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Akwa Ibom to Host Inaugural Boat Regatta and Fishing Festival for World Tourism Day Celebration

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In a bid to boost tourism and highlight its rich cultural heritage, the Akwa Ibom State Government is set to host its first-ever **Boat Regatta and Fishing Festival** as part of the 2024 World Tourism Day (WTD) celebration.

Themed “Tourism and Peace,” this year’s WTD will emphasize tourism’s role as a sustainable driver for job creation, inclusion, and local economic growth.

Speaking to journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom’s capital, Mr. Charles Udoh, the state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, expressed excitement about the upcoming **Ibom Boat Regatta and Fishing Festival**, scheduled for September 27, 2024, at Marina Beach. He noted that the festival would showcase Akwa Ibom’s rich maritime heritage while promoting tourism, culture, and peace.

Udoh highlighted the event’s significance, stating that it will feature the unveiling of a fully restored slave boat, a symbol of the region’s history as a major slave trade route. This restoration, funded by the **Ibom National Association of Akwa Ibom USA Incorporated**, is part of ongoing efforts to preserve the state’s heritage. Additionally, a newly established **Slave Memorial Park**, initiated by a local philanthropist, will be officially commissioned during the festival.

“The **Ibom Boat Regatta** not only celebrates our rich history but aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s vision of using Akwa Ibom’s cultural assets to drive economic growth,” Udoh stated. “Through events like this, we are fostering unity and promoting peace, in line with this year’s World Tourism Day theme.”

Udoh also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring safety during the festival, noting that the state has partnered with the **Nigerian Navy** to deploy 14 gunboats for security in local waterways. Furthermore, a luxury ferry service will soon be introduced to enhance marine transport and attract more tourists to the area.

The festival promises to stimulate local economies in coastal communities with activities such as **cultural displays, tug-of-war contests, and fishing competitions**. These events are designed to attract both tourists and investors, promoting Akwa Ibom as a premier tourism destination.

In line with efforts to enhance the state’s tourism appeal, the government is also developing a world-class tourist center in an erosion-affected area. This facility will feature a **nine-hole golf course, artificial lake, luxury chalets, and multiple sports amenities** to provide visitors with an all-inclusive experience combining leisure, sports, and relaxation.

To further solidify Akwa Ibom’s position as a tourism hub, Udoh revealed plans to unveil the state’s official tourism website, **discoverakwaibom.com**, on World Tourism Day. This platform will provide valuable data for trend analysis and future tourism planning.

Udoh concluded by encouraging accredited tour operators and hotels to ensure visitor protection, noting the importance of maintaining high standards to prevent exploitation by scammers.

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Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

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PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

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Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

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