Tuesday December 2, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to harnessing the state’s cultural and tourism potential as a key driver for economic growth and development.
Speaking at the flag off of Christmas Unplugged 3.0 at the Christmas Village, Unity Park on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, the Governor said the State was advancing in its tourism development. He said the approval of an international status for the Victor Attah Airport is equally a booster for the sector.
“Tourism for us is becoming our middle name. As a State, we have advanced the cause of tourism. From the hills of Itu to the beaches of Ibeno, to the relics of Ikot Abasi, we are developing tourism in Akwa Ibom. We are using the things that God has given us.
“Ibom Air is opening the way. As you heard the other day, the Victor Attah Airport is now designated as an International Airport, and we are doing all we can to tick all the boxes to ensure that we expand tourism.
“We can move people within the sub-region. We are building slowly our tourism potentials. In the next 32 days, we will be relaxing, engage in different activities and having fun, local government by local government, starting from Abak, the Speaker’s Local Government.
“He will be leading the contingent, beautiful contingent, dressed out with their culture, looking good, as they come out to display the rich culture of Akwa Ibom State.
“We are waiting to recieve everyone. Akwa Ibom State is ripe, and this is where it will be happening in the next 32 days, back to back,” he said.
Governor Eno called on Akwa Ibom people and tourism lovers around the world to take advantage of the season to relax, enjoy and savour the rich cultural heritage of the State.
“We invite the world to the land of promise inhabited by hospitable people to have a taste of our rich culture, our cuisine; the Afang soup, the Edikang-ikong, Ekpang nkukwo, the fisherman soup and nice beaches to relax and have fun all around. Ibom Air will fly you in, and fly you back,” stated.
He assured participants and visitors of a hitch-free celebration, explaining that top notch preparations have been put in place in terms of security and medical emergencies and other logistics to guarantee a successful hosting of the 32 days Christmas Unplugged 3.0.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his passion for tourism development in the State.
He described Governor Eno as the torch bearer for tourism development in the State, saying that his vision has transformed the State to a choice destination and thanked him for the support granted him to interpret his tourism vision as contained in the ARISE Agenda.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, appreciated the Governor for his tourism drive which, according to him, was engaging the youths and growing the economy.
He said the State legislature had observed the Governor’s commendable focus on tourism, adding that the proposal for tourism development in the 2026 budget would be given the necessary support to advance the cause.
Similar, the Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters, commended the Governor for his welfare packages for workers, adding that the 13th month salary will enable workers to actively participate in the Christmas Unplugged 3.0 celebration.
On his part, the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, recalled that the event was the Governor’s vision born three years ago, stressing that the fiesta was positively transforming the tourism sector and the economy of the State.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, and Chairman Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, expressed confidence in this year’s edition of the programme, and commended the Governor for the steady growth of the fiesta .
He noted that this year’s event will surpass previous editions and thanked the Commissioner, Delivery Advisor and other drivers of the event for their commitment to interpreting the Governor’s vision, and assured that local government chairmen will collaborate effectively with them to ensure a successful outing.
The event featured different performances and cultural displays, with participants displaying their dance steps with so much joy and laughter.
