By Jennifer Ugwueke
The Akwa Ibom State government has finally fixed a September 2021 deadline for commencement of operations at the prestigious Sheraton by Four Points Hotel, Ikot Ekpene.
A statement made available by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade ini Ememobong and made available to DAILY INDEPENDENT in Uyo, the State capital, indicates that the deal was sealed during a meeting between the State government and the Marriot Group at Accra, Ghana earlier in the day.
Recall that the Akwa Ibom State Government has over the years battled to upgrade the hotel built by Sheraton standard to meet up with the design and speculations of the Marriott International, which bought over the former.
“Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel today, June 23, 2021 met with the management of Marriot Group, led by Mr. Volker Heiden, Area Vice President of Marriott International, to finalise arrangements for the commencement of operations at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene.
“The meeting, which held at the Marriot Envoy, Accra, discussed concluding modalities to ensure that the opening of the hotel is no longer delayed.
“Governor Emmanuel expressed his delight that his promise to ensure that every strategic infrastructure is converted into a valuable asset for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people, is finding expression in the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel.
“The delegation, which was led by the Governor, had Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Secretary to the State Government; Mr. Uko Udom SAN , Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Rt. Hon. Okpolopm Etteh, Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties; Mr. Imo-Abasi Jacobs, Executive Director, AKICORP and Chairman of Ibom Air Board; and Engr. Ephraim Udosen , Director of Projects,in the Ministry of Special Duties,” the release read.