Örö people) are a multi-ethnic tribal grouping that makes up the Akpakip Oro or Oron Nation.
The Oron people (Örö) are located primarily in southern Nigeria in the riverine area of Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State as well as in Cameroon.
The Central Oron River Bank has a popular jetty where boats are boarded to Calabar, Cameroun, and Garbon.
Oron remains the easiest place to travel through to Calabar from Akwa Ibom via executive passenger ferries operated by Sea Express for as low as N6,500.
You can also travel via smaller speed boats for as low as N4,000, but it is not often advisable. The journey however would take about 45-50 minutes via the sea.
Oron people are industrious and hospitable. Their main occupations are fishing, farming, trading, and crafts creations, among others. The culture of the Oron people is to a greater extent, the same as that of the Ibibio and Annang ethnic groups of Akwa Ibom State.
The most important secret societies of the Oron people are the ‘Ekung’, ‘Ekpe’, ‘Nka’, ‘Inam’, ‘Abang’, ‘Ukpok’, and ‘lban Isong’.
Documentary of Akwa-Ibom below Part 2
Historical Facts About Akwa Ibom:
Akwa-Ibom State’s economy is based on the production of crude oil and natural gas. It produces the most oil than any state in the country. It includes the following oil-producing Local Government Areas such as Ibeno, Mbo, and Eastern Obolo.
First state-owned airline in Nigeria:
In a country where the Federal Government has woefully failed to operate a national carrier, Ibom Air, the commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State government, has already celebrated three years of existence.
The state-owned airline, the first of its kind in Nigeria, commenced scheduled flight operations on Friday, June 7, 2019, with an inaugural flight from Uyo to Lagos.
Currently, Ibom Air has flown over one and a half million passengers in about 22, 000 flights and has come to be respected for its schedule reliability, on-time departures, and excellent in-flight services.
Ibom Air, which has a fleet of seven aircraft made up of two (2) Airbus A220-300 and five (5) Bombardier CRJ 900, has won Nigeria’s Airline of the Year twice in a row, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. It travels to seven (7) locations: Uyo, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, and most recently, Ghana.
Largest petroleum and gas reserve in Nigeria:
Akwa Ibom has the largest natural oil and gas reserve in Nigeria and contributes the largest chunk to the country’s revenue earnings.
Akwa Ibom produces 504,000 barrels of oil per day, representing 31.4 percent of the country’s total production capacity.
The Nigerian economy relies heavily on crude oil, which accounts for more than 90% of the country’s exports and 20% of the workforce.
In 2010, ExxonMobil, a Joint Venture (JV) partner of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), announced the discovery of a rich gas condensate in its Oil Mining License (OML) 104 located offshore in Akwa Ibom. This discovery significantly increased Nigeria’s gas reserves.
