Ibom Towers: From Blueprint to Reality

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Ibom Towers: From Blueprint to Reality

By Aniekan Umanah

It was a day Akwa Ibom State kept a date with destiny—a day when an ambitious vision transformed into reality. The event gathered some of Nigeria’s finest minds, who came in support of Akwa Ibom State’s Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at the groundbreaking ceremony of Ibom Towers, an impressive real estate investment in the heart of Lagos.

Governor Umo Eno and daughter, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki at the foundation laying ceremony of Ibom Towers in Lagos

At exactly 12:25 pm on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, a black Lexus 670 LSR bearing state flags and the official seal arrived at Plot 868, Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Inside were Governor Umo Eno and Mrs. Helen Eno-Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State. Their arrival underscored the significance of a location that would soon transcend being just an address.

Former Akwa Ibom Governors Mr. Udom Emmanuel and Arc. Obong Victor Attah, along with former Cross River State Governor Senator Liyel Imoke, and other prominent citizens across the political divide such as Former Minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet, Former Minister of Niger Delta, Obong Umana Okon Umana, as well as senators, members of the State Assembly, and House of Representatives, business moguls, and state officials were also present.
Shortly afterward, a royal entourage brought HRH Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola, the Elegushi of Ikateland, who arrived in a white Rolls Royce.

By 12:32 pm, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the event’s Special Guest of Honour, arrived in a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. He appeared resplendent in a slim-fit designer grey suit paired with a well-cut white shirt and a red silk tie that complemented his attire. Governor Sanwo-Olu was followed by HRH Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Land, who arrived in a black Mercedes Benz S580 Maybach.

The gathering of such prominent figures underscored the significance of the 18-story Ibom Towers project. This landmark endeavor represents the unfolding story of Akwa Ibom’s greatness, with Governor Umo Eno leading an initiative to position the state as a rising force.

The day was not just a calendar event; it was a celebration for the people of Akwa Ibom. Dressed in vibrant colors, they expressed their pride through dance and colorful displays, with cultural troupes from both Akwa Ibom and Lagos adding to the festivities. Their joy reflected their ownership of a project set to elevate the state economically and as a brand.

The fashionable Governor Umo Eno, dressed in light blue jeans, a designer shirt, a dapper blazer, and his signature ARISE fez cap, presented himself as a man focused on business and investment for Akwa Ibom State. The lively atmosphere was one of visible happiness and pride.

As I observed the ceremony and listened to each speaker, I was captivated by the vision behind the 18-story Ibom Towers and its potential. This project aims to expand Akwa Ibom’s economic horizon, reducing reliance on federal allocations that often fluctuate with oil prices.

Governor Eno explained that Ibom Towers is designed to generate revenue and create job opportunities for the state. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the initiative, noting that situating it in Lagos—the nation’s commercial hub—would maximize its economic impact.

The Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Imo-Abasi Jacob, provided a detailed project overview, underscoring its viability. The Ibom Towers project represents a substantial investment in real estate aimed at boosting Akwa Ibom’s internally generated revenue (IGR). This asset will preserve the state’s commonwealth, generating financial returns and strengthening economic foundations under Governor Eno’s leadership.

Overall, the project reflects Governor Eno’s commitment to financial integrity and accountability in Akwa Ibom’s economic strategy. Through transparent execution, the governor has demonstrated adeptness in managing public finances. The project also promises direct and indirect job creation, aligning with his commitment to employment and empowerment for the people of Akwa Ibom.

Ibom Towers will proudly represent Akwa Ibom in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nucleus. Its location alongside landmark structures like the KPMG Head Office, Civic Centre, Mobil House, and the Radisson Blu Hotel offers prime positioning.

Ibom Towers is designed for urban professionals and will feature luxury apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology. Revenue generated from property leases and tourism is expected to boost Akwa Ibom’s GDP.

The tower will house 32 residential units, including one-bedroom apartments with boys’ quarters, two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom apartments, and three exclusive sky apartments. Additional amenities include suspended swimming pools, a restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, private lounges, multi-level parking for 102 cars, a gym, dedicated elevators, water treatment facilities, enhanced security, and standby power supply.

Speakers at the event, including Obong Victor Attah, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, voiced their support. They agreed that the 18-story Ibom Towers is a strategically sound project for Akwa Ibom State.

Located on over 2,000 square meters of land acquired by the Akwa Ibom State Government in the early 1990s, the project will sell units through a flexible pre-sale payment plan. The revenue generated will fund further development projects.

This groundbreaking real estate investment positions Akwa Ibom as an economic leader. With Ibom Towers, Akwa Ibom will stand tall, economically and developmentally. Governor Umo Eno is the architect of this economic ascent.

Postscript:

Governor Umo Eno’s vision extends beyond real estate. On November 1, he welcomed two brand-new CRJ 900 aircraft acquired by Ibom Air at a ceremony in Uyo, reinforcing Akwa Ibom’s status as an emerging first-class state. The aircraft acquisition expands Ibom Air’s capacity and will enhance service quality during the busy holiday season.

Governor Eno noted that the state government financed these new planes, avoiding long-term interest payments on loans. This approach strengthens Ibom Air’s profitability and allows Akwa Ibom residents to enjoy the dividends of this investment.

Governor Eno also hinted at the operational readiness of the International Airport Terminal and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities—key drivers of the state’s aviation sector growth.

The new aircraft, initially serving domestic routes, will eventually support the airline’s regional expansion. This vision reflects Governor Eno’s commitment to creating wealth and development opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

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