A’Ibom Govt Harps On Preservation Of Heritage Sites

… As Tourism Commissioner Visits Mary Slessor Cairn
IBIONO IBOM
The Akwa Ibom government has called for the preservation of the State’s heritage sites, as it intensifies efforts at tourism development in the State.
  The State commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, who made the call, recently, during a visit to Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn at Use Ikot Oku, Ibiono Local Government Area, as part of his ongoing familiiarisation tour of tourism sites in the State, said government was willing to collaborate with host communities and other stakeholders to guard against defacing, mutilation or destruction of heritage sites, saying they are great tourism assets. 
  Udofia, who was accompanied by the permanent secretary of his Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, Dr. Anieti Udofia emphasised that the ARISE Agenda holds the promotion of tourism as critical for sustainable development therefore government work tirelessly on the maintenance and preservation of all critical assets of tourism including heritage sites such as the Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn.
  He said, “The Umo Eno administration is committed to promoting and preserving Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage,” and announced plans by Governor Umo Eno to undertake significant upgrade of tourism facilities and heritage sites for the benefit of tourists and the creation of job opportunities for the people of the State, particularly the host communities.
The tourism commissioner acknowledged the rich tourism eco-system of the State and expressed optimism that, as a tourism-oriented governor, Pastor Umo Eno will tackle the repositioning of the tourism sector for increased Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, as a major index for sustainable development.
Udofia emphasised the importance of effective collaboration with host communities for the preservation of heritage sites geared at bolstering the tourism sector of Akwa Ibom.
While welcoming the commissioner for culture and tourism to Ibiono Ibom heritage site, earlier in his office, the chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Ibiono Ibom and expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for prioritising tourism development.
During the tour, the delegation visited notable tourism sites in Ibiono Ibom, including the Mary Slessor Memorial Cairn, Use Ikot Oku, the Okopedi Beach Market and the Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC) complex at Ikpa Ibiono and Mary Slessor Vocational School in Ibiono Ibom.
In the commissioner’s entourage included the SSA to the governor on Tourism (Hotels), publisher of The Mail Newspaper, Mr. Ifreke Nsewo as well as directors and tour guides of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.