By Emmanuel Uffot
Akwa State Government has unveiled the Programmes for this year’s Christmas Festival which is tagged ‘ All White Christmas’.
The monthly activities for the festival which kicks off December 1 at the Christmas village, Unity Park along Udo Udoma Avenue was unveiled by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Charles Udo.
According to the Commissioner, the All White Christmas has as its Theme: ARISE AND SHINE FOR THY LIGHT HAS COME.
Mr Udo, who doubles as the committee chairman of the 2023 Christmas Festival/Carol, said the event will start December 1 and end Jan 1, 2024.
According to him, this year’s Christmas Festival and Carol will include government and there will be something for everybody.
Sir Udo said, so many innovations have been brought into this year’s Christmas Festival/Carol.
Going by the innovations through the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, all the Local Government will present their sight and sound in alphabetical order.
The committee chairman went further to say that in-between on the 15th of December, 2023, there will be Christmas carol that will feature only 100 percent home grown musical talents,
Thirty home grown musical icons to perform alongside seventeen church choir and coral groups. Saying that one stage will save all the purpose.
Another innovation will be the hosting of Christmas village business forum on the 19th of December, 2023 where all subscribers will gather to discuss how to sustain their business beyond Christmas.
Also the Commissioner revealed that this year’s registration will be done online through www.discoverakwaibom.com. He said also that those doing registration the first week will have 10 percent discount while those to register on second week will have 5 percent discount the last batch to register on the third week will pay normal price of N155,000 only. He pointed out that special positions like Center point and facing stage will attract higher price.
Furthermore, Fridays, there will be Happy Hour where a kiosk will be chosen randomly and N100,000 will be dropped for food and drinks but will be closely monitored by the organizers.
He went on to unveil other activities during the 32 days Christmas activities to include:
Hangout with: The Governor, Commissioners, Wives of Local Government Chairmen, Legislators/Wives, Workers, Journalists, Bankers etc
Also to expect during the 32 days festive season include visit to orphanage where inmate will be brought to the Christmas Park to show love.
Moreso, On the 26th December, there will be traditional plays like Mbok, Ekak and Ubeisong. There will be Bob Marley tribute night, Old school night where Jeans will be worn. We will also witness tomboro. The event according to the organizers promises to tap into international calender to promote.
Culture and Tourism boss, said the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno promised a new identity to every Akwaibomites during and after the Christmas Festival. There is arrangements in place for a tour in case visitors want to take a tour of unique places like Ibeno beach.
Pastor Aity Dennis pleaded for a positive reportage of the event while the permanent secretary ministry of information, Akparawa James Edet, commended Governor Umo Eno on his vision to give Akwa Ibom State a new identity.
The Commissioner for Internal security, Gen Koko Essien, Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor On Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, Director of Admin in the ministry of Culture and Tourism Mr Princewill Isonguyo and others witnessed the unveiling ceremony.
