Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Monday, flagged off Christmas Unplugged 3.0 at the Christmas Village, Unity Park, situated along Udo Udoma Avenue in Uyo, reiterating his administration’s resolve to grow the state’s economy through tourism and cultural development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eno said Akwa Ibom had made significant progress in tourism expansion, stressing that the recent elevation of the Victor Attah International Airport to international status had further boosted the state’s prospects.

A statement posted Tuesday on the state government’s official website quoted the governor as saying, “Tourism for us is becoming our middle name. As a State, we have advanced the cause of tourism.”

The governor highlighted several attractions being developed across the state, noting that Akwa Ibom was blessed with untapped natural and cultural resources.

“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,” he said.

He added that Ibom Air and the upgraded Victor Attah Airport would enhance connectivity within the sub-region.

“We are doing all we can to tick all the boxes to ensure we expand tourism… We are building slowly our tourism potentials,” he said.

Eno announced that the 32-day fiesta would feature cultural performances from local government contingents across the state.

According to him, “He will be leading the contingent, beautiful contingent, dressed out with their culture… as they come out to display the rich culture of Akwa Ibom State.”

The governor declared Akwa Ibom open to visitors, saying the state would host fun seekers “back-to-back” for the next 32 days.

He urged residents and visitors to take advantage of the festivities and 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… the Afang soup, the Edikang-ikong, Ekpang nkukwo, the fisherman soup and nice beaches to relax and have fun. Ibom Air will fly you in and fly you back,” he said.

The governor also assured the public of a smooth event, noting that robust security, medical response and logistics measures had been put in place for Christmas Unplugged 3.0.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, lauded the governor’s ongoing investment in tourism, describing him as “the torch bearer for tourism development.”

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Udeme Otong, said the state’s tourism initiatives were engaging youths and boosting the local economy. He pledged legislative support for tourism-related allocations in the 2026 budget.

Also speaking, the Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters, commended the governor’s welfare programmes, noting that the 13th-month salary would enable workers to fully participate in the activities.

Delivery Advisor on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, said the Christmas fiesta, aligned with the governor’s tourism vision developed three years ago and was already yielding economic benefits.

ALGON Chairman and Uyo Local Government Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, expressed optimism about this year’s edition and assured that council chairmen would partner fully to ensure a successful celebration.

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