Akwa Ibom Govt Set to Protect Heritage Sites From Defacement, Mutilation, Destruction, Says Culture and Tourism Commissioner, Dr Udofia

MONDAY March 24, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

Akwa Ibom State Government has announced its willingness to collaborate with host communities and other stakeholders to guide against defacing, mutilation or destruction of heritage sites as they are great tourism assets.

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, made this position known recently during a visit to Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn, Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono LGA, as part of his ongoing familiarisation tour of tourism sites in the State.

Dr. Udofia averred that as the state government intensifies efforts at tourism development, there is an urgent need for the preservation of Heritage sites.

Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of his Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, Dr. Anieti Udofia declared that the ARISE Agenda holds the promotion of tourism as critical for sustainable development therefore the government works tirelessly on the maintenance and preservation of all critical assets of tourism including heritage sites such as the Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn.

“The Umo Eno administration is committed to promoting and preserving Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage,” Dr. Udofia stated and announced plans by Governor Umo Eno to undertake significant upgrade of tourism facilities and heritage sites for the benefit of tourists and creation of job opportunities for the people of the state, particularly the host communities.

The State Tourism commissioner acknowledged the rich tourism ecosystem of the State and expressed with optimism that as a tourism-oriented Governor, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D, will tackle the repositioning of the tourism sector for increased Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, as a major index for sustainable development.

The commissioner underscored the importance of effective collaboration with host communities for the preservation of heritage sites geared at bolstering the tourism sector of Akwa Ibom State.

Welcoming the Commissioner to Ibiono Ibom heritage site, the Council Chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ibiono Ibom and expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing tourism development.

During the tour, the delegation visited notable tourism sites in Ibiono Ibom LGA, including the Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn, Use Ikot Oku, the Okopedi beach market and the Traditional Rulers’ Council, TRC complex at Ikpa Ibiono and Mary Slessor Vocational School, Ibiono Ibom.