More than 200 players in the tourism and hospitality industry will gather in Uyo on Monday, September 1, 2026, for a high level roundtable aimed at repositioning Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s top tourism destination.
The Akwa Ibom Tourism Sector Roundtable will hold at Ceedapeg Hotels under the theme: “Repositioning Akwa Ibom State As Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination. While The tagline is “Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom.”
Organizers say the one day meeting is designed to produce measurable economic outcomes, not just talk. Key focus areas will include, Destination Branding and Tourism Investment, Hospitality Standards and Service Delivery,Tourism Business Expectations, Community Participation, Youth and Women Entrepreneurship,Tourism Infrastructure Development.
In a joint statement, the conveners said the roundtable is meant to complement ongoing tourism and hospitality projects under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The statement was signed by Obong Daniel Udoh, Chairman, Nigeria Hotels Association, Akwa Ibom Chapter; Sir Joseph Umoh, Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom Chapter; and Amb. Usen Udoh, Chairman/CEO, Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd.
Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, will deliver the keynote address.
Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government and former President of ATCON, will chair the event. DIG Udom Ekpoudom (Rtd), Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Calabar, is expected as Guest of Honour.
Panelists include, Sir Charles Udoh, Tourism and Hospitality Management Expert, Brand Architect and Author, Prof. Bassey Benjamin Esu, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Calabar, Dr.Nkereuwem David Edemekong, Historian, University of Uyo, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, CEO, RemLord Tours Ltd, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NATOP, and SSA on Tourism to the Governor,Mr. Ini Akpabio, CEO, Nanet Group and former Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Board, Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, Vice Presid
Lagos-based media consultant, Etim Etim, will moderate the discussions. Expected participants also include investors, hoteliers, transport operators, academics, and media professionals. Akwa Ibom’s selling points, according to organizers, include existing hospitality infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, clean road networks, and improved aviation facilities.
The roundtable is expected to agree on stronger marketing strategies and monitoring mechanisms that can turn those assets into jobs, revenue, and community opportunities.
“At the end of the day, we want practicable recommendations and an action plan that will attract more investment and expand opportunities for businesses and communities across the state,” the organizers stated.
The meeting comes as states across Nigeria intensify efforts to diversify from oil and tap into tourism as a driver of economic growth.
