Akwa Ibom state News Connect

05/09/2024

AKSG TO IMMORTALISE NAMES OF OWN SLAVE TRADE VICTIMS
--Partners ATDC To Erect Slave Memorial Park

In a heightened move towards immortalising the painful Slave Trade history, the Akwa Ibom State Government is partnering Akwa Tours Development Company, ATDC, to erect a Slave Memorial Park with names of her victims of Slave Trade.

The Slave Memorial Park located at the waterfront of the Marina Resort in Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, is coming barely few weeks after the State Government in collaboration with NAAKIBOM unveiled a 179 years old Slave boat confiscated from the Transatlantic Slave Masters.

Laying the Foundation Stone for the Slave Memorial Park, at the Marina Resort yesterday, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh said, the Park which will have the names of Slaves from the locality engraved on Memorial stones, is part of efforts to raise enduring legacies for the pains and desolation caused by slave trade in the State during the Colonial era.

Sir Charles Udoh emphasized that, Akwa Ibom State was a major route of the transatlantic Slave Trade therefore the State Government is taking steps to write the painful history by showcasing the relics of Slave trade to the world as part of Tourism and lauded the Managing Director of Akwa Tours Development Company, ATDC, Mr. Ubong Ekpe for partnering government in this direction.

He said the initiative by ATDC is in line with the Tourism development vision of Governor Umo Eno, as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda and urged other well meaning and Public spirited individuals to emulate the gesture, by lending their energies, resources and support towards the tourism development-drive of government.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, the Tourism Commissioner averred that, Tourism is a vast sector that requires all hands on deck for cross-fertilization of ideas and requested for artefacts of cultural and Tourism values from members of the public in aid of the sector as Tourism has fast become a major foreign exchange spinner for growing economy.

Sir Udoh acknowledged that, the Slave Memorial Park, situated at the Nwaniba/Ifiayong waterfront, will not only boister the economic fortunes of the state through Tourism, but will also inscribe the pains and desolation of the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade in the hearts of the people and serve as a constant deterent against Slave Trade and all forms of modern day slavery in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the world at large.

Earlier in his speech, the MD of Akwa Tourism Development Company Limited/ Curator of the Slave Memorial Park, Mr. Ubong Ekpe Okon, stressed that the organization will give the world a memory of the case faced in the state and emphasized that according to history, some of the slave victims came from Ndiya, Ikpa Uruan, Ifiayong and pointed at a wooden built storey building by the waterfront with a ware house, where the business of trading in human beings and other goods were carried out.

Mr. Ubong Ekpe said his company chose to erect the Memorial Park at the Marina Resort when it recalled when our forefathers were sold into slavery from the spot which was the entry and the exit point for those who were dealing in both Slave trade and timber business, adding that the volume of timber that was coming into the State through that route from Gabon and Cameron was massive.

He therefore appealed to guests at the Foundation Stone laying ceremony to advocate for total Abolition of Slave Trade and slavery, because slavery still continues as neo-colonialism, emphasizing that the names of Slaves from the State will be carved in gold as part of the project for the benefit of mankind.

Goodwill messages were presented at the event by the SSA to the Governor on Brand Management and Marketing, Sir Raphael Edem, the HSA to the Governor on Tourism, Mrs. Ime Udoh, Chairman Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Joseph Umoh, Former Vice Chairman, Uyo LGA, Obongawan (Dr) Roberta Edem, Head Chef/ Executive Director of Uyai Kitchen, Obongawan Maria - Therese Adiakpan, in- coming Chairman, Institute of Tourism of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Brend Inyang.

Present at the occasion were the GM, Ibom LED, Mrs Ekaete Umoh and Directors from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, including: Director (Administration) Mr. Mfon Udokang, Director(Tourism) Mrs Christie Enoch, Director (Culture) Mrs. Comfort Anwana and Head(Marketing) Mr. Mfon Essang, among others.

Information/PR Unit
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Uyo
04/09/24

03/09/2024

02/09/2024

https://tribuneonlineng.com/akwa-ibom-govt-approves-two-aircraft-for-ibom-air/

Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the immediate acquisition of two Bombardier CRJ aircraft, to boost the Ibom Air fleet. This was part of approvals

02/09/2024

📌📌📌

02/09/2024

*Discover Akwa Ibom*

*Ibom Plaza, Uyo*

Ibom Plaza, is a melting point of micro and small scale enterprises; complete with amphitheatre which is the number one public viewing centre in the capital city.

It’s famed to be the “centre point” of Akwa Ibom State.

