By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has unveiled modalities for participation in the forthcoming Christmas Unplugged 4.0, scheduled to commence on December 1, 2026.
Governor Umo Eno who disclosed this while speaking at the September edition of the state covenant service which took place at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo recently, said a draw would be conducted during the State’s Variety Night on September 23 to determine when each of the 31 local government areas would participate in activities at the Christmas Village to ensure fairness.
He said the activities would not automatically commence with Abak Local Government Area as has been the practice during previous editions.
The governor explained that the local government areas would also draw lots to determine the delicacies each would prepare and showcase at the Christmas Village, adding that a dedicated kitchen would be provided for each local government area on its assigned day.
He noted that Akwa Ibom was blessed with a variety of indigenous delicacies which must be showcased during the Christmas festivities to promote celebration, cultural preservation and unity.
According to him, interested choirs would also participate in a draw to determine slots for the christmas carols festival scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2026, stressing that the arrangement was part of his administration’s commitment to providing a level playing field and equal opportunities for citizens to participate in state activities.
On social welfare, Eno disclosed that the State Social Register would be updated to accommodate more people, assuring residents that there would be enough palliatives for the forthcoming Christmas celebration.
The governor disclosed that N20 million would be provided in October 2026 to 200 women through cooperative societies in each ward across the State and that the initiative was designed primarily to stimulate the local economy and improve the economic well-being of beneficiaries.
This, he added, would be followed by the youth empowerment programme with N1 billion earmarked for empowerment in each local government area of the state, even as he called on residents to shun divisive statements and embrace unity, peace and peaceful coexistence in the State.
Eno said the trajectory of transformation in Akwa Ibom was evidence of God’s blessings upon the State, stressing that such blessings deserved gratitude to God, urging citizens to cultivate the habit of gratitude and remember their humble beginnings.
He called on citizens to participate actively in activities marking the State’s 39th anniversary, which commenced with the reception of the brand-new Airbus A220-300 series aircraft acquired for Ibom Air.
Ministering on the theme, “Gratitude”, with text taken from Psalm 136:1, the Senior Pastor of Insights Bible Church, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, urged believers to embrace gratitude, while thanksgiving should not depend on wealth or material achievements.
Ukafia described forgetfulness as one of the greatest enemies of gratitude, noting that people who forget where they came from may begin to attribute their successes entirely to their own strength.
According to him, gratitude renews one’s covenant with God, and should extend to people who contribute to an individual’s journey.
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