As I sit in the belly of the giant Ibom Air aircraft as we embark on a return journey, Orman Esin’s walk on the Runway comes to mind
Orman Esin is the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and core to the evolving tourist ecosystem that is tying IBom Air, the many hospitality concerns like the famed Ibom Hotel and Resort with beautifully managed boutique oasis like the Monty Suites and world-class events like this Fashion Show, the Christmas Village and an emerging theatre culture with the staging of the much expected Ufok Ibaan come December.
In a chat with Orman during Lunch at the Ibom Resort, he talks so passionately about the Christmas Village. His baby.
He boasts. We are expecting 30,000 people daily for one month, never happened, he gloats sounding like me.
Security is top-notch and Akwa Ibom will be the center of the Universe.
His boasts have a basis. For some time now even during the Pandemic, the Christmas Village has pulled in billions into the State economy boosted internal tourism and structured infrastructure creating employment opportunities for its people.
It is no wonder that the Udom Administration has put tourism and hospitality the main fulcrum of its push towards legacy as it begins a wind-down.
This night, Orman walks the runaway having executed a major coup. Pulling in the billion Naira Big Brother Stars into the state with some legendary personalities like Mudi and Charly Boi who unfortunately couldn’t make it.
The scene was electric. The host Uti Nwachukwu himself a Big Brother Alumnus was expansive in his praises for Akwa Ibom and the talents on show were excellent.
As Nollywood elites led by devastatingly beautiful home girl Ini Edo give the front row of the fashion shows the Kardashian effect, Akwa Ibom begins to unveil its new self.
The State is better positioning itself, despite some grim economic statistics as can be gleaned in some reports, the air of optimism cannot be missed.
6m people, rich in Natural resources, with one of the highest literacy rates and a 70% internet penetration amongst youths, Akwa Ibom parades well-prepared condiments ready to be pulled together into a major economic force by an entrepreneurial push at leadership.
Akwa Ibom is burnished Gold. Waiting to be polished by the right leadership.
Udom Emmanuel in his steady and sure-handed manner has consolidated the initial gains of the state especially in the areas of infrastructure, pulling in FDI among others like the new Urea Plant and the Deep Sea Port project amongst other such huge capital intensive projects.
So last night, was a clear illustration that the state was no longer that of unending potentials but was on the road to the actualization of varied visions.
Beside me was the Director of Tourism for the State and you could see the perfect blend of the old and the new.
He sat excitedly in his white Native spotting his Akwa Ibom felt hat in sharp contrast to Orman’s new age get up which he had complimented with an elegant crucifix that looks like something Kanye west will wear, you could feel the fluidity that had provoked this storm.
The show was exciting and grand. The Big Brother stars played up to their billing with Emmanuel the Homeboy taking in a lot of the applause with his proud parents in the audience, Akwa Ibom opened its warm embrace to the stars.
Then Orman led Senator Akon to unveil the prototype of this year’s Christmas Village amidst a sumptuous dinner and dances by a well-curated traditional ensemble made up of some very beautiful Akwa Ibom damsels.
Then at the last minute, I look across and see my friend Meflyn seated just behind the Senator.
Meflyn Awanna is the Special Assistant to His Excellency on Entrepreneurial Development and from what I am hearing she is doing a brilliant job.
The 19-year-old protégé who displayed despite losing his mum a few days earlier I hear is a product of the training and engagement Meflyn’s team is fostering on the system.
Human Capital Development will provide the fluidity the system needs to oil its economic growth and this is already happening with what was being showcased and many more examples all over the state.
As the Ibom Air Plane taxes on the runaway, I catch a glimpse of a massive construction site taking off just by my left-hand side and then to my right, the lush greenery that seems to have captivated me perfectly illustrating the partnership between man and Nature as this oasis of love stands out in the madness that is today’s Nigeria.
This was truly a brilliant weekend.
Duke of Shomolu
Ufok Ibaan will be playing at the Ibom Hall, uyo Dec 23,24, 25 2021. Book your tickets now.
