UYO
Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, has been applauded for his support and contributions towards the rehabilitation of a branded ‘Discover Akwa Ibom’ Coaster bus of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, made the commendation in Uyo on Thursday, September 25, 2025 while receiving the rehabilitated and branded bus of the Ministry at the Ministry’s headquarters in Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat Complex, Uyo, amidst cheers and jubilation by staff and stakeholders of the Ministry.
Udofia said it was the support of Governor Eno that encouraged him to undertake the rehabilitation of the coaster bus which was abandoned for almost 10 years in the Ministry before he assumed office as commissioner for Culture and Tourism.
He emphasized that the bus is of significant relevance to the Tourism sector as it will boost transportation, which is key in the Culture and Tourism sector, especially for the transportation of tourists and guests to tourist sites across the length and breadth of Akwa Ibom.
More so, he said, the branded bus will serve as a veritable tourism publicity tool as pictures of major tourists sites in the State are branded on it, including: the ARISE Park, Ibeno beach, Ibom Air, Ibom plaza as well as our major dances.
Speaking on the ‘Discover Akwa Ibom’ tourism campaign slogan brandished on the bus, Udofia said it simply tells the world that Akwa Ibom is a Destination of Choice to tourists and investors alike to visit.
In their separate words of felicitation, the commissioners for Lands and that of Housing, Professor Ubong Inyang and Hon. Henry Archibong, respectively, congratulated Udofia for the feat and appreciated the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, for her support and cooperation which aided the restoration of the coaster bus which had laid waste for a long time in the Ministry.
Also speaking, the SSA to the Governor on Entertainment, Sergeant James, lauded the tourism commissioner for the lofty accomplishment, stressing that Dr. Anieti Udofia is a square peg in a square hole in view of the strides he has has recorded so far in the tourism industry since his assumption of office.
On her part, the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, who was full of happiness over the arrival of the Discover Akwa Ibom branded bus, expressed deep appreciation to the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, for the appointment of Dr. Anieti Udofia into the State Executive Council and subsequently posting him to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to showcase his leadership skills, as manifested in the rehabilitation of the coaster bus and his other achievements so far in the tourism sector.
Akpan further appreciated the two other commissioners who spared their time to come out to unveil the rehabilitated branded bus, members of the entertainment Association who came to share in the joy of the Ministry as well as directors and staff of the Ministry, for standing by her and the commissioner towards the rehabilitation of the bus, and other achievements recorded by the Ministry.
The unveiling ceremony which was characterized by jubilation and dancing was witnessed by major stakeholders of the Ministry including: Moses Eskor, Godfather Uko, Eno Utoto and Afia Mary, among others.
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