MY VISIT TO ARISE PARK PROJECT
By Ubong Creativity David
Today, I decided to visit the ARISE Park Project site to see things by myself. My curiosity of visiting the place came after watching AKWA IBOM RISING, a programme powered by the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, that featured the ARISE PARK on TVC Channel last Friday night.
From the narration of the programme by the presenter, to remarks made by the Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, former DG of NTA, Sen. Ben Murray Bruce, and others aroused my curiosity to go and see things by myself.
When I approached the entrance of the project site, I saw a signpost written boldly that there is no entrance as the place is a construction site. Initially, I was afraid I will not be given access to the place, but I refused to thinker towards that direction. I began to call the PRO of Bulletine Construction Company Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Victor Brown, but he didn’t pick his calls. So I decided to proceed to the gate, and saw a young man. I told him the reason I am there but he said I should wait let him call the security guard. When the guard came out, I explained myself and my mission to the place. He directed my attention to the boldly written signpost of NO ENTRANCE, but I tried to convince him to allow me in.
I saw a man, one of the superior staff of the company, sitting inside the yard discussing with someone else and I beckoned on him to allow me see the man which he obliged. I went to the man, explained myself and mission. I told him I like the project hence my mission to see the site and confirm with what I watched on TV. I showed him the video clip of the project I downloaded on Facebook and the three men were happy to see the clip. He granted me access but explained that the distance is very far and I may not be able to to reach the end. I told him let me just try to walk some distance then return.
I started the trekking and the place was very busy with trucks, tractors and human activities. From the entrance walkway, I saw men and women planting grasses in a sloppy terrain, while on the other side, there were many artisans (carpenters, welders, masons, etc) working including food vendors, among others. I continue walking and covered the entire long stretch of over 4 kilometers. I did a head count of people working at the site discovered that about 300 people or more were engaged at the site. I then did a head count of machineries working at just one site and a total of 43 of them including lorries, tractors, caterpillars, excavators, and others were working increasingly. Earnestly, I haven’t come across such numbers of machines at just one project site.
I discovered that there is ongoing construction of a massive fence sharing boundary with the Seminary along Brook Street, stretching to long distance that I couldn’t reach. I walked down about 2 kilometers or more and when I reach the end of the construction where all the water are emptied in the ravine towards Hilltop Mansion, I decided to torch the Anua axis and looking back, I was contemplating how I will be able to trek back.
Since I didn’t know the nearby exit to link the main road, I continued trekking back. Though I was entirely worn out, but I needed to conclude what I started. I struggled to climb the hilly entrance which was easily for me when I started the journey. When I finally reached, I was excited that I have fulfilled my mission.
THE ARISE PARK PROJECT
Many people have criticized Governor Umo Eno for embarking on this project, but I want to say that Akwa Ibom State is embedded with numerous tourism potential that if properly harnessed will not only boost internally generated revenue for the state, but will also create job opportunities for our people especially the youth population.
What are the features of the ARISE Park? When completed, the project will boast of a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, standard football field, artificial lake, exquisite restaurant, children’s arcade, guest chalets, among other recreational activities and will be accessible by footbridge by visitors and tourists. The ARISE Park will complement other tourist attractions in the state and the resultant effect cannot be overemphasized.
The idea of His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to turn a devastating gully area into a world class recreational tourist centre deserves commendation. As a veteran in the hospitality industry, he knows what can boost economic fortune of the state. We need to join hands and help the Governor fulfill his ARISE Agenda Manifesto in the state.