…Says Innovate keys into ARISE Agenda
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan has commended Panache Entertainment Global (PEG) Africa, for embarking on Youth Development towards turning around the fortunes of the future generations of Akwa Ibom State.
Mrs Grace Akpan said this laudable initiative by PEG Africa keys into the ARISE Agenda development blueprint of the Governor Umo Eno-led administration and therefore deserves support by the State Government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in particular.
The Permanent Secretary Culture and Tourism, was speaking recently in her office during a courtesy call on her by the PEG crowned Queen of the 2024 Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageantry and her entourage.
She lauded the Pageantry and empowerment initiatives of PEG which have in no small ways developed skills and talents among desirous Akwa Ibom youths in the areas of modelling, skills acquisition and empowerment, noting that the initiatives were in line with the youth developed goals of the ARISE Agenda.
Mrs. Akpan expressed appreciation to the progenitor of Panache Entertainment Global, Africa, Princess Emem Priscilla Essien, a UK-based Akwa Ibom -born entrepreneur who has lifted high the banner of Akwa Ibom State with her exploits in giving back to the Society and standing tall as a Councillor in UK.
She congratulated the crowned Heritage Queen, for her victory at the maidem edition of the Pageantry and commended her for planning a cooking programme for female youths of the State towards perfecting their culinary skills as would-be Chefs, Restaurant operators, as well as future wives and mothers.
While wishing the new Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen a fruitful tenure of office, the Permanent Secretary pledged the Ministry’s continous support towards fostering collaboration that will complement the tourism drive of the State.
Speaking, the leader of the 2024/2025 Akwa Ibom Heritage Beauty Queens and Kings, the State Coordinator, PEG Africa, Eno Edward said, as a foremost tourism Pageantry group in the state, it was right to formally introduce the Beauty Queens and Kings to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry hence the courtesy call by the team.
She expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary and the entire management of the Ministry for the warm reception accorded them and requested for collaboration to enable the new Queen actualize her vision and goals.
On her part, the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen, Queen (Bar) Christiana Ukeme, reiterated her Commitment in partnering the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in driving tourism potentials of the State and by extension, Nigeria, at this time, when there is dire need for Economic diversification.
While presenting her programme for the Year, Queen Christiana Ukeme put up a proposal for a one-month free Culinary Training in Akwa Ibom to the Permanent Secretary and used the occasion to appreciate the state government for hosting a memorable Christmas Unplugged 2.0 which gave each local government area an opportunity to revive their unique Cultural heritage and showcase their Tourism potentials.
The event was attended by Directors in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and stakeholders of the Akwa Ibom Heritage Queen Pageantry.
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