By ‘Tourist’ Osita Chidoka
I ran on the best pedestrian-friendly highway in Nigeria today in Ikot Ekpene. The road that leads to Uyo is a dual carriage highway and well-built with all road users considered.
The pedestrian walkway had smooth ramps for cyclists and physically challenged users. The gradient on hilly parts of the road was gradual and makes running and walking easy. Sadly, broken-down vehicles park on the pedestrian walkways and the use of seat-belts and helmets is poorly observed.
Ikot Ekpene is the home of Four Points by Sheraton, a Marriott Hotel brand. As I ran on the road taking in the site and sounds of this quaint old city, my mind wandered to possibilities….with Ibom Air, world-class road infrastructure, all year round clement weather, and a strong oil and gas sector present.
Imagine an African-themed Disney situated between Uyo and Ikot Ekpene serviced by the Four Point and Meridian. Dream of a museum of slavery that takes you through a journey in time. Providing all-year traffic for the hotels and enabling more boutique hotels to set up shop.
Dream of high-speed internet, new layouts with low to mid-rise apartment buildings serviced with high-quality nursery and primary schools. Think of lounges, bars, restaurants, and monthly shows with Nigerian musicians.
If you are in the knowledge industry, ICT, and high-end production where will you be? If I was 30 and looking to conquer the world I will move to the dreamt of Uyo – Ikot Ekpene corridor. Ibom Air ensures prompt connectivity to major cities.
The Uyo – Ikot Ekpene corridor will offer cheap housing, clean air, a strong flow of tourists, and world-class infrastructure plus schools.
Akwa Ibom is a rough diamond. Building on existing successes an innovative leader can cut and polish the diamond. Let’s unlock Naija States; one-by-one at a time.
*Business Hilights recalls that Chief Osita Benjamin Chidoka is a former Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Corps and past Minister of Aviation in Nigeria. He served under President Goodluck Jonathan. Osita Chidoka was Minister of Aviation in Nigeria.