The entrepreneurial spirit; which is in full display at the plaza, typifies our never-say-never spirit with the singular largest collection of phone and computer technicians in the state. .

The Ibom Connection Sculptural piece located at the plaza symbolises the ease of connectivity to parts of the state from the plaza

The Plaza is located in the heart of Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.

Discover Akwa Ibom...
Come live, work & play !

For more information, please call
+234 02012295422 or visit www.discoverakwaibom.com



Ministry of Culture & Tourism ©️ 2024

31/08/2024

AKSG TO SNOWBALL CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 2.0
--As own 90-seater luxurious ferry Arrives A'Ibom in December

Akwa Ibom State Government is set to snowball the much anticipated Christmas Unplugged season 2.0, with plans to bring in its own luxurious 90-seater cruise ferry in December.

The State-owned luxurious boat to be anchored at the Oron beach, is geared at intensifying traffic into the State through our waterways by people from neighbouring States, expected to turn-up for the Christmas unplugged season 2.0

Disclosing this in Uyo, Thursday, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh said, the ferry is also stationed to take desirous tourists and visitors on water cruise throughout the 32 days Christmas fiesta.

He said the water cruise by tourists will be fortified with security by the gunboats, provided by the State government for Security operatives to ensure safety of travellers to-and-fro our waterways.

Sir Charles Udoh emphasized that, Akwa Ibom State is expected to witness an increased number of footprints in the season 2.0 Christmas Unplugged, from the over 1.5 million people recorded last year, with the arrival of the luxurious ferry in December.

The Tourism Commissioner who was addressing workers of his Ministry during the birthday celebration of the August-born staff, urged all hands to be on deck to ensure a smooth sail of the forthcoming Christmas Unplugged 2.0.

He used the occasion to appreciate the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for the priority placed on Tourism development in the State and announced that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is targeting the hosting of a Boat Regatta and Fishing Carnival in the State to mark the 2024 World Tourism Day in September.

Sir Udoh who rained heavily blessings on all the August-born staff of the Minsitry, congratulated them for stepping into a new chapter of their lives and wished them many years ahead in good health, sound mind and prosperity.

Earlier in her tone setting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Grace Akpan, had expressed gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, for approving the staff birthday celebration, which she said, will give the staff a sense of belonging, raise their morale and motivate them towards higher performance and productivity.

The birthday celebration which was witnessed by Directors and Staff of the Ministry, featured the cutting of the birthday cake, dancing and jubilation.

31/08/2024

HC TOURISM UDOH LAUDS GOV ENO ON ASSETS MGT AGENCY
--‐ Says it will curtail Rot and Wastage in the System.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, has commended the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for setting-up the Akwa Ibom Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency, AKIAMMA, expressing the hope that, it will curtail rots and wastage in government.

Sir Charles Udoh gave the commendation Thursday in Uyo, while playing host to the Executives and Board members of the Agency, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

Receiving the team, the Tourism Commissioner stated with delight that the Agency has hit the ground running especially with the enormous task saddled on it and the high expectation of the Governor in the protection and preservation of government Infrastructures and Assets in all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs as well as in all public facilities.

He decried the high level of rots and wastage in government facilities, ranging from broken water pipes and electricity cables, to leakages of roofs of MDAs at the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, molds on walls of offices, unserviceable government vehicles shattered around in different mechanic workshops and abandoned government utilities, across the State, among others.

He listed the challenges likely to confront the Agency while handling Health, Safety and Environment, HSE, issues, of government workers, to include: lack of fire extinguishers and fire fighting equipment in different MDAs, insufficient office spaces in some MDAs, poor attitude and perception of some workers,

Udoh however expressed with optimism that, with the caliber of professionals appointed into the Agency, they will be able to navigate through the banana peels littering on their path to achieving their set goals.

He pledged his Ministry's support and cooperation to the Agency for the task ahead and urged members to be resilient in pushing forward their goals and objectives as there are often stiff resistance to change.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency, Elder Udo Sam Umoatan, had emphasised on the importance of keeping a register of the State's Assets, noting that, it is the Agency's responsibility to profile and document the state's Infrastructure and assets for ease of management and maintenance.

Elder Umoatan disclosed that, workers are critical assets of government which must be properly managed under the Agency's SHE Department adding that, the Agency will inherit both assets and liabilities of government's Infrastructures, facilities and utilities.

He reiterated that, the objective of AKIAMMA is to establish a centralized system that will provide a clear overview of each asset, detailing the necessary actions for their management and maintenance.

