Akwa Ibom cultural heritage alive, ready for global stage, says Eno
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has said the state’s rich cultural heritage remains vibrant and is ready to compete on the global stage, as it hosted the 2026 World Heritage Day celebration in Uyo.
Eno, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, at the event held at the Tropicana Event Centre, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to position itself as a major player in the global tourism market.
“Our heritage is alive, felt, and experienced daily across the length and breadth of our nation and indeed internationally,” the governor said, noting that the state’s cultural identity is expressed through its music, folklore and cuisines such as afang soup, edikang ikong, afia efere and ekpang nkukwo.
He urged visitors and investors from across the world to “come, live, invest and thrive” in the state, adding that Akwa Ibom’s heritage continues to grow through the hospitality of its people and traditional practices, including cultural performances like abang, abre, ntok adio adio and ekpo masquerades.
The governor also highlighted the state’s annual cultural festival, where all 31 local government areas showcase their traditions through dance, food and exhibitions, revealing that over five million people attended the event last year.
He stressed that his administration is committed to developing tourism as a major driver of the state’s economy, citing investments in infrastructure such as road networks, Ibom Air, maritime development in Oron, ARISE Palm Resort, Ibom Hotels and the Ibom International Hospital.
Eno appreciated Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka for attending the event as special guest of honour and keynote speaker, and urged residents to preserve the state’s cultural heritage for future generations. In his keynote address, Soyinka called for an end to cultural alienation, encouraging people to embrace and freely express their traditions, which he described as central to human identity.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia, commended the governor’s support for the sector and described Akwa Ibom as a safe and tourism-friendly destination. The event featured cultural displays, drama and musical performances by students of the University of Uyo.
