As one of Nigeria’s oil-rich cities, Uyo city was founded as the regional administrative capital of the Uyo province in 1959. It later became a divisional headquarters before becoming the capital of Akwa Ibom State, created by the military in 1987. This awe-inspiring destination is renowned for its warm hospitality and relaxed pace. Uyo is a clean and expanding city characterised by a strong identity and an emerging food scene.

Arriving at the Victor Attah International Airport, start your tour by grabbing a registered airport taxi for a ride into town. The ride takes about 25 minutes (18 km) along Uyo-Oron Road and gives you a good first view of the airport road’s landscape.

Uyo also knows how to bring people together in a big way. Just a 10-minute (5.7 km) drive via New Stadium Road from the city centre stands the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, fondly called the Nest of Champions. This is an ultra-modern, 30,000-seat arena that has hosted everything from the Nigeria Premier League football matches to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and international friendlies. On match days, the atmosphere is electric. Fans pour in, draped in team colours, drums beat in the background, and chants echo across the stands.

One of the city’s most striking landmarks. Shaped like a whale and giving off a metallic hue is the International Worship Centre, located in the banking layout of town, adjacent to the 21-story building, another iconic landmark. The centre regularly hosts interdenominational Christian gatherings to celebrate significant state functions such as the state anniversary and so on.  

But Uyo isn’t just about events and landmarks; it’s about daily life, rooted in rich culture. Drive out to the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, a growing hub for shopping and cinema. Or take a walk in Udo Udoma Unity Park, where kids play, lovers stroll, and drummers often rehearse under trees.

The Ibibio language, widely spoken in Uyo and across the state, adds colour to everyday life. You’ll often hear greetings and phrases like:

• Good morning: Amesiere
• Thank you: Sosongo
• Welcome: Amedi
• Goodbye: Sangá Sóng
• Please: Mbok
• Sorry: Kpe
• What is your name?: Ekere die?
• My name is…: Nkere…
• How are you?: Idem mfo?
• Call my phone: Kod mkpo utaang iko mi
• Come and eat: Di dia mkpo
• Where are you going?: Aka uke?

One of Uyo’s greatest strengths is the culinary experience it offers.  From  Afang soup to Ekpang Nkukwo, or the spicy green of Edikang Ikong, the food is sure to offer an experience.

At night, Uyo shifts gears. The streets are calm but not asleep. You’ll find rooftops with live bands, laughter in beer parlours, and the soft hum of Afro-jazz drifting through open-air lounges. It’s not a city of rush or spectacle; it’s one of gentle rhythm.

Uyo is also stepping into a new era of travel infrastructure, thanks to the soon-to-be-launched smart terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport. This facility is set to become one of Nigeria’s first true airport hubs, seamlessly connecting local and international flights in a single location. It is set to be a game-changer for both local and international travel. Suffice to say it is a good time to explore and invest. Plan your journey to Uyo today.

 This is Akwa Abasi, Ibom State, the land named after God. The people call it Akwa Ibom Isong Emana Nnyin — Akwa Ibom: The Land That Gave Birth to Us. It’s more than a slogan; it’s a way of life.

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