From Emmanuel Iyoho
ABUJA
The president, Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja has given reasons for hosting Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta, saying the event will help in the preservation of Akwa Ibom cultural heritage, cultural identity and community engagement among the people of the state.
Mr. Aniefiok Ibah, a lawyer, stated this while delivering his welcome address during the association’s celebration of Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta 2024 in Abuja, recently.
Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta is an annualevent and international festival celebrated to promote the rich cultural heritage of the State and unite the indigenes as a people.
This year’s edition, theme, “Celebrating Our Agrarian Culture: A Catalyst for Economic and Social Advancement,” had significant relevance to the socio-cultural and economic growth of Akwa Ibom.
Ibah further identified economic diversification, job creation, food security, revenue generation and poverty reduction as reasons for staging the fiesta, saying by celebrating the agrarian culture, Akwa Ibom can unlock its potential for economic growth, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
“It is worthy to say that this year’s theme suitably aligns with one of the major components of theARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, which is agriculture.”
The Akwa Ibom Community boss, while welcoming guests to the event, noted that the fiesta being the third edition signalled the winding up of his tenure as president of the association as well the last of such event to be organised under his leadership.
He called on the incoming executive council to sustain the legacy of celebrating the cultural fiesta, saying, “I hold Akwa Ibom Cultural Fiesta so dearly in my heart and it has proved to be an effective platform for our unity, happiness and progress”.
Chairman on the occasion, Chief Benedict Ukpong, a former president of the community,while welcoming participants, described the event as fantastic and excellent, even as he further described the theme of this year’s Cultural Fiesta as appropriate.
“This theme is very appropriate in times like this when the government at the centre, government at sub-national level,especially the government of Pastor Umo Eno are emphasising on the need to have food sufficiency.
Ukpong, who is the federal commissioner, National Population Commission, representing Akwa Ibom State said, “having gone around the exhibition stands, you can see with me the rich food endowment of Akwa Ibom State.That is why I am very happy,” noting that the theme was apt as it highlights the need to work to produce enough to food in the state and even for export.
The keynote speaker and director of General Studies, Veritas University, Abuja, Dr. Godwin Udourioh, commended the timeliness of the Cultural Fiesta’s theme, saying that food sufficiency is a critical focus for governments at both national and sub-national levels.
He urged Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to join in contributing positively toward economic and social advancement considering the abundant agrarian and other natural resources in the State.
In his presentation, the keynote speaker called for unity and cooperation among the people of the state and urged them to support the current government’s efforts toward food sufficiency.
Udorioh further charged youths to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance rather than waiting for white-collar jobs.
Also speaking, the chairman, MbohoMkparawa Ibibio, FCT Chapter, Dr. Emem Kanico,while speaking with journalists, described the fiesta as massive, impressive and a great event, noting that it was impressive that Akwa Ibom people rolled out the drums to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, showing to the world that we are peace loving people.
“Akwa Ibom people are great people, Akwa Ibom people are here to show to the world that we are rich in culture, to show to the world, to appreciate our pride and the culture of the people,” Kanicosiad, while commending the leadership and the entire members of the community for staging a successful fiesta, urging the association to continue in showcasing our rich cultural heritage positively.
Others who spoke with journalists were Comrade Danielson Akpan, former Students Union President who represented the Minister of Interior,Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and former chairman of Akwa Ibom Community, Airport Branch, Mr. Moses Sunday Sambo.
While Danielson Akpan emphasised on the need for the people of the state, most especially, the youth to embrace agriculture in line with the ARISE Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno’s administration in the state as well as Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s federal government, Mr. Moses Sunday commended the community’s consistency in organising the third Edition of the fiesta having successfully hosted the first and second editions in 2019 and 2022, respectively.
The Fiesta featured several cultural displays, food exhibitions, cultural performances by the 10 Federal Constituency Associations of Akwa Ibom, with each showcasing their unique cultural heritage.
High point of the Fiesta was the Award presentation to distinguished sons, daughters, and friends of Akwa Ibom who have excelled in their various spheres of life.
One of the Awardees, who spoke with The Pioneer shortly after receiving his Award of Excellence is a member representing Abak/Etim Ekpe/Ika Federal Constituency, Mr. Clement Jimbo, who expressed appreciation to every member of the community for recognising his service with an Award, dedicated the Award to the people of his Constituency.
“It is simply an affirmation and acknowledgement on what I have been doing in the National Assembly and to my constituency and today I have been recognised with an Award from the same people I have been serving.
“Today, I dedicate the Award to the good people of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State,” Jimbo added.
The Fiesta also featured competition among the 10 Federal Constituencies of the state which spiced up the event, as participants vied for recognition in agricultural produce, cultural dance, parades, food exhibitions, and food tasting.
Eket Federal Constituency emerged as the overall winner, followed by Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in second place, with Etinan Federal Constituency taking third position, at the event that was graced by dignitaries from the National Assembly, Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,the political class and the clergy.
Others in attendance included members of the Diplomatic Corps, Captains of Industry, Akwa Ibom Communities from other States, Youth Corps Members of Akwa Ibom origin serving in the FCT and its environs, as well as youths and women, among others.
The Pioneer correspondent reports that the Cultural Fiesta, apart from celebrating the agrarian and cultural strengths of Akwa Ibom, also served as a platform to foster unity, inspire innovation, and advocate for sustainable economic growth in line with modern realities.
Akwa Ibom Community Abuja is a registered socio-cultural and non-profit organisation with the sole aim of advancing the cultural heritage of the state in the FCT and its environs as well as serves as a rallying point, being the umbrella body for the entire citizenry of Akwa Ibom State resident in the territory and beyond, considering the well-being of the people, among other responsibilities.
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