The world is about to witness the biggest festival in Southern Nigeria as the Akwa Ibom State government announces its newest tourism project – IBOMfest Heritage Festival 2016.
The festival was officially unveiled at a press conference at the government house press centre in Uyo.
In address by one of Nollywood’s finest actress, Ms Ini Edo, the Special Assistant to Mr. Udom Emmanuel on Tourism, the festival is tied to the Governor’s vision to promote trade, commerce and tourism between Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, and in fact, the rest of the world.
“IBOMfest, will be a yearly event which will be held every December in the State with Uyo the state capital as the venue. This year, the festival shall be celebrated in December from the 15th – 17th with the theme ‘Our Cultures Beyond Boarders”.
It will showcase the rich culture and beauty of Akwa Ibom people, attract tourist traffic and tourism investors to the state and contribute to its revenue base”, she further added.
Other economic value of this event includes, promoting foreign direct investment vis-à-vis foreign exchange from visiting tourists, opportunity for establishment of trade relations with states and countries that will participate in the event, employment generation through involvement of men and women, youths, artistes, arts/crafts vendors, transporters, food vendors, hoteliers and others in all activities throughout its duration and finally opportunity for income generation for entire communities.
In addition, the event will help strengthen relationship between government, policy makers and private tourism operators within the state, the country and overseas towards further development of the abundant tourism potentials of the state and encouraging private sector initiatives in building of tourism infrastructure such as parks, tourists market / souvenir shops, sit outs, guided tours and others to compliment government’s effort.
This year’s festival will commence on the first day with a cultural float tagged ‘Parade of Colours’, through the streets of Uyo, the state capital, with representatives from the 31 local government areas, tourists and visiting cultural troupes participating.
The cultural float will stop at the Ibibio Unity Park, Sir Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, in time to witness the cutting of tape by His Excellency, Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, to officially declare this year’s event open.
In the evening, there will be a fashion parade in Ibeno beach, where international and local designers of cultural attires will compete among themselves.
An array of prizes will be awarded to designers and models.
In the morning of Day-2, the parade of colours and dances will continue within Ibibio Unity Park, where representatives from local government areas, tourists and visiting cultural troupes will compete for prizes.
This will be followed in the afternoon by the declaring open of food fair by the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.
There will be a cooking competition, eating and drinking competition, food exhibition, comedy, live band and other recreational activities.
At the evening of Day 2, there will be a gala night and exclusive dinner party for distinguished guests, government functionaries, event sponsors and tourism stakeholders.
On Day 3, there will be a colourful boat regatta at Ayadehe, Itu Local Government Area, involving all coastal communities in the state and visitors from other climes and tourists.
IBOMfest is targeted at opening up Akwa Ibom State’s huge investment potentials, its luxuriant culture and hospitality to tourism destination marketers, local and foreign investors, tourists, arts and crafts makers / traders, indigenes (including those in the Diaspora), tourism promoters, media, corporate organizations and all tourism stakeholders.
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