A CALL FOR FAMILY ORIENTED RECREATIONAL CENTRES IN AKWA: IBOMBuilding A Stronger, Healthier Community

Akwa Ibom is a vibrant state brimming with cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and immense potential. Yet, one area that seemingly remains underdeveloped across its Local Government Areas is family-oriented recreational centers. Establishing a network of family-friendly attractions such as zoos, amusement parks, museums, bowling centres. botanical gardens, art exhibition centres, historically rich tourism centres, and public parks could transform our communities by promoting healthy recreation, enhancing local tourism, and strengthening family bonds.

Currently, entertainment options across Akwa Ibom are largely limited to bars, drinking joints, eateries and a growing number of hotels, which often remain under-occupied. While these establishments play a role in the local economy, they lack the diversity of activities that family-centered facilities would provide. By focusing on family recreation, Akwa Ibom can cultivate a more inclusive environment that caters for people of all ages.

Undeniably, family-oriented centers offer immense benefits for individuals, families, and the broader community. Here are a few reasons why every Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom would benefit from developing these resources:

Promoting quality family time In today’s fast-paced world, families often struggle to find time for each other, and accessible recreational centers can provide much-needed spaces for bonding. Parks, amusement centers, and zoos create environments where families can engage in fun and encourage enriching activities together. Building these spaces across all LGAs can make quality family time more accessible for everyone.

Mental and physical health studies consistently show that outdoor activities and engagement with nature improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance physical fitness. Zoos, botanical gardens, and parks provide family members with opportunities to enjoy fresh air, observe wildlife, and stay active. For children, these experiences are particularly beneficial for development and learning.

Family-oriented recreational centers are not only essential for community wellness but also for economic growth. For examples, establishing zoos, amusement parks, and other such facilities will attract hordes of tourists from neighboring states, providing a boost to local economies. Moreover, these centers create a diverse range of job; from tour guides to maintenance staff and ultimately increasing employment opportunities across Akwa Ibom.

It is instructive to note that preserving culture and education museums dedicated to Akwa Ibom’s rich heritage can foster a deeper appreciation for our cultural roots. By learning about our history and traditions, young people grow up with a sense of pride and connection to their community. Other educational centers, like science or art museums, would provide engaging, interactive learning experiences for children and adults alike, contributing to a well-rounded and informed society.

One of the significant concerns facing our communities is the increasing over-reliance on drinking joints and pubs as a source of entertainment. With limited alternatives, people may turn to these places out of a lack of options rather than genuine interest in it.  

Therefore, family-oriented centers would offer the much needed healthier alternative and can also contribute to reducing the prevalence of alcohol-related social issues and promote a more wholesome and community-friendly environment, this could help curb the negative social Influences like drugs, prostitution and other social vices that is gradually spreading like wildfire.

So, to achieve a family-friendly Akwa Ibom State, collaborative efforts among government agencies, private investors, and local leaders are essential. The Pastor Umo Eno led administration ought to incentivize private Investments.  For a start, introduction of incentives such as tax breaks or land grants to encourage private investors to build family-oriented centers and a Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can be a sustainable model for financing and maintaining these centers.

Apart from considering the resuscitation of the abandoned theme park project at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre in Uyo Local Government Area, there is indeed a very urgent need to leverage on community feedbacks and preferences of local families and ensure that recreational facilities that will serve the community should be  designed and developed in other geopolitical zones like federal constituencies if not in all Local Government Areas.

It is crucial that these recreational centers are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status. Affordable entry fees, convenient locations, and regular maintenance will ensure that every family has an opportunity to enjoy these spaces. For these centers to be sustainable, Local Governments can pool resources and expertise to create regional attractions that serve multiple communities. By working together, they can maximize impact and foster a sense of unity among residents across Akwa Ibom. This will provide lasting benefits for our people, especially the next generation.

By prioritizing wholesome family activities over bars and hotels, we can lay the foundation for a healthier, happier, and more culturally enriched society. It's time to envision a brighter future where families across all Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom have spaces to learn, bond, thrive together and ultimately offer a more people-centric recreation away from the seemingly stereotyped beer parlour and hotel fun trends.

As a matter of fact, Akwa Ibom State stands to benefit immensely from investments like amusement parks, zoos, historical museum and family based recreational facilities; as many of the teeming unemployed population would be gainfully engaged, Internally generated revenue shored up and the society would have taken another bold step closer to having a normal and acceptable modern society where civilized and intelligent children would be decently raised for the future.  

Today, tourists across the world travel to Dubai in the United Arab Emirate not just to have a glimpse of the famous Burj Khalifa, the low violent crime rates or the expensive Hotels, but most importantly to experience the family-friendly atmosphere and the very rich cultural history that they proudly flaunt through facilities like; the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark in Palm Jumeira,  the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo, Dubai Miracle Garden, the Dubai Crocodile Park as well as the world class children's museum; OliOli among many others that continuously attract millions of fun seekers yearly to the Emirate and business owners perpetually smiling to the bank.

It is imperative to note that pubs and hotels cater primarily to adults. Though pubs can attract visitors, the lack of diverse attractions like amusement parks and museums may limit the types of tourists, potentially reducing visitor numbers over time or create a negative tourism Imbalance. The proliferation of pubs can increase alcohol consumption, potentially leading to social issues like alcohol dependency, drugs abuse, alcohol triggered ailments, heightened public disturbances and many other potential social Issues.

On the other hand, amusement parks and museums often offer educational and entertaining spaces for youths and the younger generation. A lack of these attractions can leave young people with fewer productive activities, potentially impacting community vitality and youth engagement. Therefore I call on the present administration in Akwa Ibom State to strive to create a balance between these types of establishments, supports diverse community needs and encourage a richer and healthier cultural environment that is not fuelled by alcohol consumption and adult themed dance and karaoke bars.

Patrick Etim writes from the tourism rich but dormant Itu Local Government Area