By Udeme Hosea

The Akwa Ibom State Government says it has achieved all 10 focal points of the ARISE Agenda in the culture and tourism sector, with major tourism projects spread across the state nearing completion.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, disclosed this on Friday, September 25, 2026, during the Ministerial Media Briefing at the Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, Uyo.

Dr Udofia said the administration has identified and preserved tourism sites, ensured coastlines are effective and protected, partnered relevant sectors for tourism development, launched deliberate marketing campaigns, provided grants to support the creative sector and revived the State Council for Arts and Culture which has taken a new look.

He listed key projects to include the ARISE Palm Resort which recently hosted a state banquet and will be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu , the Ibom International Hotel and Convention Centre , Unity Park, Ibom Plaza renovation, Ikot Ekpene Plaza renovation, and the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort amongst others.

He explained that Unity Park is now a construction site with ongoing development of Ibom Kitchen, a sub power station and more conveniences, while government has approved the renovation of the state museum, remodelling of Oron Museum and renovation of Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort which will begin next week.

According to him, government has continued to sponsor and support Ibom Christmas Unplugged aimed at bringing Akwa Ibom people back home during the festival and showcasing the tourism potential of the state, noting that the Ibom International Hospital will assure tourists of safety while the Ibom Model Farm will serve as an excursion site for tourists.

The Commissioner announced that Ibom Kitchen will reintroduce native delicacies of the state, explaining that, the 2026 edition will be called Ibom Christmas Unplugged with Ibom Celebrity Night to bring Akwa Ibom celebrities home, while the month event will begin Ika Local Government Area and end with Eket Local Government Area on January 1, 2027.

He hinted that, the 2026 Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol Festival will hold on December 18, with the theme “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man,” drawn from Luke 2:14.

Dr Udofia noted that the economic impact of the tourism projects has been significant, improving the economic lives of locals, disclosing that 4,900 persons were employed during the 2025 Christmas Unplugged to handle security, cleaning and other services, as the event serves as homecoming for Akwa Ibomites in the diaspora.

In his amplification, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah, said Governor Umo Eno is building a tourism economy that encapsulates medical tourism and aviation ecosystem that will drive tourism, with the maritime museum at Oron and the ARISE Palm Resort to drive tourism growth for the state.