FTAN congratulates Akwa Ibom governor-elect, Eno

The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) has congratulated the governor-elect for Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on his victory at the March 18 governorship poll.

This is contained in a congratulatory letter signed by the National President of the group, Mr Nkereuwem Onung.

Onung said the governor-elect would further deepen democracy and actualise the vision of the founding fathers of the state.

He said the founding fathers of the state spent enormous energy and financial resources to position the cultural tourism economy of the state, as the foremost entity in the South-South.

Onung noted that the governor-elect ran his campaign on “The Happy Hour” mantra, an indicative of his intention to promote the tourism sector in the state.

He said Eno believed that a thriving and creative cultural tourism and hospitality economy would make the state a tourism hub of Nigeria.

“We at FTAN rejoice with you, your deputy governor-elect, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, and the good people of Akwa Ibom State for the victory at the just-concluded governorship election.

“It is our prayers that your campaign slogan translates to verifiable and practicable tourism efforts, which will empower and provide jobs for Nigerians by engendering standardisation of the ecosystem towards sustaining the industry,” he said.

He called on the governor-elect to remain steadfast in his vision to transform the state tourism and hospitality resources.

He, however, commended Gov. Udom Emmanuel, and other former governors of the state who committed huge resources to building tourism infrastructure and other options, foundations desirable to grow a true, viable socio-cultural economy.

Onung assured of FTAN presence, assistance and collaboration with the Akwa Ibom governor-elect, who is not new to progressive hospitality and tourism entrepreneurship.

“We at FTAN no doubt wish to see the tourism reality start in earnest in the state and certainly pray to God to guide and give you and your deputy, the wisdom to rule well in Akwa Ibom State, which must be a reference point in Nigeria tourism trajectory,” he said.