AKSG Urges Indigenes To Always Showcase True A’Ibom Identity, Culture

UYO
The Akwa Ibom State Government has urged indigenes to always showcase the true Akwa Ibom identity and culture of peace, hard work, resilience, integrity and excellence, even as it stressed the need for revival of the State’s indigenous language.
Government position was made known by the commissioner for culture and tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, during the opening of the 2025 Children’s Arts and Culture Summit, organised by the Centre for Arts and Culture, CAC, for Secondary Schools across the State on Wednesday in Uyo.
Udofia said the theme of the Summit, “For Every Child: Culture My Motivation, My Voice,” was apt and urged the children to exhibit true Akwa Ibom virtues throughout the three days competition in order to portray Akwa Ibom in good light to the outside world.
Represented by the permanent secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, the tourism commissioner commended the director, Centre for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Unwana Joshua, for the well organised Children’s Summit which, he said, keys into the tourism development vision of Governor Umo Eno as enshrined in the ARISE Agenda.
The commissioner restated the Ministry’s commitment towards promoting arts, culture and creative economy as well promoting our indigenous language, particularly in primary and secondary schools which are the formative stages of children, as a part of efforts towards boosting the cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom people.
In his word, “Pastor Umo Eno is a Tourism-friendly governor who is poised at elevating all programmes that have to do with tourism, culture, arts, creative economy in the State, as demonstrated in his approval for the hosting of the Children’s Cultural festival.” 
While appreciating the management of schools for preparing their students for the different categories of cultural competitions, he urged them to introduce indigenous language in their syllabus “as our vernacular is fast going into extinction,” adding, “Revive our language. We want you to be proud of your identity and culture as a true son and daughter of Akwa Ibom State”.
  Udofia urged the participating schools to see the Summit as a stepping stone for the development of their talents and skills in Arts, Crafts and Creativity and wished them a very successful three days summit.
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of 2025 traditional cake of the Children’s cultural festival, debate, cooking of local dishes, presentation of Award of honour to Mr. IniAbasi George Essien, (Mighty George) as well as cultural displays.
The event, which had Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok, a former commissioner for culture and tourism as chairman on the occasion, was attended by government officials, tourism stakeholders, academia and public spirited individuals.