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RMAFC Chairman Visits Arise Resort in Uyo, Commends Governor Umoh Eno’s Visionary Leadership

Published

1 year ago

May 1, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has applauded the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno Bassey (PhD), for the transformational development of the Arise Resort Project in Uyo, describing it as a model of visionary leadership and sustainable development.

Dr. Shehu, who led a high-powered delegation of Honourable members and some management staff on a working visit to the site, on Wednesday 30th April, 2025, expressed deep admiration for the State Government’s efforts in reclaiming over 70 hectares of severely eroded land and transforming it into a thriving eco-tourism and economic hub.

“We are truly amazed by what we have seen here today,” Dr Shehu said. “This is more than just land reclamation—it is about converting a tragedy into an opportunity for economic growth and social transformation. It takes intellect, vision, and commitment to lead such a project, and I must commend Governor Umoh Eno and his capable team.” He added.

He assured the Akwa Ibom State Government of the Commission’s support. He said, “When we see good projects, we stand by them. We will look at your request passionately and make the necessary recommendations to support you in completing this remarkable initiative.”

In his remarks, Governor Umoh Eno welcomed the RMAFC team and took them through a visual presentation of the evolution of the site—from an erosion-ravaged wasteland to a world-class resort. He appealed to the Commission for continued support, noting that the state government alone can not bear the cost of such a monumental development.

“We’ve invested billions of Naira to reclaim this land, but if we stop there, we risk creating ungoverned spaces that could become security threats,” said the Governor. “We are building this resort not just as an infrastructure project but as part of our long-term economic diversification strategy, anchored on tourism and the digital economy. We want to make this a destination for conferences, leisure, and innovation.”

The governor also disclosed that a formal request had been sent to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to commission the project upon completion.

The visit concluded with a tour of the facility by the RMAFC delegation, during which the Chairman and his team reiterated their support and pledged to advocate for federal assistance to enable the state government complete the project.

The Arise Resort is envisioned to become a premier destination for conferences, recreation, and digital innovation, making it a key pillar in Akwa Ibom’s non-oil economic development plan.

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Musawa Seeks Broader Significance for June 12

Published

5 hours ago

October 3, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Esq., says June 12 must be remembered as a sacrifice that gave Nigerians democracy, beyond its status as a public holiday.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Senior Assistant Media & Publicity to the Honourable Minister,Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy Dr Nneka Ikem Anibeze Ph.D in Abuja.

Musawa stated this at the national premiere of “MKO”, a film on Chief Moshood Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

She said 33 years after June 12, 1993, many young Nigerians know it only as a holiday, but the film turns it back into memory.

“For too many young Nigerians, June 12 is simply a public holiday. This film tells them that our democracy did not arrive by chance. It was fought for. It was defended. It was paid for. This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” the Minister said.

Musawa hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Host, for his participation in the June 12 struggle and paying the price in exile, adding that Nigeria’s creative industry will keep telling the story of its democracy with courage.

“Through film and the creative economy, Nigeria will preserve its history. A nation that forgets its past loses its way to the future. Nigeria has a story and our story deserves to be told,” she said.

Earlier, the director of the investigative documentary, Ose Oyamendan, said the film was in honour and memory of heroes who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

“There was Hope ’93 and now there is Renewed Hope. There was a man who sacrificed his life so we may have democracy and there is a man who almost lost his life fighting for democracy who is now helping build a lasting democracy.

“There was a great man called Bashorun MKO Abiola and there is now another great man called Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democrats. Nationalists. Nation builders. Leaders of men and women. We must never forget our story. We must always honour and remember our heroes,” Oyamendan said.

Top government officials including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the wife of the President Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chief of Staff to the President Rt. Femi Gbajabiamila, state Governors, members of the National Assembly, Ministers and other distinguished dignitaries attended the premiere.

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