RismadarVoice Reporters
September 1, 2026
Former Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, has challenged Akwa Ibom State to move beyond celebrating its tourism potential and deliberately convert its natural, cultural and hospitality assets into a major engine of economic growth.
High Chief Duke made the call on Tuesday while presenting a strategic roadmap at Akwa Ibom Tourism Roundtable 2026 in Uyo, where he identified tourism as a powerful instrument for economic diversification, job creation, wealth redistribution and investment attraction.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking the Economic Power of Tourism in Akwa Ibom State: From Potential to Prosperity,” Duke, who was the keynote speaker, said Akwa Ibom does not need to create artificial attractions to become a leading tourism destination, but must package, standardise, promote and commercialise the assets it already possesses.
He explained that a visitor spending money in Akwa Ibom could simultaneously create income for farmers, fishermen, transport operators, artisans, musicians, event managers, technology companies, retailers and other small businesses.
The former Minister said tourism could also provide Akwa Ibom with a viable avenue for reducing dependence on traditional oil revenues, particularly amid changing global energy policies and economic uncertainties.
High Chief Duke highlighted the State’s beaches and waterways from Ibeno to Oron and Ikot Abasi, its traditional institutions, dances, craftsmanship and festivals, as well as indigenous cuisine including Afang, Edikang Ikong and Ekpang Nkukwo, as tourism products that could be developed and marketed more strategically.
According to him, Akwa Ibom’s reputation for cleanliness, orderliness, safety and hospitality also constitutes a major competitive advantage in attracting high-value tourists and investors.
“Repositioning does not imply that Akwa Ibom is starting from zero. It means organising, packaging, standardising, promoting, connecting and commercialising what the State already possesses in abundant measure.” High Chief Duke said.
