GOV ENO UNVEILS MODALITIES FOR CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 4.0

GOV ENO UNVEILS MODALITIES FOR CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 4.0

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled modalities for participation in the forthcoming Christmas Unplugged 4.0, scheduled to begin on December 1, 2026.

The Governor disclosed this while speaking at the September edition of the State Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.

He said a draw would be conducted during the State’s Variety Night on September 23 to determine when each of the 31 local government areas would participate in activities at the Christmas Village.

According to him, the arrangement is intended to ensure fairness, adding that the activities would not automatically commence with Abak Local Government Area as has been the practice during previous editions.

Governor Eno said the local government areas would also draw lots to determine the delicacies each would prepare and showcase at the Christmas Village, adding that a dedicated kitchen would be provided for each local government area on its assigned day.

The Governor said Akwa Ibom was blessed with a variety of indigenous delicacies which, according to him, must be showcased during the Christmas festivities to promote celebration, cultural preservation and unity.

He added that interested choirs would also participate in a draw to determine slots for the Christmas Carols Festival scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2026.

The Governor said the arrangement was part of his administration’s commitment to providing a level playing field and equal opportunities for citizens to participate in State activities.

On social welfare, Governor Eno disclosed that the State Social Register would be updated to accommodate more people, assuring residents that there would be enough palliatives for the forthcoming Christmas celebration.

The Governor further said N20 million would be provided in October 2026 to 200 women through cooperative societies in each ward across the State.

He explained that the initiative was designed primarily to stimulate the local economy and improve the economic well-being of beneficiaries.

Governor Eno further disclosed that the youth empowerment programme would follow, with N1 billion earmarked for empowerment in each local government area of the State.

Speaking on other development initiatives, the Governor disclosed that the last 10 of the 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses acquired for the State has arrived.

He explained that the delay in commencing operations was due to the need to train drivers and other technical personnel who would operate and maintain the buses.

He said the buses would connect the 31 local government areas and reduce transportation costs by about 50 per cent.

The Governor also called on residents to shun divisive statements and embrace unity, peace and peaceful coexistence in the State.

He urged citizens to cultivate the habit of gratitude and remember their humble beginnings.

Governor Eno said the trajectory of transformation in Akwa Ibom was evidence of God’s blessings upon the State, stressing that such blessings deserved gratitude to God.

He also called on citizens to participate actively in activities marking the State’s 39th anniversary, which commenced with the reception of the brand-new Airbus A220-300 series aircraft acquired for Ibom Air.

He urged residents to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his re-election bid, as well as that of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.

Earlier in his homily, titled “Gratitude” and taken from Psalm 136:1, the Senior Pastor of Insights Bible Church, Rev. Sylvanus Ukafia, urged believers to embrace gratitude, stressing that thanksgiving should not depend on wealth or material achievements.

Ukafia described forgetfulness as one of the greatest enemies of gratitude, noting that people who forget where they came from may begin to attribute their successes entirely to their own strength.

The cleric further stressed that gratitude should extend to people who contribute to an individual’s journey.

He said gratitude renews one’s covenant with God, adding that leadership is a sacred trust for which every leader would ultimately give an account.