In Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State Government has announced its comprehensive schedule for observing the month-long 2023 Christmas and Carol Festival.
During yesterday’s presentation of the scheduled Christmas festival at the Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Mr. Charles Udoh, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, announced that the 2023 Christmas Park festivities would take place from December 1, 2023, to January 2, 2024, at Unity Park on Udo Udoma Avenue in Uyo.
Udoh suggested that the 2023 version of the initiative, which commenced seven years prior, has undergone a “rebranding” and a complete infusion of local content to cater predominantly to the younger demographic.
He provided assurance that the event has been meticulously designed to highlight Governor Umo Eno’s entrepreneurial efforts and to enhance the marketability of Akwa Ibom State.
Additionally, he mentioned that the 2023 annual carol festival, scheduled for December 15, will be themed “Arise, Shine, for Thy Light has Come,” inspired by Isaiah 60:1.
As per his statement, the extended month of festivities would grant every local government area the chance to showcase their talents and distinctive characteristics.
The commissioner also emphasized that specific days would be designated for gatherings involving various sectors of the state, including the governor, commissioners, their spouses, the legislature, journalists, ALGON, the elderly, and families, including the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo communities, as well as the Niger Delta. The program will feature a ‘Happy Hour’ segment, where selected kiosks will be granted an initial sales boost of N100,000 to promote the event.
Additional highlights encompass traditional wrestling, tombola night, pageants, and fashion shows, as well as twin night and a tribute to Bob Marley, among various other events.
The commissioner urged business owners within the state to take advantage of this special occasion by pre-registering and showcasing their businesses and talents.
In a statement, Mr. Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information, affirmed his ministry’s preparedness to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and other event stakeholders to guarantee a comprehensive success.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in his Ministry of Information, Mr. James Edet, Ememebong urged various media platforms to highlight the state positively on a global scale by promoting its local content.
Furthermore, the Commissioner for Power, Mr. Camillius Umoh, as well as his counterparts in the transport sector, Mr. Orman Esin and Mr. Aity Dennis Inyang, all members of the planning committee, pledged their full support in realizing the event’s blueprint and presenting the state’s rich content to a global audience.
Previously, the Director of Administration at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Anthony Isonguyo, remarked that this year’s celebration would stand out notably due to its abundant local content.
He affirmed that the festival aimed to seek, mentor, and exhibit local talents and the abundant heritage of the state.