AKSG plans to booAs efforts to diversify Akwa Ibom State economy gathers momentum, government is considering boosting the state’s tourism sector by proposing an annual cultural heritage festival tagged IBOMFEST.

Speaking on the project, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Emmanuel Ibiok, disclosed that Akwa Ibom Heritage Festival (IBOMFEST), is in sync with Governor Udom Emmanuel’s vision to further develop the tourism industry in the state.

According to the commissioner, “IBOMFEST is planned as an annual tourism platform designed to divert tourism traffic and investments to Akwa Ibom State by providing, artistic, cultural and tourism platforms that will add value to the fledgling economy”.

He further noted that IBOMFEST is an integral component of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Five point development agenda designed to ensure the growth of the economy of Akwa Ibom State, adding that it will contribute significantly towards the enhancement of the revenue base of the state and yield positive harvests to the people and government of the state.

He likened the proposed festival to cultural and artistic events like the Calabar Carnival, Osun/Osogbo Festival, Ofala Festival and Argungu Fishing and Cultural Festival that are recognized globally.

The commissioner expressed conviction that Akwa Ibom State is a natural haven for tourism, noting that “above all, the clean, healthy, secure and peaceful environment of the state, even in these turbulent times of terrorism and insurrections the world over, makes it the prime tourism destination in our country”.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to Governor on Tourism Matters, Ini Edo, disclosed that IBOMfest, will be a yearly event which will be held every December in the State with Uyo the state capital as the venue.


“This year, the festival shall be celebrated in December from the 15th – 17th with the theme ‘Our Cultures Beyond Boarders”.

“It is my hope that this event will showcase the rich culture and beauty of Akwa Ibom people, attract tourist traffic and tourism investors to the state and contribute to its revenue base”.

“This year’s festival will commence with a cultural float tagged ‘Parade of Colours’, a fashion parade in Ibeno beach, where international and local designers of cultural attires will compete among themselves.”

“There will be a cooking competition, eating and drinking competition, food exhibition, comedy, live band and other recreational activities, there will be a gala night and exclusive dinner party for distinguished guests, government functionaries, event sponsors and tourism stakeholders and there will be a colourful boat regatta at Ayadehe, Itu Local Government Area, involving all coastal communities in the state and visitors from other climes and tourists”.

As efforts to diversify Akwa Ibom State economy gathers momentum, government is considering boosting the state’s tourism sector by proposing an annual cultural heritage festival tagged IBOMFEST.

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