AKWA IBOM UNVEILS CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 4.0, LAUNCHES CULINARY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE REVIVAL

AKWA IBOM UNVEILS CHRISTMAS UNPLUGGED 4.0, LAUNCHES CULINARY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE REVIVAL

…Introduces Ibom Kitchen, Unity Football Fiesta, Reggae Night, Cross Over Night, Other Exciting Attractions

The Akwa Ibom State Government has unveiled an expanded programme for Christmas Unplugged 4.0, featuring the launch of its Culinary and Cultural Heritage Revival initiative, Ibom Kitchen, Unity Football Fiesta, Reggae Night and Cross Over Night, among other attractions, in a renewed effort to showcase the state’s rich cultural identity and strengthen its tourism economy.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, who unveiled the programme at a media briefing on Monday, November 2, said the expanded edition, at the instance of Governor Umo Eno, was designed to build on the successes of the 2025 festival, which attracted over 4.5 million visitors to Unity Park, engaged more than 800 vendors, created business opportunities and recorded full hotel occupancy during the festive period.

According to him, the 2026 edition, themed “A Taste of Akwa Ibom: Food, Culture and Heritage,” will officially open on November 10 with a roadshow from Plaza to Unity Park, followed by the commissioning of the newly constructed Ibom Kitchen, the renovated Ibibio Union Museum and the formal flag-off of the festival by the Governor.

He explained that the Culinary and Cultural Heritage Revival initiative would promote and preserve the state’s indigenous cuisine, traditions and cultural expressions, with Ibom Kitchen serving as a major showcase. Each of the 31 local government areas is expected to present at least five indigenous dishes during its designated performance day. The festival will also feature daily cultural performances by the LGAs from December 1 to 31, alongside indigenous musical artistes and popular entertainers.

Other attractions include the Mbubo Akwa Ibom beauty pageant on December 20; Christmas Carol Festival on December 18; World Aviation Day in partnership with Ibom Air on December 6; Women’s Day on December 15; Niger Delta Day; Non-Indigenous Day; Corporate Hangout; Civil Service Day; Ibom Happy Hour; community outreach activities; and the Unity Football Fiesta, which will promote sports and community engagement with private-sector support. Reggae Night and Cross Over Night will also add to the festival’s entertainment offerings.

The Commissioner announced that 300 business kiosks and 20 corporate spaces would be available to vendors and organisations. A dedicated website, www.ibomunplugged.akwaibomstate.gov.ng, has also been created for information, communication and online kiosk registration. He added that the Government Pavilion would showcase the achievements of the Eno administration and investment opportunities in tourism, agriculture and other sectors. Describing the festival as a strategic platform connecting tourism, aviation, hospitality, culture, entertainment, transportation and investment, he said the Governor’s vision was to diversify the state’s economy beyond oil and make tourism a significant contributor to economic growth. He appreciated the Governor, partners and members of the Interministerial Tourism Team for sustaining the initiative.

The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, emphasised that the selection and audition of choirs for the December 18 Christmas Carol Festival would follow a transparent and inclusive process, giving interested choirs across the state equal opportunity to participate. He also disclosed that the Carol would feature performances by popular indigenous artistes, including Progress Effiong, Solomon Moses and David G, and would be broadcast on DStv and other television platforms.

Speaking on Mbubo Akwa Ibom, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Tourism Development Commission, Mrs. Ime Udo, described the pageant as a platform to celebrate the beauty, intelligence, character and cultural identity of the Akwa Ibom woman while promoting youth empowerment and career development. She said applicants must be female indigenes aged 22–27, with a minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree, HND or equivalent, and possess a valid National Identification Number, certificate of origin and Voter Identification Number.

Udo explained that registration would be exclusively online through www.mbubu.akwaibomstate.gov.ng, followed by local government auditions, senatorial selection and a grand finale on December 20 at ARISE Palm Resort. The winner will serve as the state’s tourism ambassador for 365 days, receive a brand-new car and cash prize, and occupy the office of Mbubo Akwa Ibom to be established in the Office of the Governor. The first and second runners-up will also receive cash prizes, while other finalists will receive ₦500,000 each as consolation prizes.

Highlights of the briefing included the unveiling of the Christmas Unplugged 4.0 logo and presentation of cash prizes to winners. The event was attended by culture and tourism stakeholders, aides to the Governor, entertainment enthusiasts, partners and members of the media.

© MOI