The need to rejuvenate Ibom Plaza and fully optimize its usage with a focus on revenue generation was the crux of discussions on the floor of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly recently.

After deliberations on the issue raised by the member representing the Uyo Constituency, Uwemedimo Asuquo at plenary, the Speaker, Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk of the House, Nsikakabasi Orok, to write to Governor Umo Eno, notifying him of the need to recondition and put the plaza into use.

Asuquo had, while moving a motion on the need for the State Government to renovate and ensure the use of the Ibom Plaza on Thursday, September 14, 2023, called for the refurbishment and reopening of the plaza.

He lamented that the Ibom Plaza Stalls and Stores has been abandoned and needs a revisit and revival by the State Government, stressing that it remains an asset of the State that has the potential of creating jobs, generating revenue and offering a veritable opportunity for the shopping for the people of the State.

His motion was supported by the member representing Ikono Constituency, Asuquo Udo, who described the Plaza as a state-of-the-art facility that was constructed by the Victor Attah administration, noting that it has not totally served its purpose.

According to him, the Ibom Plaza which is located in the heart of the state capital, Uyo, used to be the center for business and other economic and recreational activities but has not been in use since 2012 and has led the people to fall back on roadside trading over these years.

“Currently, the Ibom Plaza has about 600 shops and stalls at the Plaza have been abandoned which has caused the people to resort to roadside trading within the plaza and its environs.”

He explained that due to the abandonment of this facility, the state has lost a lot of revenue that could have been generated internally as the structure could have been a part of the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to him, it would also encourage small and medium scale businesses which is part of the A.R.I.S.E. agenda of the present administration.