Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed the readiness of the state government to partner with the telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in developing the tourism sector of the state’s economy.
Governor Eno shared the state government’s vision while exchanging views with the management of MTN Nigeria, led by the Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, Mr Sina Adegoke, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Uyo.
The governor appreciated the company’s initiative of hosting the MTN Championship Sports tournament, scheduled to take place between 29 April and 3 May in the state, and reiterated his administration’s resolve to transform Akwa Ibom into a tourism hub within the Niger Delta region.
He assured that his administration has put in place the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the realisation of this vision.
“We would like to welcome you to Akwa Ibom. Thank you for planning to host the MTN Champion Sports event here from 29 April to 3 May this year.
“We understand that the event is basically a talent hunt, so in whatever way we can promote sports tourism, we will do that.
“Actually, we are trying to make Akwa Ibom a hub for tourism within the Niger Delta. So whether it is sports, agricultural, cultural, or medical tourism, we are trying our best.
“If we must begin to look at the State beyond oil effectively, another source of revenue is tourism, which comes naturally.
“God has blessed us with good infrastructure, and thanks to our past leaders, we have developed a good road network across the state. Our aviation ecosystem is there; we have Ibom Air, and we have what it takes to bring people in and out of Akwa Ibom with ease,” he stated.
He, therefore, urged the management of MTN to remain steadfast in its commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, while also working hard to promote the state’s policies through its social platform, reasoning that this would help strengthen the relationship between MTN and the state.
“Please continue with all of the CSR programmes that you do. We would like to continue to partner and work with you. I also urge you to help promote Akwa Ibom the way you promote MTN itself so that we can continue to build a stronger relationship.”
In his speech, the leader of the delegation, Mr Sina Adegoke, congratulated Pastor Eno for his pragmatic leadership prowess, saying that he has showcased a workable strategy in the implementation of the Arise Agenda, which has transformed the State into a hospitable hub for sports tourism.
Acknowledging the security architecture in the state, Adegoke described the inherent peace and serenity as top-notch and thanked Eno for the effective collaboration the company has enjoyed with the state administration.
He enumerated the company’s corporate social investments to include support for schools, health, and several empowerment programmes for Akwa Ibom citizens. He also informed the Governor about the third season of the MTN Champs Sports competition, explaining that six out of the 20 most valuable selected players are indigenes of Akwa Ibom.
Adegoke used the occasion to solicit the state government’s support for the event, scheduled to hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (The Nest of Champions), inviting the governor to flag off the event on 30 April 2025.
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