ICLM forum pushes tourism beyond oil
The Institute of Corporate Leadership and Mentorship (ICLM) successfully hosted its 2026 Policy Evaluation and Advocacy Forum (PEAF) on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Vision Hall, ICLM Headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, under the theme, “Beyond Oil: Redefining the Future of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry.”
The forum critically appraised tourism development in Akwa Ibom State in line with the ARISE Agenda of the current administration
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Etim Ekpimah
The Institute of Corporate Leadership and Mentorship (ICLM) successfully hosted its 2026 Policy Evaluation and Advocacy Forum (PEAF) on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Vision Hall, ICLM Headquarters, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, under the theme, “Beyond Oil: Redefining the Future of Nigeria’s Tourism Industry.”
The forum critically appraised tourism development in Akwa Ibom State in line with the ARISE Agenda of the current administration.
The event brought together policymakers, tourism stakeholders, development experts, academics, private sector operators, media practitioners and other strategic stakeholders to deliberate on tourism as a critical driver of economic diversification, sustainable development and national transformation in Nigeria.
Following extensive presentations, discussions and stakeholder engagements, the forum resolved that subnational governments across Nigeria should prioritise tourism-driven development through strategic investments in infrastructure, environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, while commending Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for advancing these objectives under the ARISE Agenda.
The forum also called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to enact sustainable tourism legislation and long-term policy frameworks to institutionalise tourism development and ensure continuity beyond political administrations.
Governments at all levels were urged to provide tax holidays, investment-friendly policies and an enabling business environment for hotel owners, tourism investors and hospitality operators, while promoting increased investment in tourism infrastructure.
Participants recommended the digitisation of the tourism sector through smart tourism solutions, digital platforms and coordinated online marketing to improve visibility, accessibility and global competitiveness.
The forum also advocated stronger public-private partnerships for the effective management, funding and operation of the tourism sector to ensure sustainability, innovation and increased investment opportunities.
It further urged that Akwa Ibom’s medical tourism initiatives, particularly through world-class healthcare facilities, should be sustained and expanded to attract both local and international medical visitors.
The forum emphasised that sports tourism should be fully harnessed as a strategic economic sector capable of promoting youth engagement, attracting investment, enhancing international visibility and generating revenue.
Participants stressed that Akwa Ibom’s cultural values, heritage and indigenous identity must be preserved as essential components of sustainable tourism development, alongside increased investment in resorts, waterfronts, transportation, museums, ecotourism parks, cultural villages and entertainment hubs.
The forum also recommended the strategic integration of tourism education, Nigerian history and indigenous languages, particularly the Ibibio language, into schools and civic orientation programmes.
It condemned the distortion and misspelling of Ibibio words on public signboards and billboards, as well as the misrepresentation of indigenous foods and cultural expressions such as Afia Efere as “White Soup” and Efere Afang as “Okazi Soup,” describing the trend as harmful to cultural identity and authentic tourism promotion.
The forum further recommended that Akwa Ibom State strategically develop education tourism by upgrading selected public and private institutions into world-class centres capable of attracting students from across Nigeria and beyond.
It also urged the completion and effective utilisation of the Ibom Science Park to position Akwa Ibom as a technology and innovation hub in West Africa through “tech tourism”.
Participants called for stronger environmental sanitation and waste management systems, noting that indiscriminate waste disposal and littered environments create negative impressions for tourists and investors.
The forum maintained that tourism establishments, agencies and parastatals should be overseen by qualified professionals with proven practical experience in tourism, hospitality, cultural affairs and destination management.
It further recommended that tourism, cultural, sports and entertainment activities in Akwa Ibom State be repositioned as structured revenue-generating ventures through sustainable planning and professional management rather than ceremonial activities.
Meanwhile, the forum reaffirmed that tourism remains a strategic pathway for economic diversification, job creation, cultural preservation, investment attraction and sustainable national development in Nigeria.
Participants also resolved to sustain advocacy, strategic partnerships and policy engagements aimed at repositioning Nigeria and its subnational entities as competitive tourism destinations within Africa and the global economy.
The communiqué was endorsed by Apostle Dr Emmanuel Eduongo, Director-General and Convener; Mr Udeme Uyoata, representative of the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Special Guest; Idongesit Antung, speaker at the forum; Mr Ubong Ekpe Okon, CEO of Awazon Tours and Tourism and Lead Discussant; Comrade Nsibiet John, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.
Others included Mr Martins Umoh, Development Economist; Dr Anietie Atai of Akwa Ibom State University; Elder Charles Bassey, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Hotel Owners Association; Dr Saviour Ekpe of PIIRI, Abuja; Prince Uduak Pedro, State Coordinator of NATOP; and Dr Iniobong Ekpo of AKSCOE, who served as Moderator and Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee.
