Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and the Challenges of Tourism Development: the case of Inappropriate Urban Development Drives

Geographically, AkwaIbom State is divided into the coastal mangroves of Africa Central and transition areas at the southernmost point. The Imo and Cross Rivers, flow along the eastern and western borders respectively, while Kwa Ibo River crosses the state before flowing into the Bonny River. Economically, the state is the hub of crude oil and natural gas production in the country; with Ibeno, Mbo and Eastern Obolo as oil-producing local government area’s key minor industries involve agriculture as the state has substantial cocoyam, yam, and plantain crops along with fishing and agriculture. Yet, the state has no substantive or reasonable convention centre. Convention centre is one of the key segments of the events industry, along with hotels, and unique shows. They are designed to host any type of event, including conferences, conventions, and exhibitions. They are mostly located in or near the urban centres or other major population centres and are designed to meet the unique needs of the gathering groups, organizers, visitors, and exhibitors. In the past, the government approaches to urban development programmes are regrettable, retrogressive and benign. As a result, adequate measures and proper administrative management of the government laws and policies are recommended for tourism development in Uyo. Hiring of poorly trained and unqualified personals should be minimized and properly and adequately trained professionals in different areas of interest hired to man and manage the facilities of the state for upwards growth. The urban players in the state should pay more and better attention to the state’s tourism development hence, a sustainable convention centre.