RismadarVoice Reporter, December 2, 2025
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off Christmas Unplugged 3.0, the state’s annual 32-day yuletide fiesta, at the Christmas Village, Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding tourism and cultural development as catalysts for economic growth.
Speaking during the colourful opening ceremony, Governor Eno said the state had made remarkable progress in tourism development, noting that the recent approval of international status for the Victor Attah International Airport would significantly strengthen the sector and attract more visitors.
“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 said.
He added that with Ibom Air expanding its routes and the airport’s new designation as an international facility, the state was “ticking all the boxes” to position itself as a major tourism hub in the sub-region.
“We are building slowly our tourism potentials. In the next 32 days, we will be relaxing, engaging in different activities and having fun, local government by local government, starting from Abak, the Speaker’s Local Government,” the governor said.
Governor Eno announced that each local government area would present cultural contingents throughout the 32-day celebration.
“He will be leading the contingent, beautiful, 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 further invited residents, Nigerians and foreigners to explore the state’s cuisine, beaches and hospitality.
“We invite the world to the land of promise, inhabited by hospitable people, to have a taste of our rich culture, our Afang soup, Edikang-ikong, Ekpang nkukwo, fisherman soup and nice beaches to relax. Ibom Air will fly you in, and fly you back,” he said.
Assuring participants of a peaceful and well-coordinated festival, the governor noted that adequate provisions had been made for security, medical response and logistics to ensure a hitch-free Christmas Unplugged 3.0.
