AKSG’S CHILDREN ARTS AND CULTURE SUMMIT BEGINS TUESDAY

AKSG’S CHILDREN ARTS AND CULTURE SUMMIT BEGINS TUESDAY

As part of efforts to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and groom a new generation of cultural ambassadors, the Akwa Ibom State Government will host the 2026 Children’s Arts and Culture Summit in Uyo from 9th to 11th June, 2026.

According to the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, speaking during a radio interview in Uyo, the programme aligns directly with Governor Umo Eno’s vision of positioning the state as a leading tourism and cultural destination.

Speaking further, Dr. Udofia described the summit as a strategic initiative aimed at introducing children to the values, traditions, language, dress culture and heritage of the state from an early age.

The summit, themed “Integration: The Torch Bearer to Our Heritage,” will take place at the Akwa Ibom State Council for Arts and Culture Auditorium, Abak Road, and is expected to attract participants from primary and secondary schools across the state.

The commissioner also revealed that the programme is a continuation of the state’s cultural preservation drive and follows the successful World Heritage Day celebration held earlier this year.

“This is a follow-up to what we started during the World Heritage Day celebration. While that event largely targeted adults, this summit is specifically designed for children.

“We want our children to understand our values, culture, traditions and identity because cultural education must begin from childhood.”

Dr. Udofia further commended Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to cultural and tourism development through the ARISE Agenda, noting that culture remains the foundation upon which sustainable tourism thrives.

“Culture precedes tourism. Our goal is to add value to what the governor is doing in tourism and in the overall development of Akwa Ibom State.

“By teaching our children the importance of their heritage today, we are building the tourism ambassadors and cultural custodians of tomorrow.”

The commissioner disclosed that participation in the summit is open to schools across the 31 local government areas of the state, with registration provided free of charge through the Council for Arts and Culture.

Beyond the summit, Dr. Udofia said the ministry is working with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, to strengthen cultural education and ensure that indigenous values are continually promoted both in schools and through digital platforms.

He stressed the importance of parental involvement in sustaining cultural consciousness among children, adding that cultural orientation should not be limited to annual events but must be reinforced at home and within communities.

Speaking on the broader tourism development agenda of the state, Dr. Udofia highlighted several ongoing projects, including the ARISE Park and Resort and the Oron Maritime Infrastructure Project, describing them as transformative investments that will boost visitor traffic, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

He reiterated Governor Eno’s commitment to developing and promoting historical tourism assets such as the Amalgamation House, the Bridge of No Return, the Slave Memorial Boat and other heritage sites across the state.

According to him, plans are underway to create a comprehensive tourism ecosystem around these attractions, including hospitality and recreational facilities that will enhance visitor experience and encourage longer stays.

The commissioner also called on young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sectors, noting that the state’s investments in tourism infrastructure would create employment opportunities for trained professionals in hospitality management, tour operations, creative arts, digital content creation and related fields.

He assured that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism would continue to partner with other government agencies to ensure that culture, creativity and tourism remain critical drivers of economic development under the ARISE Agenda.

The three-day Children’s Arts and Culture Summit will feature lectures, cultural exhibitions, performances and competitions designed to deepen participants’ appreciation of Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage while fostering creativity, leadership and cultural pride among young people.

Media Unit,
Govt House, Uyo