*A'IBOM GOVT ROLLS OUT PLANS FOR 2019 YULETIDE*

Ahead of the yuletide, the Akwa Ibom state Government has reeled out activities to boost tourism in the state.

Among other activities designed to keep the people spellbound in the spirit of the celebration are Ibeno Beach Festival, Miss Akwa Ibom Beauty Pageant, Children fanfare and Food Festival 2019.

This was the hallmark of resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Thursday, at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House , Uyo.

Briefing Government House correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Charles Udoh who was flanked by his counterpart in the Culture and Tourism ministry Mr. Orman Esin, said the Council has approved programmes and activities to give the state a unique experience and make it a destination during the festive season.

Hear him: "there are line-up of activities for the Christmas season one of which is going to be an elaborate Christmas village that will entertain everyone that will come in for the celebration.

"It will be a place where people will go wine and relax. His Excellency the Governor has also approved the hosting of Miss Akwa Ibom Beauty Pageant which will come up this December.

Corroborating Mr Udoh's explanation, the Culture and Tourism Commissioner added: "We are also going to have the food festival to showcase the unique cuisine we have in the state, it is necessary for us knowing that a lot of visitors are coming into the state for the Christmas's celebration.

"The Ibeno Beach Fiesta is also designed to be blast during the season while the Children Fanfare will be held within the Christmas village."

The Information boss told reporters that issues across various sectors of the economy were discussed and approval granted to streamline and harmonise all agricultural projects in the state to attract foreign direct investments; to set up a Committee on implementation of resolutions of the last Education Summit; to upgrade cottage Hospital, Awa in Onna Local Government Area to a General Hospital as well as approval granted the Ministry of Trade and Investment to host first Akwa Ibom Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Summit & Exhibition in the first quarter of next year.

Among other decisions taken at the meeting were establishment of a labour data bank for Akwa Ibom State, upward review of approval fees for opening of private schools and as part of the approval the Exco mandated that illegal private school operators should be fined five hundred thousand naira.

The Council deliberated and approved the reintroduction of revenue receipts in government owned hospitals across the state as well as approval for the Ministry of Trade and Investment to embark on two projects ; the Ibom 3000 Initiative and a Local Government Project Initiative.

He explained that under the initiative each Local Government will identify and harness a product peculiar to its area.