Stressing that the assets register would enable government to make informed decisions about the status of its assets, Elder Umotan said, the ultimate goal of the Agency is to expand the revenue base of government and reduce maintenance costs by ensuring that all state-owned assets are managed effectively with proper accountability,

In her remarks, Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort Etok, a board member of AKIAMMA and Director of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), said that the Agency was interested in the health and safety of workers in the State, adding that the Agency has been given the mandate to educate workers on proper sitting positions, how to generate and manage wastes as well as emergency preparedness in the office in the case of fire outbreak, through fire extinguishing drills and medical emergency drills, starting with the maintenance with first aid box.

Prof. Etok intimated that, the Governor has approved trainers for the training of safety officers, who will be sent to various MDAs to establish Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) units to ensure the well-being of workers in the state government.

The meeting which featured the presentation of Asset capturing document to the Tourism Commissioner by the Chairman of the Agency, had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Grace Akpan, the Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Agency, Barr. Victor Bob, Board members of the Agency and Directors of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, among others.

Information/PR Unit,
Ministry of Culture and Tourism
30/08/24

30/08/2024

*Akwa Ibom Tourism Factsheet 006*

*The Mary Slessor Legacies*

Do you know that between 1997 and 2004, the
Scottish 10 (Ten) Pound Sterling notes featured imageries to commemorate the life and works of Mary Slessor who lived and worked in several parts of Akwa Ibom State?

She learned our language, ended the killing of twins and
adopted children who had been left to die.

The relics of the Mary Slessor legacies are still visibly present in various locations in the modern day Itu, Ibiono Ibom and Ini Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Discover Akwa Ibom.
Come Live, Work & Play.

For more information, please call+234 02012295422 or visit www.discoverakwaibom.com



Ministry of Culture & Tourism ©️ 2024

30/08/2024

UYO WARD 7 PDP COUNCILLORSHIP CANDIDATE INAUGURATES CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
....As Stakeholders pledge massive support for victory

The PDP Councillorship Candidate of of Ward 7 in Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. UduakAbasi Dan, officially inaugurated his campaign organisation, marking the beginning of his grassroots campaign for the success of the forthcoming Local Government elections.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the UduakAbasi Campaign Office, Atan Offot, Uyo was attended by stakeholders, party faithful, and supporters.

In his remarks, Hon. UduakAbasi Dan expressed gratitude to the party leadership and stakeholders for their support, promising to run an inclusive and issue-based campaign.

Party leaders and stakeholders, in their goodwill messages, pledged their unalloyed support for the candidate's success, citing his proven track record of service as Party Ward Chairman and commitment to the Community's development.

The campaign organisation which was inagurated by Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, who was ably represented by the former Councillor of Ward 7, Hon. Uwem Effiong Asuquo, comprising grassroot politicians and mobilizers and was tasked with coordinating the candidate's campaign activities, engaging voters, and ensuring a resounding victory at the polls.

The event had in attendance the SSA on Entertainment Industry, Hon. David Sergeant, PA to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Ekemini James, SA on Women Mobilisation, Mrs. Helen Okon, PA to Governor in Ward 7, Mr. Imoh Charlie who all pledged their support for the success of the upcoming elections.

30/08/2024

UYO WARD 7 PDP COUNCILLORSHIP CANDIDATE INAGURATES CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION
....As Stakeholders pledge massive support for victory

The PDP Councillorship Candidate of of Ward 7 in Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. UduakAbasi Dan, officially inaugurated his campaign organisation, marking the beginning of his grassroots campaign for the success of the forthcoming Local Government elections.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place on Thursday at the UduakAbasi Campaign Office, Atan Offot, Uyo was attended by stakeholders, party faithful, and supporters.

In his remarks, Hon. UduakAbasi Dan expressed gratitude to the party leadership and stakeholders for their support, promising to run an inclusive and issue-based campaign.

Party leaders and stakeholders, in their goodwill messages, pledged their unalloyed support for the candidate's success, citing his proven track record of service as Party Ward Chairman and commitment to the Community's development.

The campaign organisation which was inagurated by Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, who was represented by the former Hon. Uwem Effiong Asuquo, comprising grassroot politicians and mobilizers and was tasked with coordinating the candidate's campaign activities, engaging voters, and ensuring a resounding victory at the polls.

On his part, the PDP Councillorship Candidate, Hon. UduakAbasi Dan expressed his gratitude to everyone for their show of support. He pledged to prioritize empowering small business owners over infrastructure development.

The event had in attendance the SSA on Entertainment Industry, Hon. David Sergeant, PA to the Governor, Mr. Ekemini James, SA on Women Mobilisation, Mrs. Helen Okon, PA to Governor in Ward 7, Mr. Imoh Charlie who all pledged their support for the success of the upcoming elections.

