NewsDesk –
Akwa Ibom State government has concluded Plans for the successful hosting of Ibom Christmas Unplugged season 4.0, which opens on November 30 2026.
The 2026 edition, themed “The Taste of Akwa Ibom: Our Food, Our Culture and Our Heritage,” was unveiled at a media briefing where the state government presented activities planned to attract visitors, create business opportunities and give residents and tourists a taste of Akwa Ibom’s cultural identity.
From traditional meals prepared across its 31 local government areas to cultural displays, music and a pageant celebrating the Akwa Ibom woman, the state is preparing for a festive season that will showcase its heritage and tourism attractions at the event.
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, said the briefing provided an opportunity to update partners, sponsors, tourists, tourism enthusiasts and the general public on preparations, while reflecting on the achievements of the 2025 celebration.
He noted that reviewing the previous edition would help the state assess its progress, identify areas for improvement and build on what had been achieved.
The 2025 celebration recorded more than 4.5 million visits to Unity Park, with over 800 vendors and 300 kiosks participating in the event.
According to the organisers, this year’s edition will build on that experience, with 300 kiosks and additional spaces for brand displays.
One of the major attractions will be the Ibom Kitchen, where the state’s food culture will be on display.
Each of the 31 local government areas is expected to present at least five traditional dishes on its allocated day, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the different meals and food traditions across Akwa Ibom.
The celebration will also feature Mbopo Akwa Ibom, a cultural pageant designed to showcase the beauty, intelligence, character, cultural values and purpose of the Akwa Ibom woman.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Culture and Tourism Commission, Mrs Ime Udo, described the initiative as a platform founded on the philosophy of “Beauty with a Purpose.”
She explained that it goes beyond conventional beauty pageants by giving young women opportunities to develop their potential, build careers and achieve greater economic independence.
She said the winner would serve as the state’s tourism ambassador for 365 days and receive a brand-new car, a cash prize to be announced by Governor Umo Eno, as well as an office within the Office of the Governor.
The grand finale is scheduled for December 20 at Arise Palm Resort Banquet Hall.
Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, said the state government’s investment in tourism was aimed at making the sector a major contributor to the state’s economy.
He explained that developing local tourism sites and promoting Akwa Ibom to a wider audience would help attract visitors, support businesses and create jobs.
Beyond the food and cultural showcases, the programme will feature daily performances by local artistes, Christmas carols, a Niger Delta cultural day, children’s activities, reggae night, old-school night and a New Year’s Eve crossover celebration.
A government pavilion will also showcase projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Umo Eno and highlight investment opportunities in tourism, agriculture and other sectors.
Other planned activities include a celebration with civil servants, a women’s day, a corporate consortium and visits to orphanages, adding community and business activities to the entertainment programme.
The festivities are also expected to create opportunities for local businesses, vendors and artistes to connect with new audiences, while giving communities a platform to showcase their products, talents and cultural heritage.4
As the celebrations draw to a close on December 31, Unity Park will host a New Year’s Eve crossover, bringing residents and visitors together for a night of worship and thanksgiving as they usher in the New Year.
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