Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the state’s cultural and tourism potential as a strong driver for economic growth and development. He made this known at the flag off of Christmas Unplugged 3.0 held at the Christmas Village in Unity Park along Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, where he highlighted the steady progress made in tourism and the new international designation for the Victor Attah Airport.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said Akwa Ibom was gradually becoming more visible on the tourism map. According to him, “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.”
Governor Eno noted that Ibom Air continues to boost tourism access, while the upgrade of the Victor Attah Airport to international status was a major development for the sector. He told the audience, “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.”
He explained that the State was creating links for seamless travel within the sub-region, saying that the tourism potential was being nurtured step by step. He added that the upcoming festive period would further highlight this growth. “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 said.
Governor Eno shared that various local government contingents will showcase their culture during the fiesta, emphasizing that residents and tourists would witness colourful and exciting displays. “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 receive everyone. Akwa Ibom State is ripe, and this is where it will be happening in the next 32 days, back to back,” he stated.
The Governor encouraged residents and tourism lovers around the world to take advantage of the season to enjoy the state’s cultural richness and hospitality. He extended an invitation, saying, “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.”
He assured participants of robust security measures, medical support and logistics to guarantee a smooth 32 days of celebration, noting that preparations had been carefully carried out to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for visitors and locals.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, applauded the Governor for driving tourism growth in the state. He described Governor Eno as the torchbearer of tourism development and praised him for giving him the opportunity to execute the tourism vision contained in the ARISE Agenda, which he said was already transforming Akwa Ibom into a preferred destination.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, commended the Governor for promoting tourism in a way that engages young people and boosts the economy. According to him, lawmakers had observed the Governor’s dedication to tourism and pledged to support tourism proposals in the 2026 budget to sustain momentum.
In her remarks, the Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters, thanked the Governor for ensuring the welfare of civil servants. She added that the payment of a 13th month salary would enable workers participate fully in the Christmas Unplugged 3.0 celebration.
Meanwhile, the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, reminded attendees that the programme began as a vision three years ago. He stressed that the event has had a positive impact on tourism and the state’s economy, describing the fiesta as a growing platform for showcasing culture and encouraging economic activity.
The Chairman of ALGON in the state and Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, expressed confidence in this year’s edition. He praised the Governor for fostering the steady growth of the fiesta and projected that the 2024 celebration would surpass previous editions. He assured that local government chairmen would give the needed cooperation to support the organisers for a successful event.
The Christmas Unplugged 3.0 opening ceremony featured diverse cultural displays, music and dance, as different participants entertained the audience with energy and excitement, signalling the beginning of a month-long celebration across Akwa Ibom.