29/08/2024

*"Ibom Entertainment Week 2024 set to boost Talent and Creativity in Akwa Ibom State "- Utang Akwa Ibom*

Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the 4th edition of Ibom Entertainment Week, scheduled for September 11-15, 2024. This year's theme, "Arise, Elevate Your Dreams," aims to empower talents to reach new heights.

According to David Sergeant (Utang Akwa Ibom), Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Entertainment, "Ibom Entertainment Week is a celebration of talent, creativity, and innovation. We're committed to providing a platform for our entertainers to showcase their skills and connect with industry professionals."

According to the release by the governor's aide, the event promises an unforgettable experience, featuring: Street parade, Master classes, Music concert and Tours.

Thousands of entertainers, industry stakeholders, and enthusiasts from across the state and beyond are expected to attend.

The governor, Pastor Umo Eno's sponsorship underscores his commitment to the ARISE agenda, promoting talent and entrepreneurship in Akwa Ibom's entertainment and tourism industry.

"Get ready to join us for an unforgettable experience," says Mr Sergeant.

*Join the conversation:*

29/08/2024

* Utang Akwa Ibom * will unveil U.A.I.C.C.H by 10am today during a LIVE session on Facebook!

Tune in and be the first to know about

29/08/2024

Earlier today, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Entertainment,Mr David Sergeant popularly known as Utang Akwa Ibom graced the concert to mark the birthday celebration of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Evang Eno James a.k.a Eno Utoto at Ikot Ntuen Offot, along Ekpri Nsukara Road, Uyo.

Mr. David Sergeant who represented the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Udom Emmanuel at the event was accompanied by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Mr. Godfada Uko and his beautiful wife who were also on ground for the celebration.

See Photos 👇

26/08/2024

Entrepreneurship Development: Governor Umo Eno’s Model (4)

Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom LED)

With a vision of transforming the economic tide of Akwa Ibom State and boosting human capacity development, Governor Umo Eno, who has always expressed his passion to build an entrepreneurship-driven economy, established the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Centre (Ibom LED).

To interpret and implement the governor’s vision for the programme through training and equipping young entrepreneurs with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop, modernise and expand their business, Ibom LED offers a broad spectrum of entrepreneurship and leadership Programmes such as Entrepreneurship Accelerator programme, Business Mastery Programme, Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme, Transforming Nigerian Youths Programme, The Ibom Ignite Business Grant Award Programme, Start-Up Accelerator and Incubation programme and the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme.

So far, Ibom LED has successfully trained and supported 800 entrepreneurs with grants through the EAP, hosted the maiden Made in Akwa Ibom Trade Fair in September 2023, launched the Transformational Youth Programme for 10,000 women, currently training another batch of entrepreneurs, among others.

The centre has Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, Team Lead; Ekaette Umoh, Director General; Ime Uwah, SSA on Entrepreneurship Development, as Programme Director. Ibom LED is truly one of the many initiatives of Governor Umo Eno to ensure that the ARISE Agenda is fulfilled.

26/08/2024

It's 17 years Journey 👇

Happy marriage anniversary to my boss, Mr. David Sergeant (Hon Utang Akwa Ibom ) Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment Industry.

My prayer is, may God sustain you both to continue rendering your philanthropic services to humanity, Amen 🙏 🙏 🙏

Cheers boss

26/08/2024

*Discover Akwa Ibom*

*🎈This is Unity Park, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State!🎈*

The Unity Park in Uyo offers a scenic paved walkways/paths for a solitary leisure stroll or family picnic on the greens. It is also a great place to keep fit. There are four artificial water collection ponds within the park, which add to the allure of this great place.

Located within the park is the Ibibio Unity museum, a unique location for memorable photography as well as the memorial cenotaph for fallen soldiers

Unity Park is located in the heart of Uyo the capital of Akwa Ibom State opposite the Banking Layout and bordering the House of Assembly.

Discover Akwa Ibom...
Come live, work & play !

For more information, please call
+234 02012295422 or visit www.discoverakwaibom.com



Ministry of Culture & Tourism ©️ 2024

25/08/2024

*🎈This is Akwa Ibom State🎈*

Come live, work & play



Ministry of Culture & Tourism ©️ 2024

24/08/2024

https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/akwa-ibom-kicks-against-modern-day-slavery/

As the world commemorates “International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition”, the Akwa Ibom State Governmen, has spoken in strong terms against all forms of modern day slave trade and slavery. According to the state government, modern day slave trade and slavery, which now ...